Vipers acquire Johnson in three-way deal

HIDALGO - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers acquired rugged 6-foot-8, 230 pound power forward/center Ivan Johnson from Anaheim on Tuesday.

Johnson, rookie out of Cal St.-San Bernardino, joins RGV via a three-way trade that has the Vipers sending guards Adam Haluska, who they signed from the NBA Development League player pool, and Mike Efevberha to Iowa. Iowa in turn ships Efevberha and forward/center Mario Boggan to Anaheim.

When the dust settled, the Vipers (15-25) came away with a much-need power player in Johnson who is averaging 13.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

"He brings toughness and rebounding," Vipers coach Bob Hoffman said. "We neeed another body who can bang and get after it. He has a physical presence and will be a tremendous asset to the team."