Flynn in

Syracuse University basketball fans may be both proud and a bit wistful about Jonny Flynn.

They can take pride that another SU star is headed for the NBA but also feel a tinge of regret: it would have been enjoyable to see the athletic guard lead the Orange next season, what would have been his junior year.

Yet the fact that he was chosen sixth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves confirms his decision to go pro. As the Associated Press noted, Jonny Flynn's game "blossomed" toward the end of his sophomore season in which he averaged 17 points per game and managed 254 assists.

Many college basketball watchers were impressed by his performance during the Big East tournament. Syracuse's triumph over Connecticut in the quarterfinals received deserved attention: six overtimes and Flynn played 67 of the 70 minutes. That was the second-longest game in Division I history, and Flynn led with 34 points. The next night, Syracuse defeated West Virginia in another overtime game, and Flynn played all 45 minutes.

Even though Syracuse lost the Big East championship game to Louisville, the Orange point guard was named tournament MVP.

Obviously, the NBA took notice. During pre-draft interviews, each team Flynn worked out with asked him about the UConn game.