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Flyers star Wright anxiously awaiting NBA draft

Wright has worked out for about several teams, getting positive feedback.

Ron Alvey Former University of Dayton star Chris Wright hopes to hear his name called in Thursday's NBA draft.

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 9:23 PM Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Chris Wright always imagined himself being surrounded by family and friends as he waited to see where he’d be picked in the NBA draft, turning the night into a festive occasion.

But with so much uncertainty surrounding his pro-basketball future, the University of Dayton forward has decided to take a low-key approach to Thursday night’s draft.

He may not even tune in.

“I always thought I’d want a draft party. But once you get there, going through the process, it’s a humbling experience in a way,” he said.

“I don’t know if I’ll watch the draft or not. I’ve put a lot of energy into this my whole life. And you’ll either hear your name called or won’t hear it called.”

Wright hopes to become the first UD player drafted since Negele Knight was picked in the second round in 1990 (31st overall) by the Phoenix Suns. He played six seasons in the NBA.

Since graduating in early May, Wright has taken trips to work out for about a half-dozen teams (he didn’t want to say which ones). He said the feedback he’s gotten has been positive, but he knows clubs also are evaluating other prospects.

“It’s exciting. Sometimes I’m nervous. Sometimes it’s stressful. You wish you could just know,” he said. “It’s kind of like Christmas, and you don’t know if you’ll have a present under the tree. There’s no guarantee of anything. There’s no guarantee you’re going to get drafted, and there’s no guarantee you won’t.”

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Wright is ranked as the 75th-best prospect by Draft Express and No. 80 by ESPN.com, a list that includes underclassmen and international players. But there are 30 teams and just two rounds to the draft, meaning only 60 will be selected.

“The whole scenario is the same with him,” said a scout for an Eastern Conference team who has seen Wright play numerous times. “He’s a good athlete, he jumps out of the gym, but the question is where he plays. He’s a second-round pick at best, but it only takes one team to like you.”

The scout added: “He didn’t get any better from his sophomore year right on through. He teases you from that standpoint. ... I thought his only move was to get the ball in the key hole, get to the rim and stuff it. I don’t see a real good outside shooter.

“But everybody I’ve talked to says what a nice kid he is. You’d like to see a kid like that do well. I don’t know if he can make a team or not, but maybe in a couple years he can.”

Although the Trotwood native never averaged more than 13.7 points per game in a season at UD, he upped his rebounding totals in each of his four seasons, topping out at 8.4 per game as a senior. He also was one of the best finishers in college basketball, although he had few chances to show it last season because of a stagnated fast break.

Wright probably will have to play small forward (the 3 spot) in the pros after spending most of last season at power forward (4) because of the Flyers’ lack of front-court depth. That could be a difficult transition.

Asked about his time at UD, Wright said: “I don’t regret anything. I wish for myself I could have done better. But it’s a lifetime of learning in the game of basketball. Some people didn’t get to show they’re versatile. I still had a chance to create out of the 4.”

NBA scouting websites raise questions about Wright’s perimeter skills, but laud him for his elite athleticism, high motor and ability to defend multiple positions.

Wright, who’s been training with Indianapolis-based 100% Hoops, knows he’s not a finished product and is grateful that he has a good chance to have a long-term career in the game, even if that means playing overseas.

“Basketball is a gift and a tool to basically drive you and open up doors in life,” he said. “It’s just a small segment of my life. It put me in places I never would have seen before. But I’m the same person. I’m not just a basketball player. I’m a human being. And once basketball is over, I’ll still be that person.

“It’s not the end of the world if I don’t get drafted. I’ll still play basketball somewhere. I’m still on a journey. I’m not going to hang my head if I don’t get drafted.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@Dayton DailyNews.com.

What they’re saying about Chris Wright:

ESPN.com: “One of the best athletes in college basketball … an explosive leaper, very quick, ready-made NBA body, terrific motor and plays hard on both ends of the floor.”

Wright also was dinged for being “a pretty shaky shooter” and because his “ball-handling needs a lot of work.”

Draft Express: “Still very much a raw prospect, lacking much in terms of a perimeter skill set. His elite size and athleticism remain intriguing, however, and if he can continue to show energy and effort on both ends of the floor, his potential may land him a spot in the second round of the draft if he impresses a team enough in workouts.”