The Utah Flash took their first step toward the 2008-2009 season with the ninth overall pick in the D-league draft by picking small forward Denham Brown from Connecticut, who was later traded to the Dakota Wizards for point guard Dontell Jefferson.
The Flash were in need of a new point guard after last season’s point guard Kevin Kruger took a deal in Europe. Jefferson, 6’4 and 195 pounds, is a former University of Arkansas collegiate teammate of Utah Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer. Among Jefferson’s long list of accomplishments, his 2006-2007 stats — 23.4 minutes, 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists — helped pilot the Wizards to a NBA D-League championship. “We are obviously excited to get a player of Dontell’s skills and experience,” said head coach Brad Jones. “He is long and athletic and brings a new dimension to what we are trying to accomplish on both ends of the court. I really like the fact that he is a tenacious defender.”
Not only did the Flash pick up a great new point guard, but they also picked up some big men to put some pressure under the basket. With the Flash’s second pick (24th overall) they took Gaven Grant, a 6’7 and 220-pound small forward from UC State. Third pick (41st overall) was Bennet Davis, 6’9 and 225 pounds, a power forward from Northeastern, and fourth pick (56th overall) was Carlos Wheeler, a 6’7 power forward from Norfolk State.
The Utah Flash had 10 picks the entire draft. The average height of their picks was 6’7 and the average weight was 225 pounds. With the height and weight, this team will be a power to be reckoned with. This is the direction that the administration has been looking for. “This year we have drafted more athletic and more experienced players,” said team owner Brandt Anderson. “Last season we lacked toughness.” He added that they had been working closely with the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics in the decision making of their pick selections.
The Utah Flash season home opener is Monday, Dec. 1 vs. Bakersfield at 7:00 p.m. in the McKay Events Center. Tickets are on sale now for individual tickets as well as season tickets in the McKay Events Center box office.
