Hamilton Holiday Kids Parade
Truancy Court in Butler County
2009 Ohio State football
Home > Blogs > Flyer Connection: University of Dayton sports > Archives > 2009 > February > 06 > Entry
Wright needs more seasoning before pursuing NBA
You hear a lot of national anthems in this profession (not going anywhere with that, just felt like sharing), and you work with a lot of athletes of all stripes. Some seem like such loose cannons that you’re never surprised when they end up on the wrong side of the law — like Maurice Clarett — or Tasered by the cops — like Alex Boone.
Some, though, are such good-hearted kids you hope your grand-daughters can one day find someone of their ilk — like Chris Wright.
I bring up the Dayton sophomore forward because I hope he makes a clear-headed basketball decision after the season and avoids a premature reach for NBA riches.
Wright is an impressive physical specimen and a rare athlete. And if he matches those gifts with the work ethic of Rudy (the former Notre Dame football walk-on, not the UD mascot), I believe he’ll hone his skills enough to make it at the next level. But he’s a good two years away from that.
The Trotwood native said he hasn’t talked to any NBA scouts — which would be permissible, as long as the athlete doesn’t sign a contract or accept any cash or gifts — and UD coach Brian Gregory said he’d help the player and his family work through the process after the season if they choose to go that route. Let’s hope saner heads prevail, though.
Wright has good support around him with his close relationship with his uncle, J.D. Grigsby, and I’m sure the former Flyer star who teaches in the Dayton City school system and also works as a pastor will offer sound advice.
To his credit, Wright said he hadn’t thought that far ahead — and he seemed convincing.
“I’m just worried about the team,” he said. “The team is most important, us having success this season. When that time comes, when we come to that bridge, we’ll cross it, but I’m just thinking about getting better and helping the team get better.”
I talked this week to an NBA scout, who has seen Wright play twice this season. He said Wright would play the 3 spot in the pros and asked if I thought he could defend NBA wings. My answer? Not at this point. But Wright is getting a chance to learn how to guard 3’s at UD, which is another point for staying in school.
But I agree with Gregory, that it’s not a matter of IF Wright will play in the NBA, but WHEN. Let’s just hope the kid isn’t in too much of a hurry to get there.
I did like how Wright put an end to that nonsense about him transferring to a BCS school. That theme seems to pop up on Dayton Daily News comment posts from paranoid fans, and it’s always seemed preposterous to me.
Wright thought through all of what he might be passing up when he made the decision to stay home for college.
“I always dreamed about my mom getting to see me play,” he said earlier this week. “We have a real, real strong relationship. And we’re 20-2. You can’t complain about that. I lot of people would like to be 20-2.”
He praised the UD coaching staff profusely for helping him develop — Gregory, Billy Schmidt, Jon Borovich and Cornell Mann — and didn’t sound then like a kid eyeing a more visible platform for his skills.
“If it weren’t for BG, Billy, JB, Corn, Dayton and this program, I wouldn’t even get to be talking about (the NBA),” he said. “They’re the ones pushing me hard every day. I’m really enjoying it here. Last year with my injury, I got a little depressed, but I kept my faith in God.
“As far as me transferring and all that stuff, it’s not true. … I’m happy playing with Dayton across my chest.”
Permalink | Comments (21) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Dontonio
February 6, 2009 7:38 AM | Link to this
Most players tell their coach after the season that they are transferring. If CW was planning to transfer after the season, why the f**k would he tell Doug Harris now?By AK
February 6, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this
Doug, I’m not sure if you know this, but the flyers are in the middle of the home stretch of their season and an NCAA tournament push. Yet, you continue to write ridiculous articles. Despite what you say, not many people, including Brian Gregory and Chris Wright, were talking about Wright transferring or Wright going to the NBA until you brought it up. Are you just trying to stir up trouble????By Faithfulflyer65
February 6, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this
I agree with the article. Chris Wright appears to be a level headed guy and it appears that he has strong support from his mother and uncle. He has the natural God given ability to play in the NBA someday, and he will, but this is not the time. He is good around the basket, can rebound, block shots, and is a decent foul shooter, but anyone who watches him play will say that he needs to develop an outside shot and work on his defense (especially on how to defend without fouling). There are many ex-NBA jumpers that no one remembers today who made the move too early, picked up a few bucks, and were never heard from again. From all I’ve read about Chris, it appears that he has the kind of up bringing and support to make good decisions and enjoy his youth and college days before he decides to play for dough. I wish him well.By Obama
February 6, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this
Chris is already the leading scorer and rebounder. He has accomplished everything he can. This is just another example of the white man (Doug Harris) trying to hold the black man down.By sec 312
February 6, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this
What do they say on ESPN pre game show…”Come on man”! CW is no where even near NBA, I have watched every game he has played, either computor or live, or TV. He turns the ball over too much, is not that good (yet) in the open court, outside shot needs improvement, and he needs to finish around the basket. Hey all these things will come but he is young. One maybe two articles on this is pushing it, I agree. To be honest with you Marcus Johnson is the stud, he is way closer to the NBA than CW right now. In fact I think he wll play in the league…….GO Flyers!By sec 312
February 6, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this
Obama, if you were trying to be funny it was a very poor attempt. If you were serious, you really have a mental defect and quite full of S*By Bhoops
February 6, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
He has the work ethic and attitude. Doesn’t matter what school he attends. If he works on his handles, pull up jumpers, and pace, the door to the NBA will open. Right now, he is a special player at UD. His NBA dreams won’t happen over night. It will take a daily regimen for the next two years, and maybe a couple years in the NBDL. As good as Wright potential is, it is clear he is a better person who has faith in GOD…By C-Bus Flyer
February 6, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this
Obama, you said: “He has accomplished everything he can.” What an idiotic statement. Chris is a great kid and fantastic player, but he has yet to play in a winning effort against Xavier, has yet to win the regular season A-10 championship or conference tourney, and has yet to show NBA scouts and the country his skills on the biggest stage of all, the NCAA tourney. I’m sure you’re embarrassed.By Hank
February 6, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this
He’s not going anywhere. Any scout will tell him that although he has the skills, he is so unrefined that he would have to go to the D-league first or ride the pine all season in the NBA. CW is too smart to do that. People need to stop talking about it as its a non-issue. At the end of his junior year, we may have something to talk about, but not now.By Pete
February 6, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this
Doug. Stop. You are really pushing it. Two articles on this crap? UD is in the stretch run of the NCAA Tournament. Your entire job should focus on articles pertaining to the subject. This is the first time in 5 years UD will dance and you are ignoring it. You really are starting to become a hack. It almost seems like you are purposely ignoring UD. Do you want them to win? Your articles seem like you want them to lose! When the DDN folds you will be a big reason. How you have a job is beyond me. It puts journalists (like myself) who write for small markets to shame. Let’s Go!By Jim@SportzInc
February 6, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
Chris Wright will make his announcement after UD loses in the NCAA tournament, according to sources. Until the I think UD fans should appreciate Chris Wright and his talent before he decides to go to the NBA or transfer. He is a unique talent that UD rarely sees and he is leading them to an NCAA birth. UD rarely makes the NCAA, so enjoy the run. Most of the scouts I talked to say Chris Wright is not ready for the NBA but would benefit from transferring to a school that played better competition, like the Big 10, ACC or even the SEC. Good luck Flyer Fans and enjoy Mr. Chris Wright while you have him. - Jim @ Sportz Inc.By Bhoops
February 6, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
Why are you a credible source?By Pete
February 6, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
Jim, you are an idiot. No one transfers to sit out an entire season to prepare themselves to jump to the next step. You are a genuis, let’s set back his growth by making him miss an entire year of game action by transferring. You put in a “fake” fancy name, haha. I laugh at people like you who think that sitting out a year helps a player. This year is still going on but next year will be special. Wright will get accolades as UD will be ranked the entire season. No one is graduating (except under-acheiver Little) and UD is getting a top 25 center in the country. Marcus, Lowery as seniors and Kavanaugh and Benson. Watch out. CW breaks into the sweet 16 and the 1,000 point club as a Flyer. Doogie Harris and all of you idiot commentators can get the heck out of here. CW does not lie and no one sits out a year to get ready for the NBA.By Pete
February 6, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Jim, you are an idiot. No one transfers to sit out an entire season to prepare themselves to jump to the next step. You are a genuis, let’s set back his growth by making him miss an entire year of game action by transferring. You put in a “fake” fancy name, haha. I laugh at people like you who think that sitting out a year helps a player. This year is still going on but next year will be special. Wright will get accolades as UD will be ranked the entire season. No one is graduating (except under-acheiver Little) and UD is getting a top 25 center in the country. Marcus, Lowery as seniors and Kavanaugh and Benson. Watch out. CW breaks into the sweet 16 and the 1,000 point club as a Flyer. Doogie Harris and all of you idiot commentators can get the heck out of here. CW does not lie and no one sits out a year to get ready for the NBA.By Pete
February 6, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Jim, you are an idiot. No one transfers to sit out an entire season to prepare themselves to jump to the next step. You are a genuis, let’s set back his growth by making him miss an entire year of game action by transferring. You put in a “fake” fancy name, haha. I laugh at people like you who think that sitting out a year helps a player. This year is still going on but next year will be special. Wright will get accolades as UD will be ranked the entire season. No one is graduating (except under-acheiver Little) and UD is getting a top 25 center in the country. Marcus, Lowery as seniors and Kavanaugh and Benson. Watch out. CW breaks into the sweet 16 and the 1,000 point club as a Flyer. Doogie Harris and all of you idiot commentators can get the heck out of here. CW does not lie and no one sits out a year to get ready for the NBA.By Pete II
February 6, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
Interesting Pete. You call someone an idiot yet you hit the POST YOUR COMMENT button 3 times and have no patience. Everyone knows Chris Wright has thought about transferring… he even mentioned it in the DDN article that it is still a possibility. He may be ready for the NBA after his Junior season, but we have to see how the flyers will end up….. one and done in the NCAA like they always do when they even bother to make the thing, or an NIT run to lose to Ohio State, AGAIN. If CW take UD to the NCAA and they make a sweet 16, or elite 8, or final 4, he is going to the NBA baby!By Jerseyflyer
February 6, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
Would someone please tell me what in the world a Jim@SportzInc is? He sounds like a wright state chopper who wished he could handle the rock and shoot the sweet jumper. Guy’s like him I saw often during my playing day’s@UD. They were the one’s who played wreak(get it?)and sucked at hoops. Also known as Non-Athlete’s. Concerning those posters bothering my UD bud Dougie H, lay off or JerseyFlyer will track you down and apply an old fashion Jersey Beating(Tony Soprano style)UD beat X!!!!By FelixinKett1
February 6, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
No way is cw ready for the nba. yes, the ddn should be bankrupt due to drinking the obama kool aid. sad as the best writers are in sports. Not that impressed by cw. more talent than work ethic. also, team is better than the coach. still, enjoying the run. if cw has half a brain he will stay. next year should be excellent.By FelixinKett1
February 6, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
No way is cw ready for the nba. yes, the ddn should be bankrupt due to drinking the obama kool aid. sad as the best writers are in sports. Not that impressed by cw. more talent than work ethic. also, team is better than the coach. still, enjoying the run. if cw has half a brain he will stay. next year should be excellent.By Pat
February 6, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
No way is Wright going pro anytime soon. He certainly has the physical ability, but do you really think they’d turn down a complete monster like BRob at nearly 20ppg being triple teamed and pick up a still sloppy, raw, inexperienced talent like Wright? He’s going to stay right here and gain NBA attention while helping UD become a more powerful force over the next couple years. Let’s be real. Go Wright, and go UD!By Obama
February 6, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
You have a mental disorder you damn RACIST, sec 312. I know you wouldn’t say that to my face or i woud kick you white a*s.