Deseret News | NBA Draft: In-state players' names not called

Reader comments
NBA Draft: In-state players' names not called

AZ Dave | 2:33 a.m. June 26, 2009

This is a suprise? Let me guess...BCS, no.........East Coast press, no........1984 football, no........or maybe they weren't that good as they thought

the whole state of utah | 6:53 a.m. June 26, 2009

is white man can't jump and has no game at all ..at all and i watch the high school venue ..what a farce.

True Red | 7:29 a.m. June 26, 2009

Luke will land somewhere!

Screeeeeching Sarah can now rest her lungs!

And Tavern-nar-eeeee can now write his speech for the opening BB practice....can't wait to hear what he has to say....will it be as good as his comments on him turning pro?!

Comments continue below

Griff | 7:32 a.m. June 26, 2009

No mention of Geoff Payne... It's obvious that he'll take his game overseas. He wasn't expected to be drafted. But he had a workout with the Jazz prior to Toolson, and Cummard never stepped foot in the Zion's Bank Basketball Center. Honestly, he's probably the best talent many people in the state didn't see.

liberal world | 7:43 a.m. June 26, 2009

You know maybe we can get them a participation award so they can go home thinking hey I was in the draft. Welcome to the real world fellas. I feel your pain guys I didn't get drafted either. Every year my dream of playing in the NBA fades a little more. Good luck I hope you can make it against the odds.

Stan Wilson Pratt | 7:54 a.m. June 26, 2009

Cummard hustles, but like Neville, rumors are he wasn't tough and strong mentally. Luke, I won't even go there. But Cummard, you'd expect more from him. Although I wasn't surprised about this because he did quit and return home from his mission early.

Anonymous | 7:56 a.m. June 26, 2009

No surprise. To actually make it in the NBA, players have to really make an impact. None of these players did. Decent players, but not at the same level as those selected. And this was considered a thin draft.

Big suprise | 7:57 a.m. June 26, 2009

This was a big suprise, I can't believe that slow, slower and slowest didn't get drafted. If you can't lead your team to at least one win in the NCAA tournament your not going to be drafted. At least Gary showed the most heart of the three, Nevile the least his entire 4 years.

Luke | 8:03 a.m. June 26, 2009

Neville was a crybaby and caused dissent in the locker room. He isn't the kind of player that any NBA team wants. You'd think with his frame and his stats that he would be able to play, but he doesn't hustle, he complains and he is weak. Enough said. I am friends with some of the players on the U and they all say that. It's apparent on the court too. Thanks for representing LUKE!!! My heavens, he's big and tall and can rebound, but it's a SHAME that was too weak to get drafted. The U community is disappointed in him. WE don't blame the draft people.

No Surprise Here | 8:16 a.m. June 26, 2009

No locals were drafted as expected and for good reason. There are not any pro ballers normally here on a year to year basis. If by chance(very slim) any of them do have what it takes they will get invites and have opportunity in the various summer leagues. I doubt any will cut it.

BlueBoy | 8:27 a.m. June 26, 2009

No surprise here. These local guys might eventually make an NBA team if they can prove themselves in summer leagues and NBA camps. More likely overseas, though.

Cummard | 8:45 a.m. June 26, 2009

I'm shocked that no one drafted Cummard. I mean, with ears that big, how could anyone possibly beat him to the bastket? I think he can fly with those things too. Poor guy.

local lover | 8:48 a.m. June 26, 2009

Why not put some local talent on the court to fill the seats? If you're going to have players that "won't play" why not have local players that the local fans saw for four years?

Point in fact, are you kidding me that Brevin Knight was better than Price? Price is beloved by the locals and should be beloved by Jerry.

Why not work Luke's butt off and put 30 pounds on him? Then put him in the game four times for five minutes each to give Memo a rest? Luke can block a few shots, pass the ball, and maybe dunk a few times. Whats wrong with that? The current draft choice won't see the floor.

As for Cummard, he can at least play some defense. Doesn't the Jazz need that? He has good character. Can't Jerry mold him?

Just can't believe they wouldn't give them a chance since they've seen them for four years versus one or two times for the others that won't play.

Anonymous | 9:23 a.m. June 26, 2009

The local talent is below average dude. 2 MWC players of the year, and the WAC player of the year didn't hear their names called. This should come to no surprise. The leagues our local teams play in are like the players, below average.

Maybe the Jazz should offer a contract to Travis Hansen. Then the BYU fans would buy season tickets right?

Amazing | 9:26 a.m. June 26, 2009

Utes are talking smack when their star player didn't get drafted either. True Red even seems to find a way to comment on Tavernari who wasn't even in the draft. I guess Nevill might have a shot at making a roster somewhere, but it seems Cummard and Nevill are predictably Euro-Bound. Even if either of them had been drafted they wouldn't have earned a spot on an NBA roster. At least now they get to pick which summer league roster they'll play on before using those passports. Anyone surprised by this outcome doesn't understand NBA talent very well.

Anonymous | 9:38 a.m. June 26, 2009

No MWC player was drafted.

8:45 and 8:48 | 9:44 a.m. June 26, 2009

8:45 - Why don't you post your photo here so we can all make fun of your looks? Most people stop making fun of how others looks after 2nd grade. Grow up!

8:48 - It's all about winning. Local guys who can't play don't help with winning. Most fans would rather see a team win than watch them loose with local players.

Life is tough. I hope these Utah guys all have good careers in Europe, make some money and come home after their careers to make in impact on local sports.

Cummard's Problem | 9:47 a.m. June 26, 2009

NBA teams take special note when MWC players play against top talent. And for some reason, Cummard almost ALWAYS did poorly against the top non-conference teams, in the tourney, and at the post season camps. I'm sure he did well at times in some of those situations but it really seemed to be a trend to see him fade in big situations. And that is what the NBA people look at to see whether or not these kids are just products of a mid-level conference or if they really are NBA ready. I think Toolson may actually have the best pro career because he is such a good shooter and shooters are needed overseas where things are not built only around athleticism like in the NBA. I think Cummards slight frame had to also raise red flags. He seemed to wear down a bit in the MWC - how would he do against such big, strong players in the NBA?

But the bottom line is that these are all good kids and I have enjoyed watching them play locally. I wish them well in whatever they eventually do. Thanks guys!!!

Miles | 9:58 a.m. June 26, 2009

They can always coach High School basketball.

RE: Luke | 10:05 a.m. June 26, 2009

What gives you the right to include me, as in, "The U community is disappointed in him "? I am a Utah alumnus and a strong supporter of The Utes athletic department. Luke played 4 years for us. That alone deserves some respect. You have a lot of nerve including me in your comments and observations.
Speak for yourself and let the Ute supporters do the same.

Not surprising | 10:36 a.m. June 26, 2009

Having seen these guys on TV games (I live in Texas) - they don't get the game-in/game-out intensity experience. MWC basketball is enjoyable, but it's not at the same level as some of the eastern schools - I see both a fair amount.

Relatively few players from the (old wac)/MWC make it big because they don't generally get the benefit of top-flight competition often enough to raise their game to the pro level.

Nothing against any of them individually - more a statement of the ranking of the league against others.

RE: Amazing | 10:39 a.m. June 26, 2009

Silly little yewties talking smack searly....hum....what are they say now that their BIG gun wasn't drafted??????????????????

To S Gavenman | 10:49 a.m. June 26, 2009

I'm glad that you have the clairvoyance to know everything going on with Cummard and to judge him on past decisions. I don't know you but at the very least your comment is a folly.

Persistence Is Everything | 12:08 p.m. June 26, 2009

To all the local Utah players who didn't get selected:

KEEP SWINGING!!!!!!!!!!!

Sure it would have been easier to get drafted, but if you still want to play in the NBA, DREAM IT and WORK AT IT!

A LOT!

Fortune favors the persistent and the prepared.

Good luck.

Dan M.

David | 12:30 p.m. June 26, 2009

Longly
Bogut
Nevill

Australians with no impact.

Anonymous | 1:15 p.m. June 26, 2009

Who runs this website? My comments never get published (see Re:Gaverman two hours ago) and then you delete the comment he made as well. You're a joke

Anonymous | 3:40 p.m. June 26, 2009

The Jazz could really use another terrible defender like Luke Nevill (he made me so mad against Arizona in the tournament). Toolson is a stud shooter. Cummard, at least hustles. And all this is coming from a Utah fan missing the days of Andre Miller and Keith Van Horn.

Good luck | 3:41 p.m. June 26, 2009

MWC players from a casual fan. I enjoyed watching you play and hope for the best. Mean spirited and personal insults on this blog are pretty low class. As a U grad I hope they don't represent Utah's state university.

Probably... | 7:37 p.m. June 26, 2009

Saw the highlights when Cummard block Nevill shot, and the rest is history for the big man.

no talent | 10:21 p.m. June 26, 2009

Not surprised. This state does not produce alot of nba talent.

Since the season ended | 11:18 p.m. June 26, 2009

" but since the college season ended Cummard has put on 15 pounds through a professionally monitored nutrition program."

Copy that statement so you can post it in every draft related article in basketball or football.

The question is why are these guys able to "put on 15 pounds" after the season ended. I don't think they are just replacing weight lost during the season. I think either,
a) They weren't working their hardest in college
b) They colleges aren't prepping them right.

Either way, they are "cramming" for the draft, and then seem surprised when GM's see through that.

Work hard NOW, boys, and you will be better in college, and better paid afterwards.

Cummard shoots well | 1:01 a.m. June 27, 2009

he will do very well in Europe and may be in the NBA in a couple of years. He may catch on in Summer league. But a couple of years in Europe will answer any doubts about his game or endurance.

Neville got babied by MWC | 2:02 a.m. June 27, 2009

The refs in the MWC made Nevill look 20 times better than he ever was. He got away with so many fouls and if anybody even touched him he got the call. Guess if it was there plan to get another #1 pick like Bogut out of him, it sure didn't work. Nevill is soft and anybody can see it.

Cummard has enough talent but the other commenter who talked about his propensity to disappear in big games hit it right on the head. If your and NBA GM you aren't looking for guys who disappeared in the biggest games of their college careers even if they are team players and hard workers. Hopefully he can get a chance somewhere because I really do believe he is good enough for the NBA. Plays good defense and can catch and shoot, just needs to gain weight and get his head on straight.

I have to agree with since the season ended as well. These guys had 4 years to improve and work on the things NBA scouts want to see. Why is that they are always trying to fix things right before the draft???

just like johnson | 2:25 a.m. June 27, 2009

luke has no future in bball

Searching for that NBA dream! | 9:21 a.m. June 27, 2009

Maybe these high school basketball coaches should start encouraging their players to play other sports because obviously specializing in basketball isn't producing NBA results. I want to know who was the last high school product from Utah to play in the NBA? Who was the last Utah high school product to have a lengthy career in the NBA? It's also time for the high school players in our state to wise up, play other sports and be multi-sport athletes.

Idahoan | 11:26 a.m. June 27, 2009

Hey everybody, the NBA isn't life. So what if few players end up in the NBA. High school isn't for preparing for the NBA. It's for learning, you know, academics. It isn't just about sports. Neither should college be just about sports. The players are called "student-athletes." Notice how student is first?!

The article mentioned Cummard gaining weight with a "professionally monitored nutrition program." Maybe Cummard couldn't do such a program in college because of professionals being involved, ie he or his agent is paying someone for it. Maybe he couldn't do it because of having to devote time to academics and athletics, unlike just focusing on athletics now.

The point is, quit harping on the guy for everything. One person slammed him for not serving a full mission. Get over yourselves. No one is claiming Wilkinson is bad because of mistakes he made. These guys aren't perfect. I'm not, you're not either. Let it go.

Utah Underdogs Unbelievable | 11:53 p.m. June 27, 2009

Its not too often when we don't have at least one player from the state who gets drafted. I'll bet Cummard, Wilkinson, and Nevill are humbled and will have a chance to prove they were underestimated. All 3 of them are as good as the majority of the 2nd round picks and I'm sure all 3 of them will play in summer league for NBA teams. We need them to make a statement for the schools in our area.

I was laughing when | 8:39 p.m. June 29, 2009

The Daily Herald posted some articles about how Luke and Lee were expected to be drafted in the second round...by their AGENTS! They are good basketball players, that's something you can't deny. However, to make the NBA you have to be either exceptional or a crowd pleaser and neither are at that point. Who cares if you don't make it in the NBA? You can make almost just as much money in Europe as an average player. Of course you won't make Kobe Bryant and LeBron James bucks out there, but it's still playing basketball.

Cummard & Neville | 2:46 p.m. June 30, 2009

If we combined both of their bench presses, they may bench 260 pounds. Both are weak physically. Both will play oversees. If Cummard can put on 45 pounds of muscle, he may get a chance some day for an NBA team. The problem is that he would have to guard guys like Kobe and Dwayne Wade. Oh no! Neville is simply too slow and methodical. No shame in playing 40 games per year and earning $400k (tax free) annually with free housing, food and transportation. Put me in Athens. I'd even sit as the 12th player.

Re: Cummard & Neville | 4:43 a.m. July 6, 2009

First Cummard will never play in the NBA, he is too slow and can't shoot as good as Hornacek.
Neville is a 5 year project so take your chance .. I'm betting he'll never play.

Cummard | 7:01 p.m. July 7, 2009

I am just another slow dude who can't keep up.

Utah | 1:14 p.m. July 16, 2009

I love you Nevill, but I'm sure your regretting playing like such a wimp, except for last year. Good thing you stayed in school to get your degree:)

Go Utes!!!

to 8:45 am comment | 3:42 p.m. July 27, 2009

Okay seriously who makes a comment like that.. I feel sorry for someone who is that shallow, lonely and insecure-Poor guy nothing better to do than make a pathetic comment like that! I'm sure Cummard will be just fine either in the NBA or making a few hundred grand in Europe!

Cummard | 1:53 a.m. July 31, 2009

Cummard will not survive in Europe...there is no strict BYU code in Europe and therefore he cannot function as a human being across the pond..and people like to live life in Europe which no one from BYU has been able to do since the 1700's

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.