Miller hasn’t been able to drop any names of ex-Flyers in the NBA, but that will change today when the league launches its season with Chris Wright on the Golden State Warriors’ roster.
Miller said all recruits he pursues these days believe they’re NBA material, and Wright’s accomplishment means he has proof they can get there from UD.
“Hopefully, our way (of coaching) can develop more,” he said. “But it’s a good thing for Chris, it’s a good thing for our program and it’s a great thing for the city of Dayton.”
Former UD coach Brian Gregory pointed out that for as highly touted as Wright was as a recruit, there were still about 50 players ranked higher than him in his class. That’s why Gregory called the Trotwood native an over-achiever.
“I think he’ll bounce back and forth in the D-League a little bit, and there’s no guarantee this is forever,” Gregory said. “But he made it. He’s on the roster. He signed a one-year deal. He beat the odds.”
His chances of sticking in the NBA will be enhanced if he can sharpen his skill set, but Gregory said the league will always value players who can do one or two things well.
“Every team has two superstars, some have three. And everybody else is a role player. Everybody else has to find a niche,” Gregory said. “He made it because he plays harder than anybody. He can guard four positions. He runs the court. And he rebounds.”
Gregory said the Flyers were able to recruit higher-caliber players because of Wright’s presence, saying, “He changed the program.”
He might be doing the same thing even after he’s gone.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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