By Doug Potter
The purpose of college for High School teens post graduation is intended to prepare them for the grind and rigors of everyday life. Some are still searching for their niche, while others have a good idea what they want to do and college will help them get there. For a lot of NBA-bound basketball players all college does is serve as a nuisance and prolong their arrival to “The League.” For some, however, college is a stepping stone to become a member of the most important lottery in basketball; the “NBA Draft Lottery.” Former Syracuse Orange point guard, Jonny Flynn, is a prime example of why young athletes should go to college.
BACKGROUND: Flynn is used to being the “Big Man on Campus.” He was on Junior Varsity as a seventh grader, Varsity as a Freshman, and was the team’s starting point guard as a Sophomore. That year he led his team to a 28-1 record, a state championship, and a federation championship, and a number one ranking in a couple of polls by year’s end. That team had seven future D-1 players and was one that Flynn will never forget. “That was the best year of high school basketball in Niagara Falls history,” Flynn said. “Nobody can take that away and it was just so much fun.” With all those playmakers and offensive firepower, Flynn was more of a distributor and really improved his passing game. Syracuse teammate, Paul Harris, was the talk of the team and supposed to be the next “Phenom” to come out of Western New York. His set of skills and athleticism dominated the High School level like nobody had seen in quite some time. He decided to attend Syracuse University and play for coach Jim Boeheim. Jonny followed him there two years later after Harris spent a year in prep school to get his grades straight. They both enjoyed a good career at Syracuse, but Flynn did more with his opportunity to play for one of the greats at the college level in Coach Boeheim.
CURRENTLY: Jonny Flynn was ranked as the fourth best PG in his class coming into his college career, and the 23rd best overall player. Oh, how times change! Now, Mr. Flynn is projected to be drafted as high as fourth overall to the Sacramento Kings. Yeah, I would say he has improved his “stock” as we like to call it. They have made it very clear that their number one need is to get a tough point guard with some offensive talent and the ability to push the ball in transition. I know, that is the definition of Flynn. Tough? Check (Who can forget when he played 13245243 minutes in four games in the Big East Tournament this year?) Offensive firepower? Check (Is fourth on the all-time freshman scoring list at Syracuse with 548 points scored and averaged 17.1 PPG for the Orange last season). His athleticism and offensive repertoire is not going to be the problem at the next level. The problems will come at the other end of the floor in the trenches, where no, okay some, NBA players enjoy playing; Defense.
After a workout with the Kings last week, a scout asked Flynn how playing at Syracuse prepared him for the NBA and having to defend tough point guards night in and night out. “It doesn’t prepare you at all,” Flynn said with a laugh. “You sit in a zone all day.” This does not mean that laziness is encouraged by the Orange coaching staff, but a 2-3 zone, run by coach Boeheim, can be considered less strenuous than a Bob Huggins-run man-to-man defense. That, however, did not stop Flynn from earning the respect from his teammates. They know how quick and strong Jonny is on the defensive end. “I don’t really get it when people say Jonny can’t play D,” former Syracuse forward Paul Harris says. “He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s smart. In my opinion, he’s capable of guarding anybody. But people watch us play zone at Syracuse so much, they question our defense.”
PREDICTION: Jonny would be a great fit for the Kings at #4, but I believe he is not the fourth best player in this year’s draft. He will be drafted that high based solely on need. The Kings NEED a point guard (I know what you’re thinking, they need EVERYTHING, but bear with me) and Flynn would be a great start for a franchise looking to rebuild after being in the dumps the last few seasons.
I compare Flynn’s past two seasons to the one season spent at Syracuse by Carmelo Anthony. Anthony did win a National Championship, but coming into Syracuse, he was just a highly recruited swingman from Oak Hill who had offensive ability. That was Flynn, just a highly talented point guard with a lot of potential and offensive ability, but a lot of improvement to do. He has made those improvements (outside shot, free throws, turnovers) and on Thursday it will all come together for Jonny.
Good post, Doug. Flynn is pretty short … do you think that factor will get in the way of NBA stardom? I don’t know that he has the springs to compensate for that. Nor do I think he’s got the outside shot. I’m skeptical.
I (along with the rest of the living, breathing basketball world) gained much respect for Flynn last March. Thing is, many folks were not watching during Flynn’s meltdowns. His success in the NBA drastically depends upon where he lands. I pray he doesn’t get sent to the purgatory (Clippers are hell) known as Sacramento. He will spend the extent of his first contract mired in frustration.
On the other hand, if Flynn falls to Milwaukee at #10? Hmmmmm? That could be interesting with the new veterans the Bucks recently acquired. Flynn could benefit from playing with Bowen and Thomas. They could guide him.
It will be interesting to see how Flynn’s athleticism converts to the NBA. Yeah, he could blow by guys in college. He is going to see guys as gifted as himself EVERY night. And if they are not gifted, they will be crafty. Flynn may blow by Derek Fisher during a game in November. But come crunch time? It’s not happening. Speed kills – Flynn may find himself getting into spots because of his speed that he has no idea how to manipulate.
Flynn can bring a deft shooting touch to the table. That creates an added attraction. What if he was around at #14 and the Suns took him? I can see him on the floor at the same time with Nash. He can stick the three and open the floor. At the same time he can be groomed as a point guard. Nash is 35.
Of course, Flynn would work well in Don Nelson’s system – Warriors have the 7th pick.
Or the 76ers at 17. Flynn working with Miller, Iguodala, and Brand. Wow!
Great post, Doug! I was in the process of writing my own post on Flynn, but Casey told me you were. I have some stats left over I’d still like to share.
I think these pre-draft workouts are over-emphasized with NBA teams. If I need a PG, I’m watching game film and skipping the workouts. Flynn was often times erratic in his decision making. The game at Pitt was a perfect example. Levance Fields backed off of him all game. Flynn ceased from attacking the lane and settled for jumpers because he had space. He made only three field goals all game I believe and Pitt won easily.
For as quick and atheltic as he is, he usually can’t decide what he wants to do until it’s too late sometimes. I’d love to know how many of his assists came from kicking back out to Rautins and Devendorf. If Flynn got deep into the lane, it seemed like he was forcing up a shot. He shot 32% from 3 this year. A statistics company figured his finishing percentage around the rim to be 54%. That’s terrible, especially when you should be dishing down there a majority of the time anyway.
There’s no doubt Flynn will have a long NBA career because of everything Doug points out. He’s great in the open floor with the dribble, he’s as explosive a player as there is. But, I don’t see Flynn ever being the 1 on a championship caliber team or having such an impact that he has to be on the floor in all late game situations in a playoff series.
It’s almost like Flynn can’t stand not being the Alpha-guard at times. Unfortunately he’s only 6′, so he’s a PG whether he likes it or not.
I think we’ve pretty much nailed it with Flynn. He has all the upside in the world (as do many of the first rounders) but his decision-making and around the rim ballskills need work. However, don’t look past the fact that Flynn is probably the most mentally tough player in this draft. His mental makeup is very solid. The team that drafts him will get a hard-working, mature ball player who has a good head on his shoulders basketball wise, Off the court, nearly all of the incoming rookies will have decision-making issues, but when it comes to basketball, Flynn will continue to get better due to his great work rate.
Flynn goes to Minnesota along with Ricky Rubio. Wow. Two very different prospects at point. They said they will keep both players. Wonder how they will adjust because these guys can’t be on the floor at the same time all the time. Very interesting for the Wolves.
Saw what you were talking about, Doug, concerning the demeanor of Flynn. He just seems to love the game and appreciate everything he has.
Carolina guys taking a Dukie at 12 – I love it!!!!!
That’s it. I’m heading to Sacramento. Gonna get my vendor’s license and open a falafel stand.
🙂
You do that, Casey. I’m heading to Minnesota. Gonna submit my paperwork to be the new GM of the Timberwolves. Four PGs with four picks only to trade one and basically waste the other because Nick Calathes has already signed a contract with a Greek team? Yeah – I think I have a shot.
I don’t know what is more amusing. The fact that Minnesota stockpiled picks for what is supposed to be the weakest draft in 20 years (subject to discussion). Or what they did with those picks. Yikes!!!!And what did they get in return for Lawson? A gym bag and a bunch of balls? I hope they at least received some inflating needles.