
GateHouse News Service
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.
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!
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.
Tony Gaffney is still being brought in for workouts with NBA teams. He is flying to Miami today for a Wed. workout (his 5th NBA workout) with the Miami Heat. The clock continues to count down for the big night on Thursday in New York. What NBA team wouldn't like a player who has a heart like Tony, not to mention a 7'2" wingspan, averaged a double-double and is the first college player in more than a decade to to block more than 100 shots and have 50 steals in a season?
Basketball analyst Chad Ford of ESPN has Tony Gaffney being chosen as the 57th pick in the second round by the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
Here is a quote from Larry Brown, regarding Tony's recent (June 18th) workout with the Bobcats:
I saw this great comment on a blog today about some of the college players around the country who - like Tony Gaffney - are working out for various NBA teams. The article talked about these players "sweatin' for the dream..." I thought that was pretty cool.
Tony Gaffney's fourth NBA workout is scheduled for Thursday June 18th with Michael Jordan's Charlotte Bobcats, according to family member Bud. Received a message from Tony to tell everyone to keep their fingers crossed for the big night...only ten days away...that goes without saying!
UMass teammates Tony Gaffney and Chris Lowe worked out for the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. This was Gaffney's third workout and Lowe's first. See UMass website for full story and to watch: Kings Pre-Draft Workout Video