Class Is In Sessions
Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Ramon Sessions Press Conference
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Early Lessons
Ramon Sessions traveled west to suit up for the University of Nevada to begin his journey to the NBA. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native provided an instant impact for the Wolf Pack by averaging nine points and 5.2 assists in his freshman season. Sessions showed the necessity of a quality point guard in college basketball as Nevada finished with a stellar 25-7 record in the 2004-05 season. The Wolf Pack shocked Texas 61-57 in the first round in a game where Sessions battled future NBA guard Daniel Gibson and finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and dished out four assists. Nevada eventually lost in the next round to the NCAA championship runner-up, Illinois.
Early in his college career Sessions' demonstrated leadership skills and an innate ability to distribute the basketball. The lessons learned in year one for Sessions continued throughout his career at Nevada. During Sessions senior season, the 6-4 guard increased his scoring average to 12.3 points per game and 4.7 assists. Sessions decided to take the leap to the NBA after his junior season, leaving his stamp on the Nevada program in those three seasons. While perusing the Wolf Pack media guide, Sessions is highlighted in the history section, ranking second in career assists at Nevada. NBA scouts began to take notice of the upside to his game, which led to a shot in the league in 2007. Graduation
The fluid ball-handling skills of a potential impact point guard were attractive to NBA teams watching his performances at the pre-draft camp in Orlando. However, Sessions felt a bit slighted after the Bucks used the 56th overall pick in the 2007 draft.
Sessions would be tested during his rookie campaign and was the first NBA player sent to the NBA Development League. The point guard did not shy away from the challenge by posting tremendous numbers in three games for the Tulsa 66ers. Sessions averaged 29.6 points, 12.3 assists, and 8.0 rebounds to earn a call up from the Bucks in January 2008. An injury sidelined Sessions until March and the rookie would have to wait for the next season to breakout on the NBA scene.
"I played two seasons but one of those seasons was basically in the D-League and it was a great experience for me going down to Tulsa and getting those minutes, playing in the NBA type of system, playing against guys who have been in the NBA and trying to get to the NBA. Without the D-League, I don't think I would be in this situation today," Sessions said in his introductory press conference at the Target Center on Tuesday afternoon.
In 2007-08, Sessions only played 17 games for the Bucks but in 2008-09, he appeared in 79 games while starting in 39. Sessions quickly became the best-kept secret last year and elevated his status as one of the best pure point guards in the league. The Sessions' detractors pointed to his lack of scoring in college as a negative aspect to his game. In a matchup against the defensive-minded Pistons in early February last season, Sessions sparkled with 20 of his 44 points in overtime on 13-of-18 shooting from the floor and 18-for-21 at the charity stripe. While filling in for the injured Luke Ridnour, Sessions was also a supreme playmaker against Detroit by dishing out 12 assists.
Following the game, NBA champion Richard Hamilton was impressed with the performance from Sessions, "He was awesome. 44 points by a point guard against us is crazy."
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Master's Degree
Before receiving an offer sheet from the Wolves, Sessions was a coveted player in free agency this offseason. The Knicks and Clippers were two teams contemplating signing the second-year point guard. Minnesota was pleased to sign Sessions to a four-year deal and solidify its backcourt with Jonny Flynn, Wayne Ellington, Chucky Atkins, and Antonio Daniels.
"Just being in NBA, I followed it a lot. When the [Ricky] Rubio thing went down and I found out he was not coming over, me and my agent talked about it. Less than five hours later, they [Wolves] were calling. So, like I said it all worked out and the best situation is me being here and I'm happy to be here," Sessions said.
Sessions has already displayed attributes that should excite the Wolves' fan base. He is an unselfish player with a knack for placing the ball in the perfect position for his teammates. Expect Sessions to work well off pick-and-rolls while making intelligent decisions in an up-tempo pace or half court set. Defensively, Sessions is a physical guard on the perimeter and averaged a steal per game in two seasons.
"We're thrilled to welcome Ramon to the Timberwolves," president of basketball operations David Kahn said. "Ramon has already demonstrated the ability to play significant minutes at the NBA level, yet is only 23. We believe, like our team, his best days are ahead of him."
In 2009-10, Sessions will find a proven 20/10 low-post threat in the lane. Al Jefferson and Sessions could pair up to destroy opposing defenses for many seasons to come. Sessions' potential is sky high as he continues to grow at the young age of 23. With the season opener just around the corner and training camp beginning at the end of the month, class is in Sessions.
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