Smith-Rivera played four years at Georgetown. Now he’s trying to earn a spot in the NBA.
Indianapolis product D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera signed a training camp deal with the Chicago Bulls this week, a league source informed VigilantSports.com.
Smith-Rivera, 23, was not drafted in June’s draft and he did not participate in Summer League play.
By joining the Bulls, Smith-Rivera has a chance to play back home in Indianapolis as a pro. The Pacers host the Bulls in their lone preseason game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, on Thursday, Oct. 6. The Pacers then play at the United Center in Chicago two days later.
[Pacers 2016-17 schedule released, host Mavs in season opener]
The 6-3, 215-pound guard spent his first three years of high school playing in the MIC Conference at North Central, and then he transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his senior season. Smith-Rivera then went on to play four years at Georgetown University.
He originally entered his name into the draft after his junior season, but he later decided it was in his best interest to return to school.
Over his senior season, Smith-Rivera averaged 16.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, and he was named Second-Team All-Big East for the second time (2014, 2016) . The Hoyas finished with their worst record in John Thompson III’s 12 years as head coach, going 15-18, and they failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Smith-Rivera’s younger brother, Mateo, is a senior point guard at North Central.
UPDATE: Sept. 18
Smith-Rivera posted the following image on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKgsmPLgDk-/
This is a good signing if he cant make the big team he will light up the D league for the Bulls D team.