Fresh off defying the odds in the NBA Finals – dropping the record-setting reigning Champs in seven games after trailing the series, 3-1 – the Cavaliers didn’t need a reminder about the size of the fight in the dog being greater than the size of the dog in the fight.
And one day after celebrating the franchise’s first title along the streets of Cleveland, the Wine and Gold began looking into the future, making a Draft night deal to acquire Kay Felder – who’s never let his lack of size get in the way and isn’t about to start now.
At 5-9, 176, Felder was the smallest player selected in this June’s Draft. He also entered the selection process with some of the country’s most impressive numbers – both this past season and over the course of his three-year career with Oakland U.
Felder was taken with the 54th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks before being sent to Cleveland in exchange for cash considerations. In his junior year, the Detroit native was the only player in the nation to rank in the Top 5 in both scoring (24.4 ppg, 4th) and assists (9.3, 1st) and became just the fifth D-I player in the last 20 years to average over 23 points and six assists in a single season.
Last year’s Horizon League Player of the Year played in over 100 games during his career in Oakland – averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.6 steals, setting the League’s all-time assists mark with 788 over that span.
In terms of playing with a chip on his shoulder, the compact playmaker saved some of his best performances for the biggest opponents under the brightest lights – dropping 37 points and nine assists against Michigan State in an overtime loss at The Palace and averaging 35.0 points and 7.0 assists on 48 percent shooting against Washington, Virginia and the Spartans last season.
In all three of those David v. Goliath matchups, Felder’s squad led at half. And in the December 19 upset over the Huskies in Washington, he led both squads with 38 points – netting 25 of those before intermission.
As the Cavaliers’ Summer League squad prepares for their annual journey to Las Vegas, the newest Cavalier took a moment to speak with Cavs.com on being selected by the World Champs, his big night at The Palace and fitting in with the Wine and Gold …
For all your great numbers at Oakland, you were especially good against big-time competition. Did those games put you on the map?
Kay Felder: I think that was one of the main reasons I got drafted and was so highly looked at. And mainly, I was at a small school, and I know you have to be great against those big schools if you want to get noticed. And for me, I’m 5-9, so I felt like I should be in attack mode at all times – especially against the big schools.
What was it like for a Detroit kid dropping 37 points on Michigan State at The Palace?
Felder: That was amazing. My friends were there, most of my family was there. It felt like the whole state of Michigan was there! (It was a) sold-out game at The Palace and I don’t think Oakland and Michigan State had done that before. It was definitely a highly-contested, tough game.
We had played a big game before that one – Washington in Washington – and we beat them, but it didn’t really get out there (to the media) like that game. But we played Michigan State and it did get out there, even though we lost. (laughs) I don’t get how that works.
What was Draft night like knowing, first, that you’d been selected and two, that you were joining the Cavaliers?
Felder: Like a dream come true! I was a LeBron fan growing up. He was my favorite player until Chris Paul got in the NBA. But I always watch the Cavs and watch Kyrie and what he does. It’s just amazing to be part of such a great organization.
Growing up in Pistons country, were there a few people not pleased that you were going to Cleveland?
Felder: (laughs) Yeah, a couple of my high school coaches were Pistons fans and they were like: ‘Dang! The Pistons didn’t get you!’
But it all worked out; they love Cleveland now.
Cavs acquire Felder from Hawks.
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As a three-year guy in college, do you see how you can fit in with a veteran club like the Cavs?
Felder: Yes, I do see where I can fit in – kind of behind Kyrie and Mo Williams – giving the team whatever it needs, whether it’s defensive stops or just pushing the tempo and make plays. Because that’s what I like to do – I like to make plays.
I like to get to the rim a lot, and in (Oakland head coach, Greg) Kampe’s system that’s what he wants his point guards to do – get to the rim, drive and kick.
The Cavs are a veteran team and I was able to grow through college. I didn’t just come (to school) and leave. So I definitely grew a lot, learned a lot about basketball.
How big of an accomplishment was it to lead the nation in assists, coming from a mid-major?
Felder: Well, a couple years before I came in, a guy named Jonathan Jones did it – at Oakland, same school. So I felt like, coming in, that I could do it too. I almost did it my sophomore year, but I finished second. But I came into my junior year saying I was going to lead the country in assists.
Do you play with the proverbial chip on your shoulder because of your height?
Felder: Definitely. I have to prove myself every time I step on the floor because I’m always judged because of my height.
It’s something I can’t change – it’s always going to be there and it’s always going to be the knock on me, but I just have to play my game and be myself at all times.
On a personal level, what do you like to do when you’re not hooping?
Felder: I’m a movie guy. I’m probably more of an action/comedy guy. You can catch me at the movies in my free time.
Brothers, sisters?
Felder: I have two brothers and two sisters. And both my brothers – one younger and one older – play ball.
And how do those games go?
Felder: (laughs) I beat them every time.
Have you heard from any of the current Cavaliers since Draft night?
Felder: Nope, not yet. They’re still busy celebrating right now!