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At six-feet tall, Jonny Flynn does not immediately grab your attention from a physical standpoint. Soon as Flynn speaks, he's got you.
The former Syracuse point guard will electrify the Target Center crowd on a nightly basis next season. His speed, court awareness, ball-handling and passing skills are the perfect mix for a floor leader.
There is more to Mr. Flynn.
The magnetic personality of Flynn was on full display during his June 19 workout for the Wolves against several high-profile point guard prospects. As one of the smallest players on the floor, Flynn's swagger was dripping off him like beads of sweat.
“Being a smaller guy, you have to be athletic, which I am. You have to be quick, which I think I am," Flynn boasted. "You just have to be a guy out there with a chip on your shoulder. I think ever since I was younger, people always questioned my height. But I think I went out on the basketball court and showed people that all that matters is the size of your heart, not the size of you.”
Distinct qualities separate elite point guards from the rest of the pack. Those qualities do not necessarily show up in the final box score. Each player on the floor has to look into the eyes of the signal caller with an unwavering sense of confidence.
Last season at Syracuse, Flynn was the glue that held together a cast of emotional players including Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf. While averaging 17.4 points and 6.7 assists in his sophomore season, Flynn launched his draft status with a legendary performance against Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. In a six overtime thriller, Flynn scored 34 points and dished out 11 assists in a game-high 67 minutes. College basketball fans will never forget the remarkable performance with Flynn leading his team to a 127-117 victory. Nobody questioned Flynn’s heart after the game…it was left on the Madison Square Garden floor.
“I think that game really propelled me into the national stage,” Flynn said. “The length of the game, how long it was, you had people on the West Coast that could come home from work and watch it. You had everybody could watch that game. I think that game really showed GMs and things like that my passion to win the game, my fight and my hunger to go out there and compete. Without that game, I kind of question whether I would have made this decision to come to the NBA Draft. That game really helped me out a lot.”
NBA teams started to take notice of his game, more importantly the electricity he brings to the next level. While size is a constant debate among the talking heads in the sport, history will provide examples of extremely successful small point guards.
Isiah Thomas, Chris Paul, and even Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks proved that quickness is an extremely valuable tool in a game full of giants. Brooks, the 26th overall pick in 2007, took over the starting job when Houston decided to deal Rafer Alston to Orlando. Remarkably, the six-foot Brooks carved through the Lakers defense in the Conference Semifinals and scored 18 points a contest in the seven-game battle. Brooks is not quite in the upper echelon of point guards in the league but he may have validated the impact of speed versus size.
“I think not being able to use your body, not being able to be as physical on the perimeter definitely helps the little guy like me slither my way into the lane," Flynn said.
A lighting quick point guard with wicked handles can change the pace of the game by placing opposing defenders back on their heels. The Wolves will benefit from this type of skill set from Flynn and his ability to initiate the offense. Most players at his position dream of a frontcourt with a future All-Star 24-year old in the paint.
“We have the right pieces here in Minnesota. We have two pieces down low in Kevin Love and Al Jefferson that’s going to make me and Wayne [Ellington] look really well,” Flynn said. “It’s good to come in and learn on the fly and learn how to go through adversity the right way. It’s just great to have the opportunity to come and play at all.”
"You're going to see a lot of flair, a lot of finesse out there in Minnesota,” Flynn confidently stated. “A lot of Minnesota fans can get ready to see a great show."
Listen to Flynn speak. Hear the confidence. Watch his game, it speaks volumes.
For more news and notes on the team follow the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jonah on Twitter.
The former Syracuse point guard will electrify the Target Center crowd on a nightly basis next season. His speed, court awareness, ball-handling and passing skills are the perfect mix for a floor leader.
There is more to Mr. Flynn.
The magnetic personality of Flynn was on full display during his June 19 workout for the Wolves against several high-profile point guard prospects. As one of the smallest players on the floor, Flynn's swagger was dripping off him like beads of sweat.
“Being a smaller guy, you have to be athletic, which I am. You have to be quick, which I think I am," Flynn boasted. "You just have to be a guy out there with a chip on your shoulder. I think ever since I was younger, people always questioned my height. But I think I went out on the basketball court and showed people that all that matters is the size of your heart, not the size of you.”
Distinct qualities separate elite point guards from the rest of the pack. Those qualities do not necessarily show up in the final box score. Each player on the floor has to look into the eyes of the signal caller with an unwavering sense of confidence.
Last season at Syracuse, Flynn was the glue that held together a cast of emotional players including Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf. While averaging 17.4 points and 6.7 assists in his sophomore season, Flynn launched his draft status with a legendary performance against Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. In a six overtime thriller, Flynn scored 34 points and dished out 11 assists in a game-high 67 minutes. College basketball fans will never forget the remarkable performance with Flynn leading his team to a 127-117 victory. Nobody questioned Flynn’s heart after the game…it was left on the Madison Square Garden floor.
“I think that game really propelled me into the national stage,” Flynn said. “The length of the game, how long it was, you had people on the West Coast that could come home from work and watch it. You had everybody could watch that game. I think that game really showed GMs and things like that my passion to win the game, my fight and my hunger to go out there and compete. Without that game, I kind of question whether I would have made this decision to come to the NBA Draft. That game really helped me out a lot.”
NBA teams started to take notice of his game, more importantly the electricity he brings to the next level. While size is a constant debate among the talking heads in the sport, history will provide examples of extremely successful small point guards.
Isiah Thomas, Chris Paul, and even Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks proved that quickness is an extremely valuable tool in a game full of giants. Brooks, the 26th overall pick in 2007, took over the starting job when Houston decided to deal Rafer Alston to Orlando. Remarkably, the six-foot Brooks carved through the Lakers defense in the Conference Semifinals and scored 18 points a contest in the seven-game battle. Brooks is not quite in the upper echelon of point guards in the league but he may have validated the impact of speed versus size.
“I think not being able to use your body, not being able to be as physical on the perimeter definitely helps the little guy like me slither my way into the lane," Flynn said. A lighting quick point guard with wicked handles can change the pace of the game by placing opposing defenders back on their heels. The Wolves will benefit from this type of skill set from Flynn and his ability to initiate the offense. Most players at his position dream of a frontcourt with a future All-Star 24-year old in the paint.
“We have the right pieces here in Minnesota. We have two pieces down low in Kevin Love and Al Jefferson that’s going to make me and Wayne [Ellington] look really well,” Flynn said. “It’s good to come in and learn on the fly and learn how to go through adversity the right way. It’s just great to have the opportunity to come and play at all.”
"You're going to see a lot of flair, a lot of finesse out there in Minnesota,” Flynn confidently stated. “A lot of Minnesota fans can get ready to see a great show."
Listen to Flynn speak. Hear the confidence. Watch his game, it speaks volumes.
For more news and notes on the team follow the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jonah on Twitter.
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