New York City, New York (WSYR-TV) - Former Syracuse star Jonny Flynn’s decision to enter the NBA draft after playing two seasons for the Syracuse Orange is paying off; the point guard was selected sixth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He was the fourth consecutive guard chosen, behind high-scoring James Harden of Arizona State, the third pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder; Tyreke Evans, who went fourth to the Memphis Grizzlies; and 18-year-old Ricky Rubio of Spain, the fifth pick by the Timberwolves.
"They're getting a player that's going to come in every day, bring a high level of energy, work hard, a guy that's going to go out there and have an overflowing passion for the game," Flynn said after he was picked.
NewsChannel 9 Sports Reporter Ashley Adamson is in New York City and got to interview Flynn's shortly after the NBA Draft. Click on the video link to the right to watch. Flynn’s the first player to be picked in the Top 15 since Carmelo Anthony was drafted in 2003, ESPN reported.
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, perhaps trying to spur Flynn to greater heights, offered this assessment of his star guard after serving a stint as an assistant on the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Beijing last summer.
"When I got back from coaching (New Orleans guard) Chris Paul, I'm going like, 'You're not that good,"' said Boeheim, who, nevertheless, encouraged Flynn to explore his pro chances after the season. "I don't think college kids realize how tough the NBA is."
Flynn got at least a small taste. From Toronto to California to New York, he spent the past month auditioning for nine teams. Flynn, who has a vertical leap of over 40 inches, thought he fit right at the top of the point guard list because of his athleticism, knack of getting in the lane and making plays - and he was right.
The 6-foot Flynn's stock soared after his performance in the Big East tournament. He led the Orange's epic six-overtime victory over Connecticut in the quarterfinals and received plenty of national exposure with every dribble.
Because that game didn't end until 1:22 a.m. in the East, millions of fans around the country, especially in the Pacific time zone, got a firsthand glimpse of his indefatigable tenacity. Flynn played 67 of a possible 70 minutes and finished with 34 points, 11 assists and six steals. He also played all 45 minutes in an overtime win over West Virginia the next night.
"I think that propelled me onto the national stage," said Flynn, who, despite Syracuse's loss to Louisville in the Big East title game, was named tournament MVP, only the fourth time in 30 years that a player from the losing team received the award. "A lot of people on the East Coast knew primarily who Jonny Flynn was (already)."
Flynn isn’t the only Syracuse Orange player that could get drafted tonight. Paul Harris might be selected in the second round.
The NBA Draft is being televised on ESPN.
