Vipers Notebook: Antonio Anderson getting back in the flow

Vipers Notebook: Antonio Anderson getting back in the flow

March 24, 2010 8:04 PM
David Hinojosa
The Monitor

PHARR — With Mike Harris and Jermaine Taylor now in Houston, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers will be looking for more production from versatile 6-6 guard Antonio Anderson beginning Friday when Los Angeles comes to town.

Anderson was re-acquired by the Vipers last week after spending two 10-day stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anderson played in just one game (and 15 minutes) with the Thunder. Anderson, a rookie from Memphis, had played in all 32 Vipers’ games before his NBA call-up. The inactivity with the Thunder affected him during his return. He combined for 14 points and 10 assists in 58 minutes in back-to-back games at Reno last weekend.

“I had to get back into the flow of the game,” said Anderson, who averages 15.0 points and 5.9 assists. “I was a little bit out of shape. This week of practice has been a big help.”

Vipers coach Chris Finch expects to get plenty out of him during the stretch run. The team, which has six games remaining in the regular season, is trying to lock down the NBA D-League’s Western Conference title.

“He’s rusty, but with the departure of Mike, it’s going to help Antonio,” Finch said. “He’s a natural leader of this team. Once he assumes that, everything is going to start falling into place for him.”

Anderson gives the Vipers a proven scorer and is one of two players currently on the roster who have had an NBA call-up this season. Veteran point guard Will Conroy, who has been called up twice by Houston, welcomes Anderson’s return.

“Antonio is a ball-mover,” Conroy said. “He helps me when I’m not able to bring the ball up. He’s going to get six or seven assists. He’s one of those guys who can do it all on the floor. His athleticism is key for us at the wing spot. He can guard just about any wing in the league, and he can score when we need him to score.”