Gaffney Invited to Lakers Training Camp

According to this mornings Boston Globe UMass forward Tony Gaffney has been invited to the Los Angeles Lakers training camp that is slated to begin in October. Gaffney showed his usual, high energy style of play (even playing through an injury) throughout his time in the Las Vegas summer league averaging 3.8 ppg.

Review on Gaffney by Slam Magazine

Slam Online writer Rodger Bohn comments on Day 7 of the NBA summer league play.

"The other bright spot for the Lakers in our eyes was the active Tony Gaffney. Playing power forward and center during his days at UMASS, you really didn’t have a chance to see what the guy could do on the court. Now in the pros, he’s slid over to the small forward slot and has shown some flashes in the triangle offense. His numbers certainly have not been great (averaging 3.8 ppg), but he’s been one of the most active players in the entire league. Gaffney will probably not make the world champs, but he’s a fun guy to watch with his above the rim, hustling style of play."

David Thorpe Tweeting From Summer League

Check out David Thorpe's comments on summer league play and Tony:

"Tony Gaffney with 2 big blocks early in the game. He's had a bruised tailbone that's limited him. But he has a chance to make a squad."

LA Summer League

From sports writer Greg Sullivan
Herald News Staff Reporter

"Tony Gaffney, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Summer League, last night saw his most extensive action. The former Somerset High star played 28 minutes in a 92-77 loss to Houston, scoring six points (3-for-7 from the field), grabbing five rebounds, dishing two assists and making one steal and blocking one shot.

His minutes have been up and down in the four L.A. games thus far in Las Vegas. He played 23 minutes in the opener and followed with five minutes and then nine minutes before getting busy again last night. The 6-foot-8 Gaffney is averaging 3.8 points per game."

Ron Chimelis Reports on Gaffney

One of the many sports writers who really gets what Tony Gaffney can bring to an NBA team is sports writer Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican. Mr. Chimelis has followed and reported on Tony throughout his college career. Take a look at his story on Tony.


Ron Chimelis can be reached at rchimelis@repub.com

Recent Press on the Gaffney brothers

Tony Gaffney is currently playing for the Lakers on their summer league team. Their is a nice piece on the Sports of Boston blog that you should check out. Also, check out this video of Tony's brother, Bud, who may follow in his brother's footsteps at UMass.

Gaffney Getting Ready for Lakers Summer League

See Steven Sanchez, article

GateHouse News Service

Gaffney in Related Draft Stories

Dime Magazine had a nice story on players that were overlooked in Thursday's draft - read some of the comments, Tony is mentioned. Still can't understand how Steve Kerr chose Griffin's younger brother with some of the talent on Dime's list of forgotten players.

Here are some additional stories on Tony from area papers like the Taunton Herald News, the Brockton Enterprise and the Springfield Republican following draft night.

Also, check out this site they actually picked a 2009 college All-Undrafted team.

Tony Gaffney is a Laker!!!!!!

Less than 24 hours after the NBA draft the word came via a text message from the Gaffney family that UMass power forward Tony Gaffney will be heading to LA on July 4th to join the Lakers. Gaffney will be playing with the Lakers as part of their summer league team and hopefully can turn some heads with his play. Congratulations to T Gaff and to his proud family!

The Journey Continues...

UMass forward Tony Gaffney's name was not called last night in the draft. He was expected to go somewhere between #40-60 of the 2nd round. Once I got over the shock of hearing Blake Griffin's brother's name called at #48 (ave. only 9 ppg and 5 reb) I definitely thought we would here Tony's name. I know that Tony already has had offers to play in Europe, so now we will wait to see what he decides. He and his family already know... that it's only a matter of time until his journey takes him to the NBA.

"Sweatin' for the Dream" Starts Tonight

Best of Luck to Tony tonight...
Here are some interesting comments from a blog called BostonHub.com - check out the comments he has about Tony. I also feel he could definitely play (and fit well) with the Celtics and eventually put up numbers like Leon Powe (a household favorite of ours). Also check out the Boston Herald site - has a nice piece of the MA products who have potential of going in the second round tonight.

MassLive.com Article by Ron Chimelis

Check out the great story and a nice photo of Tony Gaffney at a recent NBA workout in Charlotte. Sports writer Ron Chimelis article can be seen in the Springfield Republican.

Another story on Tony Gaffney just in from the Boston Herald's Dan Duggan.