Jonny William Flynn (born February 6, 1989) is an American former professional basketball player. A three-year National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran, he last played for the Orlandina Basket of the Lega Basket Serie A and played collegiate basketball for the Syracuse Orange.
High school career
editFlynn and Niagara Falls High School won the 2005 New York state public high school and federation championships. He was also named New York State Mr. Basketball following his senior year. When he graduated with the class of 2007, he was ranked the No. 22 overall recruit and No. 4 point guard by Rivals.com as well as the No. 23 overall and the No. 4 point guard by Scout.com. Flynn was a 2007 McDonald's All-American and he was named to the 2007 USA Basketball Junior National Select Team that competed against the World Select Team in the 10th annual Nike Hoop Summit in Memphis, Tennessee. Flynn was a former high school and college teammate of guard/forward Paul Harris, whom he played alongside as members of the Minnesota Timberwolves' summer league team. In his senior year, Flynn averaged 26.7 points, 6.0 assists, 3.5 steals and 3.3 rebounds.
In 2009 as The Buffalo News celebrated 50 years of All-Western New York (WNY) basketball selections, Flynn, who was twice an All-WNY first team selection was a third team selection for the All-time All-WNY team along with Gary Bossert, Jason Rowe, Aaron Curry, and Jimmy "Bug" Williams.[1][2]
College career
edit2007–08
editIn his first game ever, on November 12, 2007, Flynn scored 28 points, which eclipsed former Orange standout Carmelo Anthony's record for most points in a freshman's debut.[3] Later in the season, he matched his debut performance with another 28-point effort in an 82–77 loss to Pittsburgh on March 21, 2008.[4] Flynn would go on to have a prolific freshman year, collecting co-Big East Rookie of the Year honors, with averages of 15.7 points and 5.3 assists per game. Flynn and fellow freshman Donté Greene were the second-highest-scoring freshman duo in the country, combining to average 33.4 points per outing.
2008–09
editFlynn was named to the preseason All Big East team[5] and started the season with a 27-point effort against Richmond on November 18, 2008.[6] Seven days later, Flynn scored 25 points and hit a 3-pointer with 6.4 seconds left in regulation as Syracuse defeated then-No. 23 ESPN/USA Today, No. 22 AP Kansas 89–81 in overtime in the championship game of the CBE Classic. Flynn was named MVP of the Tournament.[7]
Flynn's leaping ability was on display in a January 11, 2009, game against Rutgers. With Syracuse clinging to a 52–48 lead, Flynn drove to the hoop and threw down a monstrous dunk over opposing guard Michael Rosario as he attempted to draw a charge.[8][9][10][11]
In the quarterfinals of the 2009 Big East tournament on March 12 and 13, Flynn led the Orange to a 127–117 win in six overtimes over the favored Connecticut Huskies. Flynn played 67 out of a possible 70 minutes on the floor that evening, leading the Orange by scoring 34 points, adding 11 assists and making all 16 of his free throw attempts.[12][13] The next day, Flynn then played all 45 minutes of Syracuse's 74–69 overtime victory over West Virginia in the Big East semifinals. He scored 15 points and had 9 assists.[14] Syracuse, however, would eventually fall to Louisville in the Big East championship game, 76–66. For his efforts, Flynn was named the 2009 Big East tournament's MVP, the fourth player from the losing team to win the award in the tournament's history.[15]
In his first career NCAA tournament game in 2009, Flynn led all scorers in their first-round matchup against Stephen F. Austin, tallying 16 points and 7 assists. Syracuse went on to win the game 59–44. On March 22, 2009, Flynn scored 11 points and add 7 assists as Syracuse defeated Arizona State 78–67 advancing Syracuse to its first Sweet Sixteen since 2004.[16]
On April 9, 2009, it was announced by Syracuse University that Flynn would declare himself eligible for the upcoming NBA draft. However, Flynn would retain his NCAA eligibility by not immediately hiring an agent.[17] Flynn officially decided to forgo his final two years at Syracuse and signed with Creative Artists Agency Sports, run by agent Leon Rose, on April 15.[18] He was ultimately drafted sixth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA draft.
Professional career
editMinnesota Timberwolves (2009–2011)
editFlynn was drafted sixth overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, notably just one selection ahead of future two-time MVP Stephen Curry at the point guard position. Expectations were very high for Flynn as he was seen as the future cornerstone point guard for the Timberwolves by GM David Kahn. Flynn's stats were solid for his rookie season: he averaged 13.5 points per game and 4.4 assists per game.[19]
On October 28, 2009, Flynn made his professional debut and sparked a rally for the Timberwolves, coming back from 19 points down. Flynn scored 13 points in the 4th quarter to lead the Timberwolves to a victory over the New Jersey Nets.[20] On December 14, 2009, he made the driving game-winning layup to beat the Utah Jazz 110–108, scoring 28 points.[21]
On January 18, 2010, he set a new career high with 29 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in a 108–103 overtime victory.[22] At the end of the season, Flynn was selected to the All-Rookie second team. On January 31, 2010, Flynn had a career-high eight rebounds in a 112–91 win over the New York Knicks.[23]
Flynn underwent hip surgery during the summer of 2010.[24] This surgery caused Flynn's decline in production and play. His 2010–11 campaign was widely considered to be a disappointment, as his numbers dipped to 5.3 points per game and only 3.4 assists per game. This led to much speculation of his departure following the season.[25]
On March 2, 2011, Flynn dropped a career-high 14 assists in a 116–105 win over the Detroit Pistons.[26]
Houston Rockets (2011–2012)
editDuring the 2011 NBA draft, Flynn was traded to the Houston Rockets, along with Donatas Motiejūnas, in exchange for Brad Miller, the number 23 and 38 picks in the draft, and a future first-round draft pick. The number 23 pick became Nikola Mirotić and the number 38 pick became Chandler Parsons.
Portland Trail Blazers (2012)
editOn March 15, 2012, Flynn was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Hasheem Thabeet and a future second-round pick (Will Barton was later selected), for Marcus Camby.[27]
Melbourne Tigers (2012–2013)
editOn October 1, 2012, Flynn signed with the Detroit Pistons.[28] On October 22, 2012, Flynn was waived by the Pistons.[29]
On November 5, 2012, Flynn signed with the Melbourne Tigers of the Australian National Basketball League.[30] In his first game in the NBL, and after only a few days of preparation, Flynn was impressive with 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and one block and lifted the struggling Tigers to a dominant 96–66 win over the Adelaide 36ers.[31]
Flynn continued to have an impact on the NBL and, following an injury to Kevin Lisch, was selected as the substitute starting point guard for the South All-Stars in their 134–114 win over the North All-Stars in the 2012 NBL All-Star Game held at the Adelaide Arena on December 22, 2012. In 19:56 of game time, Flynn recorded seven points, five rebounds and ten assists.[32]
Flynn joined the Indiana Pacers for the 2013 Orlando Summer League.[33] He then joined the Los Angeles Clippers for the Las Vegas Summer League.[34]
After the 2013 NBA Summer League ended, Flynn left the NBA and never returned.
Orlandina (2014–2015)
editIn September 2013, Flynn joined the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association.[35][36] However, he left a month later due to injury.[37]
On August 30, 2014, Flynn signed with Orlandina Basket of Italy for the 2014–15 season.[38] On November 24, 2014, he parted ways with Orlandina, after playing only two games in Serie A before getting injured.[39]
National team career
editFlynn was named as a 2006 USA Men's U18 National Team member on June 26, 2006, at the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for men in San Antonio, Texas. During the tournament, he averaged 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, a team-high 5.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.[40]
Flynn would once again play on Team USA in the 2007 USA Basketball U19 World Championships. The team took home the silver medal, as Flynn averaged 9.6 points per game in the USA's nine games.[41]
NBA career statistics
edit| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
Regular season
edit| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Minnesota | 81 | 81 | 28.9 | .417 | .358 | .826 | 2.4 | 4.4 | 1.0 | .0 | 13.5 |
| 2010–11 | Minnesota | 53 | 8 | 18.5 | .365 | .310 | .762 | 1.5 | 3.4 | .6 | .1 | 5.3 |
| 2011–12 | Houston | 11 | 0 | 12.3 | .293 | .222 | .786 | .7 | 2.5 | .3 | .1 | 3.4 |
| 2011–12 | Portland | 18 | 1 | 15.6 | .378 | .320 | .720 | 1.7 | 3.8 | .2 | .1 | 5.2 |
| Career | 163 | 90 | 22.9 | .400 | .338 | .809 | 1.9 | 3.9 | .7 | .0 | 9.2 | |
References
edit- ^ McShea, Keith (March 7, 2009). "All-time All-WNY team: How'd we do?". The Buffalo News. ProQuest 381940241. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
First team Curtis Aiken, Bennett 1981-82, '82-83 Paul Harris, Niagara Falls, 2003-04, '04-05 Christian Laettner, Nichols 1986-87, '87-88 Bob Lanier, Bennett 1965-66 Mel Montgomery, Kensington 1969-70, '70-71 Second team Ritchie Campbell, Burgard 1988-89, '89-90 George Carter, Silver Creek 1960-61, '61-62 Mike Russell, East 1973-74 Dwight Williams, Neumann 1974-75 Tim Winn, LaSalle 1993-94, '94-95, '95-96 Third team Gary Bossert, Kenmore West 1981-82, '82-83 Aaron Curry, Neumann 1975-76 Jonny Flynn, Niagara Falls, 2005-06, '06-07 Jason Rowe, Traditional 1993-94, '94-95, '95-96 Jimmy "Bug" Williams, East 1971-72, '72-73
- ^ McShea, Keith (March 7, 2009). "WNY's all-time high school basketball team". McClatchy-Tribune Business News. ProQuest 464904948. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
Our staff has been banging under the boards for more than a month, picking our all-decade teams as we built toward this point, the final shot of our celebration of the 50th anniversary of All-WNY basketball. . .There were letters, e-mails, voice mails, blog comments and phone calls. There were opinions from coaches, teammates, fathers, brothers, sons and of course fans.
- ^ Freshman Flynn sets pace as Syracuse holds off Siena[dead link]
- ^ Pittsburgh snags fifth straight win at Syracuse[dead link]
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Richmond Spiders vs. Syracuse Orange – Box Score – November 18, 2008 – ESPN
- ^ Kansas Jayhawks vs. Syracuse Orange – Recap – November 25, 2008 – ESPN
- ^ Scout.com: Flynn's dunk slams Rutgers chances
- ^ As They Played: No. 11 Syracuse vs. Rutgers | NJ.com
- ^ MBB | GAME-CHANGER: Flynn's high-flying dunk lifts Syracuse to win over Rutgers – Sports – The Daily Orange Archived January 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Flynn's dunk spurs 'Cuse win at Rutgers | SNY.tv: News Archived March 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ College Basketball Gamecast – Syracuse vs Connecticut
- ^ Thamel, Pete (March 13, 2009). "Syracuse Left Standing After Marathon Game". The New York Times. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
- ^ "'Marathon Men' advance to final". CNN. March 14, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Gagne, Matt (March 15, 2009). "Jonny Flynn gets Big East MVP nod". Daily News. New York.
- ^ Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Syracuse Orange – NCAA Tournament Game – Recap – March 20, 2009 – ESPN
- ^ Waters, Mike (April 9, 2009). "Syracuse's Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris will enter the NBA draft". Retrieved April 9, 2009.
- ^ Miller, Ryan (April 15, 2009). "Interview with Jonny Flynn: Syracuse basketball star officially signs an agent". Retrieved April 15, 2009.
- ^ "Jonny Flynn Career Stats - NBA". ESPN. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ Flynn rallies Timberwolves over Nets[dead link]. Retrieved on November 4, 2009.
- ^ Flynn and Wolves like to run and win to the sound of Jazz. Retrieved on December 16, 2009.
- ^ Jonny Flynn keys Minnesota comeback
- ^ "New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves Box Score, January 31, 2010". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
- ^ Minnesota's Jonny Flynn has hip surgery, will miss start of the season
- ^ Jonny Flynn – Houston Rockets – Career Statistics – NBA – Yahoo! Sports
- ^ "Minnesota Timberwolves at Detroit Pistons Box Score, March 2, 2011". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
- ^ Houston Rockets have deal to acquire Marcus Camby, sources say – ESPN
- ^ Detroit Pistons Add Terrence Williams and Jonny Flynn to Training Camp Roster
- ^ Pistons Waive Flynn, Terrence Williams
- ^ Tigers sign NBA player Johnny Flynn
- ^ Jonny Flynn sends shudders through NBL in Tigers debut
- ^ South down North in NBL All Star contest at Adelaide Arena
- ^ Indiana Pacers 2013 Orlando Summer League Roster
- ^ CLIPPERS ANNOUNCE SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER
- ^ Jonny Flynn Signs With Sichuan Blue Whales Of China
- ^ Jonny Flynn signs in China with Sichuan Blue Whales
- ^ Jonny Flynn reportedly leaves Sichuan due to injury
- ^ Orlandina officially signs Jonny Flynn
- ^ "Jonny Flynn, Orlandina part ways". Sportando.com. November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ "USA Basketball: Bio". Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2007.
- ^ http://carrierdome.syr.edu/news/basketball/mbasket/2007/7/22/USA19U7.22.07.asp?path=mbasket?path=mbasket[permanent dead link]