Indy native D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera was signed by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers’ Development League affiliate. The move came on Tuesday as they acquired him via the available player pool.
Most recently, Smith-Rivera was waived by the Windy City Bulls on December 5th. Appearing in six games, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
Smith-Rivera turned 24 last week.
He attended North Central High School, winning a state title in his sophomore season, and then he transferred to a prep school — Oak Hill Academy — for his final year. He went on to play at Georgetown University, graduating in the spring.
Smith-Rivera has spent time home in Indianapolis, attending No. 1 North Central’s win over No. 2 Carmel on Dec. 16.
The undrafted free agent signed a training camp deal with the Chicago Bulls, joined them in camp, and then played in two preseason games, including one against his hometown team – the Indiana Pacers.
Smith-Rivera becomes the fifth player on the roster with ties to the state. The roster already consists of Indiana grads Christian Watford and Nick Zeisloft, Jordan Lloyd, a former standout at the University of Indianapolis, and E. Victor Nickerson of Valparaiso.
Smith-Rivera plans to wear No. 9.