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Big East schools get nine players drafted
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Jonny Flynn will be leading teammates in what should be a
very long and succesful NBA career, starting in Minnesota
In a successful night for the Big East, nine players from the conference were selected in the 2009 NBA Draft. Just three years ago, 11 players from the Big East were selected, but this year marks the second highest total since the draft moved to two rounds.
Connecticut, Louisville and Pittsburgh all had two players drafted, while Villanova, Syracuse and Georgetown each had one player selected.
Today, we’re going to have some fun and rank each Big East player who was drafted on their projected effectiveness in the NBA. So, this list is not based on college performance, but how I think these players will do in the pros with their new respective teams. Here we go:
1. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota (#6 pick) – A standout for two seasons at Syracuse, Flynn has all the tools to be a tremendous pro. Strong, athletic and explosive off the dribble, the 6-0, 185-pound point guard has a great feel for the game and is a born leader. Greatness is not out of the question. The only concerning things about Flynn are his lack of a great outside shot (just 32 percent last season) and the fact that Minnesota drafted another point guard ahead of him, in Ricky Rubio. But Flynn will likely stay there and should be a dynamic NBA player.
2. Terrence Williams, New Jersey (#11 pick) – The Nets got an extremely versatile player in Williams, who can play three positions effectively on both ends of the court. A great athlete, Williams showed his all-around ability during his senior year at Louisville, averaging 12.5 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists per game to go along with 39 percent 3-point shooting. Basically, there’s nothing Williams can’t do, and that includes defense, as he might be the best perimeter defender in the draft. He should be starting in New Jersey sooner rather than later.
3. Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis (#2 pick) – Thabeet is a wild card, as no one really knows if he will ever be able to score at this level. But we do know one thing – the guy is huge, athletic and is an unbelievable shot blocker. At UConn, the 7-3 Thabeet made it nearly impossible for guards to drive into the lane, and he will help Memphis out infinitely on the defensive end. But if he doesn’t develop into a double-digit scorer at some point, people will be questioning this pick.
4. Sam Young, Memphis (#36) – How Sam Young fell this far is beyond me. Young averaged 19 points and 6 rebounds per game during his senior season at Pittsburgh and tormented defenders with his pump fake. More than that, though, the 6-6 Young can play two positions and is as tough as they come. He will play right away for a bad Memphis team, and that will help him develop. There is no way 35 players in this draft were better than Young.
5. DeJaun Blair, San Antonio (#37) – Just like his frontcourt mate at Pittsburgh, I couldn’t believe Blair fell to the second round. For my money, he easily could have gone in the lottery. Blair ate up rebounds in college and will continue to do so in the pros. And of course, the ever-so-smart Spurs pick him up as he falls into their laps. The 6-7 Blair is a tad undersized, but makes up for it with his incredible strength and tenacity. Don’t be surprised if he’s starting for the championship contending Spurs at some point this season.
6. Earl Clark, Phoenix (#14) – I know Clark was picked ahead of some of these guys, but he is still an enigma to me. The 6-9 forward is versatile and athletic, but is very inconsistent and disappeared at times during his three seasons at Louisville. When at his best, the Rahway, N.J. product can really do it all, but I don’t trust guys who don’t have high motors all the time. This could be a steal for the Suns at #14, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if he was a big bust. I can’t really say that about any of the people ahead of him on this list.
7. DaJuan Summers, Detroit (#35) – Summers provides the Pistons with real nice value at #35, as he brings athleticism and versatility to the table. The 6-9 forward can also extended the defense with his shot, shooting 39 percent from 3-point range last season at Georgetown. Detroit needs more athletes, and Summers could definitely help here.
8. Dante Cunningham, Portland (#33) – Cunningham had a very underrated four years at Villanova, and improved his game each season. But at 6-8, 230 pounds, he might be a little undersized to play power forward in the NBA. However, Cunningham has a nice touch and could be a valuable player off the bench for the Blazers.
9. A.J. Price, Indiana (#52) – Last but not least, Price rounds out this year’s Big East draft class. Price might be able to crack the team as a backup point guard, but that’s the best case scenario for the UConn standout. What he lacks in athleticism and explosiveness, Price makes up with great poise and ability to get his shot off. After suffering setback after setback in college, it’s great to see Price get drafted, even this low.
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