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BYU basketball: Cummard's decision to return to Y. wasn't just about hoops
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Kimberly | 1:04 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
I went to high school with lee, and watched him the state championship our
senior year! Way to go Lee!
Ken, Las Vegas, NV | 4:50 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
He probably was too scared to tell his wife he wanted to go to the NBA.
She's just crazy enough to clothesline him if he tried...
He won't be a high pick anyways. He might make it in Europe at best.
GO REBELS!!!
He won't be a high pick anyways. He might make it in Europe at best.
GO REBELS!!!
Sam | 5:28 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Cummard will be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft
Comments continue below
Best in State | 7:55 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
He's the best in this state, bar none.
Keith Suds | 8:27 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Lee will play in the NBA for a number of years! BYU could win a game in the
dance this year, if they will dive on the floor for loose balls.
Great guy, great player | 8:39 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
I'm also really glad we have Cummard. He's definitely one of the best
players in conference if not THE best. Now if Chris Miles can step it up at
center and Lamont Morgan can shine at point it should be a really good year.
Nice to see that Miles can do those quick turn-around bank shots from close
range and Morgan is a speedster. Fredette is doing great and Abouo looks
promising. GO COUGARS!!!!
BlueBoy | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Mini-AK47 is definitely a pro prospect because of his team-oriented attitude,
overall play (many different stats), and his ability to shoot consistently (yes,
AK shoots consistently). That's why I call him a mini-AK47--similar kind of
stat-filling--just not as tall.
Cummard may not be a perennial starter in the NBA, but he can be a 6th man award candidate some years. I can see him giving tall 2Gs trouble because he can defend them.
If I were a team owner, I'd pick him at least by the second round. Kind of a Millsap/Brewer pick.
It's nice to see a talented player enjoy his college career instead of jumping to the money early. He'll likely get more of an NBA chance after this year, anyway.
Cummard may not be a perennial starter in the NBA, but he can be a 6th man award candidate some years. I can see him giving tall 2Gs trouble because he can defend them.
If I were a team owner, I'd pick him at least by the second round. Kind of a Millsap/Brewer pick.
It's nice to see a talented player enjoy his college career instead of jumping to the money early. He'll likely get more of an NBA chance after this year, anyway.
Anonymous | 9:22 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Rebels once again define the term LOSER.
Huh? | 9:31 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Why is so surprising that family and personal life are valid factors in career
decisions? Perhaps he thought that no success can compensate for failure in the
home. He's not only a great athlete, but a great role model.
The Real Scoop | 9:45 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
While Rayburn hits around the fringes, here's the real story. Lee
Wasn't given a lot of positive feedback on his NBA chances. He was told if
he could stick with an NBA team, it would probably be developmental league the
first year or two. With a couple years max in the league before Europe came
calling with a bigger paycheck. Lee's headed for a Travis Hansen like
career. Very profitable and probably fairly long, just not in the NBA. With
that path pretty clear to him, he figured he needed his degree, and the quality
coaching Rose could provide. So here he is, one more year as a coug and the
leagues' courts as his playground.
chip | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
When you watch Lee play it is always surprising how many points he has at the
end of the game. I think it is because he hits such a high percentage. It
doesn't seem like he is shooting, unlike others on the team that seem to be
shooting all the time to get there stats.
Reason and Logic | 10:26 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Lee Cummard is overrated. Mark my words...no way he lasts an entire season on a
team in the NBA. And get that AK 47 comparison out. That is an embarrassing
comparison for the Jazz and Andrei
sob | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
he's still looking for archie
Utah Haters | 10:54 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
There are some people that are fans of utah basketball that clearly are mad lee
is as good as he is. He is a superstar and the best player in the mtn west by
far.
Recognize a great player | 11:03 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Lee's numbers are intimidating to two of those commenting. Why feel
threatened by whether or not a player makes it to the nba. Cummard is a
standout!
It Doesn't Matter | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
The MWC is irrelevant. I do like the way Cummard plays, but the proof of the
pudding is how he plays vs the NCAA contending teams. Long Beach State, Weber
State, Utah State and all the Hail Mary Tech teams on the BYU schedule
don't matter. None of the MWC teams will have any chance whatsoever come
tournament time....trust me.
I wish Lee Cummard all the best. By the way, where is Plaisted these days?
I wish Lee Cummard all the best. By the way, where is Plaisted these days?
Zeke | 11:08 a.m. Dec. 6, 2008
I think Cummard made a good decision to come back another year. Plaistead didn`t
even make the NBA draft last year and I doubt if Cummard would have either. NBA
Lottery pick? I think BYU fans are dreaming. I think USU will give the Cougars
their first loss to day.
plaisted | 12:45 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Plaisted was drafted last year, early second round by boston, then traded to
Detroit. I haven't heard since if he's even still there though... he
needed one more year at school for sure. We could really use him, let Miles
focus on teh defensive side of the ball...
J-Mo | 2:39 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Cumhard isn't half the player Jaycee is!!!!!
USU wins easily today and Cumhard MIGHT be lucky to play in Europe.
Aggies!!
USU wins easily today and Cumhard MIGHT be lucky to play in Europe.
Aggies!!
Silver Maned Cougar | 2:57 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
His senior year in high school I went down to observe a team practice. Several
things struck me. He was skinny as a rail and needed to add some solid muscle.
That has come as his body has matured. Even though he was one of the tallest on
his team, he clearly loved those outside shots. And despite shooting from the
outside frequently, that didn't stop him from picking up way more than his
share of the rebounds. He was a hustler on the court. I came home from that
trip excited to watch what he would do as a Cougar. He hasn't
disappointed. He doesn't prance and preen like a lot of the high skilled
players do; he just quietly performs. I think it's going to be a great
year for Lee and his team.
Jeff | 3:04 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Gez, some of you nasty comment folks really need to grow up and get real. I
think Lee is very mush like Travis Hansen. I look and the career that Travis has
had and it is a wonderful life. Basketball is nice but life is really about
helping others. Travis has done more good in Russia than all of those gangsters
from the NBA have done combined. I exagerate a little. Remember, those of you
who have very little perspective in life, It is what you do for others that make
you great. I personally hope Lee has a career very much like Travis has had.
Instead of being a wandering gangster he will spend his life very focused and
helping others using his tools. Money is really nothing, it is just a tool.
Jeff
Jeff
Tru Blu | 3:42 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
USU is a very fine basketball team and so is BYU. Personally, I think Cummard
is a better player than Jaycee and we will see tonight. As to Cummard and the
NBA, his skill level is definitely there but other fantastic players with his
build have not been able to take the "non-contact" sport of basketball
in the NBA. I wish him the very best and was so happy to see him stay with BYU
for another year. J-Mo, please do not be to sure of yourself about
tonight's game. BYU is young, overall, but very talented. I do think that
we miss Plaisted but Miles is coming along nicely.
Playing in Europe Sucks | 4:32 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
What ever happened to the BYU center from last year? Trent Plaicard? I remember
that he left BYU early in order to live his dream in the NBA. Which team is he
playing for? I can't find his name on any roster. Oh well!
Cummard is much more talented than Plaicard but unless he beefs up, he better start practicing his Latin languages. He's no Reggie Miller.
Cummard is much more talented than Plaicard but unless he beefs up, he better start practicing his Latin languages. He's no Reggie Miller.
realistic BYU fan | 7:27 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Lee is a stud (In the MWC), but there is no way that he will be a lottery pick.
I doubt that he would be a first rounder. He wont have a long NBA career. Fans
of other schools, please don't think that all BYU fans are as clueless as
those who have posted their comments above. And clueless BYU fans, open your
eyes and stop making dumb comments.
Well, that's that | 7:54 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Guess BYU doesn't even need Cummard to beat the Aggies. Nice try, though.
See you at the Marriott!
NBA Not | 7:59 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Post Aggie Ballgame:
Thats your lottery pick? Wow! You guys do look through coke bottle glasses. Jimmer, by far is your best player.
Thats your lottery pick? Wow! You guys do look through coke bottle glasses. Jimmer, by far is your best player.
Hey NBA Not | 8:36 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
The only coke bottle glases I saw were on Napolean Morrill.
Tru Blu | 8:35 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
Well, J-Mo, I guess you will have to eat your pregame words. Even with Cummard
having his worst game ever, BYU put the Aggies away. If Cummard had been on, it
would have been a blowout. By the way, if you recorded the game, go back and
see how USU camped in the key all night long. There must have been 10 times
that they were there 4 or 5 seconds and nary a call. Perhaps, that is why they
were getting a lot of those rebounds and it definitely added to their point
totals. Where were the refs looking when this was happening? I would like to
see the refs read this but, perhaps, they cannot see well enough to do so.
COKE bottle glasses!!! | 8:37 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
you mean Stu's?
MJB | 8:37 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
RE: Reason and Logic. You're title, though it may sound sturdy and
educated, anyone who uses 'mark my words' in a comment isn't
taken seriously. This is an opinion blog, leave prophesying to the
soothesayers.
re: mjb | 9:43 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
who cares, rules like that are for english classes and annoying sticklers. as
for the article, i have seen him play twice this year once at holt arena and
again tonight, he is a cry baby, who cries the whole game. he shouldnt be an all
american by charector on the court alone. let alone an nba player. have fun in
the developemental league and tryouts for the next couple of years. you aint
goin anywhere.
MJB | 10:38 p.m. Dec. 6, 2008
I agree he's not going to be a big success in the NBA, I was only
expressing a personal pet peave of a overused phrase. I had a really good
friend who beat Cummard one on one on his mission before he came home. I agree
that Cummard isn't NBA material, but he is having a great year. 13-16 and
36 points! and 12-13 for 30? Those are great numbers and he is a hustler.
Kobe Bryant is also a crybaby, but he makes more money than the average American
does in a year playing in one game. Being a crybaby doesn't mean Cummard
doesn't have a chance at the next level.
Re: above | 1:50 a.m. Dec. 7, 2008
Thats the best you got in defense of your lottery pick. Stew's glasses? LOL
Lottery Pick | 1:56 a.m. Dec. 7, 2008
If you want to see a real lottery pick, watch Davidson's Curry. He poured
out 44 leading his small school team over NC State, Not to mention 44 against
#12 Oklahoma in a close loss. Cummard is no where near lottery pick calibre.
Hey Re: above at 1:50 am | 8:13 a.m. Dec. 7, 2008
Did you read the comment at 7:59 PM? I did not bring up the Coke bottle glasses.
I just responded. Get a clue...
btw- Is it Stu or Stew? Might want to mix in a salad.
btw- Is it Stu or Stew? Might want to mix in a salad.
PDX Coug | 12:00 a.m. Dec. 8, 2008
If a company you hoped to work for some day offered you a chance to come out for
a visit and they would pick up the entire bill, would you go?
Lee never seriously considered leaving BYU. Last summer, the NCAA changed the rules that NBA teams could pay the expenses of prospective draftees to travel to workouts without it making the player ineligible to return to the NCAA. Why wouldn't you? Lee looked at this as chance to get his name out there, meet some NBA teams, make some conections and return to BYU with a better idea of his chances in 2009. Smart move.
Lee never seriously considered leaving BYU. Last summer, the NCAA changed the rules that NBA teams could pay the expenses of prospective draftees to travel to workouts without it making the player ineligible to return to the NCAA. Why wouldn't you? Lee looked at this as chance to get his name out there, meet some NBA teams, make some conections and return to BYU with a better idea of his chances in 2009. Smart move.
Arizona Joe | 11:54 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008
Lee could make a living shooting 3's in the NBA. But his lack of strength
and NBA quickness will make him a defensive liability. Cummard could compensate
by working diligently on his conditioning.
I saw Lee play many times in high school. He's has talent, but needs more. In addition to tending to his studies and family, this last summer he should have stayed in the Valley of the Sun and employed one of Phoenix's world class training centers and added 20 lbs of muscle mass. (Many pro athletes do.)
Otherwise, his mother, teacher Cheryl is going to have to get him some Italian lessons.
I saw Lee play many times in high school. He's has talent, but needs more. In addition to tending to his studies and family, this last summer he should have stayed in the Valley of the Sun and employed one of Phoenix's world class training centers and added 20 lbs of muscle mass. (Many pro athletes do.)
Otherwise, his mother, teacher Cheryl is going to have to get him some Italian lessons.
jack pina | 6:52 p.m. Dec. 15, 2008
LEE is a John Havlicek type of player. He will be a very good NBA player.There
are many NBA players tha have police records and are there only because of
politics and afirmitive action. NBA scouts and general managers look for
flash,agresiveness and slam dunk ability rather tha all-around talent and
coachability.A good example is "Artest".Tthe should look at persons
like,DR.J,Stockton,Hill,Ainge,Battier,and like players who display integrity and
class.not street gang mentality
Islands | 12:02 p.m. July 8, 2009
Lol I remember Lee from Elementary School. He went to Islands El. with me
because his mom was a 6th grade teacher at the school. I played with him and
against him at recess even though he was a grade below me. I don't remember
him being that good back then but he looked tall and lanky then too. You've
come a long way Lee, good luck!
good decision | 12:14 p.m. July 8, 2009
Lee made the right decision especially since no NBA team would give him a look.
Lee is a European prospect (at best).
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BYU senior small forward Lee Cummard is averaging 21 points per game and is shooting 68 percent from the floor in leading the Cougars to a 7-0 start.
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