By JOSH NEWMAN
NEW YORK – Former St. John’s star Sir’Dominic Pointer saw his hard work culminate in the biggest moment of his basketball life Thursday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers made him the 53rd overall pick of the NBA Draft.
“It was just an unbelievable feeling, you can’t even describe it, it’s just humbling,” Pointer told SNY.tv via phone. “It’s just an amazing feeling.”
“We are pleased, but certainly not surprised that the Cavaliers organization recognizes Dom has the ability to add value to their team,” former St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin told SNY.tv. “Dom’s skill, versatility, basketball intellect and relentless competitive spirit make him a unique asset.”
A 6-foot-6 guard with a 6-foot-8 wing span, Pointer was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year in March as his game really came together as a senior with the Red Storm. Last season, the Detroit native averaged 13.7 points on 52.4 percent shooting, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.4 blocks per game.
“I broke through at the perfect time,” Pointer said.
He shot 52.4 percent on a career-high 334 shot attempts, but was just 2-for-25 from 3-point range. In four years, the Detroit native shot just 22-for-110 (20 percent) from deep.
If Pointer hopes to make his mark at the next level, he will need to find a way to improve his perimeter game.
“I don’t know if he needs to get a 3-point shot, but he needs to make an open shot,” Nets Director of Player Personnel Gregg Polinsky said after Pointer worked out for the team recently. “I think making an 18-20-footer for him is fine. What you don’t want to do, and what you saw a little bit at times during the playoffs, is when a team senses they can’t shoot, it’s 4-on-5.
“You don’t want that guy to be a liability. You want him to figure out a way to make an open shot, or you’re running enough motion that he’ll be able to find a way to get in and slash at the rim.”
Of course, if Pointer makes the Cavaliers’ regular-season roster, he will be playing with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, which brings with it more excitement.
“To get the opportunity to get on the floor with those guys, it’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Pointer said. “I’m just excited to get this all started.”
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