Dennis Horner's Best Investment
by Net Income on Dec 29, 2011 1:29 PM EST
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Dennis Horner didn't exactly have the best of European experiences last year. He played in Belgium briefly, then for the worst team in Cyprus, the island nation off Turkey.
Rather than head back overseas, he decided to sign up for the D-League National Tryouts. It cost him a $650 entry fee. It turned out to be worth it.
As John Schuhmann writes, Horner first impressed Milton Lee, the Armor GM, who decided to use Springfield's last pick in the third round on the 6'9" stretch forward.
Then, once in Armor camp, the Linwood, NJ, native impressed Bob MacKinnon Jr., the Armor coach, who with Lee recommended him to the Nets as a training camp invite.
There were no expectations, but Horner did everything Avery Johnson and Billy King want from a player trying to break in: he arrived early, stayed late, played hard, and other thing: "He never screws up any plays," Johnson said of Horner. "He's always in the right place at the right time."
- For Nets forward Horner, longshot NBA dream comes true - John Schuhmann - NBA.com
- Former Holy Spirit star earns a spot on New Jersey Nets’ roster - Mike Gill - Shore News Today
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will he fill out/bulk up more?
with the b-ball smarts he could be another Hump-type player perhaps
"A little boy went out to play. When he opened his door, he saw the world. As he passed through the doorway, he caused a reflection. Evil was born. Evil was born, and followed the boy."
Naw people underestimate Hump athleticism
Hump was bulky like that since highschool.
"We're not there yet, but we're going somewhere," Johnson said. "And we're going to Brooklyn. We're not going to contract. We're going to Brooklyn."
he is skinny by NBA standards
alternatively he could improve his three point shot and be more of an NBA SF
"It's as sweet as it ever was, I'll tell you. Now, hopefully, we started something and we can win some more championships, but we're going to enjoy this one right now. Have a little champagne." --Julius Erving, May 12, 1976, ABA champion Nets locker room.
L&P was chanting "We want Horner" against the Hawks
He’s a fan favorite for sure. As long as he hustles and runs after loose balls, there’ll be a roster spot open somewhere.
question is... where was Jordan Williams when Horner was coming early and leaving late??
by kupalski on Dec 29, 2011 3:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
i'm told that Horner badly outplayed Williams
which was the first sign he had a chance
"It's as sweet as it ever was, I'll tell you. Now, hopefully, we started something and we can win some more championships, but we're going to enjoy this one right now. Have a little champagne." --Julius Erving, May 12, 1976, ABA champion Nets locker room.
Agreed, when I saw Dennis Horner live
during pre-season, you could just tell he knew what he was doing, knew where other players were, and had court vision.
He knew where to pass and where to be on the court.
Knowing how to do that instinctually will allow him to build on that and concentrate his thoughts on anticipating the opponent etc.
yep
I recall him gettin a running start to jump and block a shot, showing that he anticipated the play well in advance
"A little boy went out to play. When he opened his door, he saw the world. As he passed through the doorway, he caused a reflection. Evil was born. Evil was born, and followed the boy."
Horner just had 'it' when I watched him play in the preseason
not that he blew you away talent wise or physically, but he looked like he belonged on an NBA floor. He had poise, hustle, and has a decent touch with the jumper.
It wasn’t surprising that he made the team. I’m happy for him, and I hope he continues working hard. Good luck to him.
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