There is a little less than a month left in Jonny Flynn's hurried odyssey to the NBA, days filled with hours of grueling sessions with Michael Jordan's personal trainer and tryouts in one city after another.
The pace of the final push probably won't wear on the 20-year-old former Niagara Falls High School and Syracuse University point guard. Remember, Flynn is so full of basketball energy he once played 67 minutes in a six-overtime marathon.
But the effort, Flynn said, is more than worth it, for there is much within his reach. Flynn's skills are rated so highly that he is expected to be among the first 14 players picked in the NBA draft June 25, and he may well become the highest-drafted Syracuse player since Carmelo Anthony went third overall in 2003.
Time constraints may prevent Flynn from playing the drums in his parents' church as often as in the past, but with the riches that will come, he will be able to help with renovations.
"Any team I play for I'll be grateful for the opportunity to come in and help them win a championship," Flynn said. "That's what it's all about. This is a dream come true."
Where Flynn will land is anyone's guess, and last week's draft lottery did little to clear up the picture. Oklahoma's Blake Griffin will likely be selected No. 1 by the Los Angeles Clippers but after that it's a crapshoot. Teams considering Flynn include the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns.
Positives:
•Excellent athlete with explosive leaping ability
•Super-quick, excellent penetrator
•Almost impossible to stay in front of him
•Pushes the ball
•Good shooter with floaters and mid-range shots
•Great leader on the floor
•Strong, physical player
Negatives:
•Undersized
•Needs to add strength
•Lacks a consistent 3-point shot
•Poor shot selection at times
•Can try to do too much
Imagine a backcourt with Flynn and Ellis.. 2 guys that can penatrate and 2 guys that bring more athleticism and gamble to this boring Raptors team.
