Keep smiling, Wes!
"With the 4th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select Wesley Johnson from Syracuse University!"
So says NBA Commish David Stern. Or at least that's what ESPN would have us believe. For now, I'll go with it, until I see evidence to the contrary.
Big props to Wes. To be the fourth pick in any draft, let alone one with just two rounds, in a sport with relatively small rosters, this is a big deal. And it couldn't have gone to a better person.
When Wes Johnson announced he would forgo his final year of eligibility at Syracuse to enter the draft, none of us were surprised. Sure, there was that little, selfish part of all Orange fans that wanted him to stay, but none of us could blame him for leaving. In fact, if he asked us what we thought he should do, honestly, I think the vast majority of the sane part of Syracuse fans would have told him to go.
And so, becoming the fourth pick in the draft vindicates that decision. As if it needed vindication. So anyway, Wes joins, for now, Jonny Flynn. There are lots of trade rumors out there, as there usually are on draft night. Let's hope they don't pan out. Though Flynn and Johnson never played on the floor together at Syracuse during gameplay, they most certainly practiced together. I'm sure they have some great chemistry. How could they not, with those infectious personalities and heartwarming smiles.
Speaking of smiles, I got to thinking of great SU smiles of the past 10 years. My top 3, in no particular order, are: Carmelo Anthony, Jonny Flynn, and Wes Johnson. No coincidence that they are three of the most loved Syracuse players in the past 10 years, and the three highest draft picks.
Beyond smiles and gameplay, Wes is a great person. A stand-up gentleman. We came to love him before we saw him play, with his personality shining through on his internet show with Scoop Jardine. He wowed us on the Court. He didn't get in trouble. He was an unselfish teammate. He always said the right things.
How could we not love you, Wes?
Congratulations, and best of luck in the NBA. You keep it classy, Wes!
Update: Andy Rautins (son of Leo Rautins) was drafted in the 2nd round, 38th overall, to the New York Knicks! We thought there was a chance he'd get picked in the 2nd, but I never imagined that early in the 2nd. Huge congratulations to Andy and the entire basketball-rich Rautins family! AO, maybe next year.
So says NBA Commish David Stern. Or at least that's what ESPN would have us believe. For now, I'll go with it, until I see evidence to the contrary.
Big props to Wes. To be the fourth pick in any draft, let alone one with just two rounds, in a sport with relatively small rosters, this is a big deal. And it couldn't have gone to a better person.
When Wes Johnson announced he would forgo his final year of eligibility at Syracuse to enter the draft, none of us were surprised. Sure, there was that little, selfish part of all Orange fans that wanted him to stay, but none of us could blame him for leaving. In fact, if he asked us what we thought he should do, honestly, I think the vast majority of the sane part of Syracuse fans would have told him to go.
And so, becoming the fourth pick in the draft vindicates that decision. As if it needed vindication. So anyway, Wes joins, for now, Jonny Flynn. There are lots of trade rumors out there, as there usually are on draft night. Let's hope they don't pan out. Though Flynn and Johnson never played on the floor together at Syracuse during gameplay, they most certainly practiced together. I'm sure they have some great chemistry. How could they not, with those infectious personalities and heartwarming smiles.
Speaking of smiles, I got to thinking of great SU smiles of the past 10 years. My top 3, in no particular order, are: Carmelo Anthony, Jonny Flynn, and Wes Johnson. No coincidence that they are three of the most loved Syracuse players in the past 10 years, and the three highest draft picks.
Beyond smiles and gameplay, Wes is a great person. A stand-up gentleman. We came to love him before we saw him play, with his personality shining through on his internet show with Scoop Jardine. He wowed us on the Court. He didn't get in trouble. He was an unselfish teammate. He always said the right things.
How could we not love you, Wes?
Congratulations, and best of luck in the NBA. You keep it classy, Wes!
Update: Andy Rautins (son of Leo Rautins) was drafted in the 2nd round, 38th overall, to the New York Knicks! We thought there was a chance he'd get picked in the 2nd, but I never imagined that early in the 2nd. Huge congratulations to Andy and the entire basketball-rich Rautins family! AO, maybe next year.
Labels: Andy Rautins, NBA Draft, Syracuse Basketball, Wes Johnson
We're back to close out the year.Memorial Day was this past Monday, which means Summer is now here. The NCAA Lacrosse Champion for 2010 was crowned (I guess congratulations to Duke), and now we begin three months of no college sports. But we're not heading off on vacation before closing out the year with the latest episode of The Orange::44 Podcast. In this episode Orange::44 Correspondent John Brennan and I discuss the latest in the Delone Carter criminal case, we wrap up the lacrosse season, discuss the heartbreaking Army game, the NCAA Lax Tourney, have a debate on if there should be a shot clock in the game, and waaaay too early predictions for both football and basketball. You can stream the episode below, or click here to download the episode or the first episode.
Additionally I was on Matt Mc's Sports Fix on Tuesday to wrap up the NCAA Tournament and the Duke/ND Championship game. You can click here to download the show or hear it. I'm on at 1:12:30 if you want to jump ahead.
Also I visited our North Carolina friend AEM's Podcast to discuss the lacrosse tournament also. You can click here to visit the episode's page. I'm at minute 36:30.
Thanks for reading this past season. There were a lot of highs and lows. Have a great summer. If you still want some fix, you can always catch John (@JBren) and myself (@BH_Orange44) on Twitter. We'll talk to you soon.
Labels: Audio Euphoria, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, NCAA Tournament