Summers is Chosen, Finally
Ron Bailey, Publisher
After uneasy wait, Summers is headed to Motor City.
June 26, 2009 - Yesterday evening forty or so friends and family members of DaJuan Summers convened at Baltimore's ESPN Zone. The National Basketball Association's 43rd draft - prior to this format territorial picks ruled the day, while the lottery system, as now used, was implemented in 1985 - was on tap, and Summers was an entry.
Summers, a forward, led Georgetown University last year in scoring (13.6 points per game) last year, while over his three year career proving himself a legitimate pro prospect; Summers is a Baltimore native who graduated from McDonough in 2006, stands close to 6'9" and weighs slightly over 240 pounds. Possessing a good outside shooting touch, DaJuan has also proven the ability to finish in transition and increasingly create his own shot. While on The Hilltop, Summers improved his scoring average yearly.
Despite his size and skill set, going into the draft some had question marks as to where DaJuan would be selected. Fueling these concerns were issues with rebounding and passing, along with his ability to both get to the rim and defend on the NBA level. After several months of workouts, including attending the NBA's Draft Combine in Chicago, many presumed those concerns were mollified, given league officials and player representatives were suggesting DaJuan would be a first round pick; that he was a guy not necessary in the lottery (top 15 slots), but projected firmly in the first round. Being drafted there ensures a guaranteed contract for three/four years, obviously creating job security and most times more financial compensation.
Summers, being congratulated by family and friends after being drafted.
Still, in regards to the draft, things can change almost instantly, something Summers understood. "No guarantees" he said during while mid-first round selections were being chosen, when asked if his agent, Thad Foucher, had received any firm indication of where that he would be picked. "But we had a couple of strong spots where I thought I was going to go. Around 15 or 16. You saw the forwards that were chosen there. Now it's just a waiting game". As he spoke, Summers periodically eyed event's telecast.
Austin Daye was chosen 15th by the Detroit Pistons, while Chicago's Bull franchise opted for James Johnson immediately afterward. If slipping into the second round occurred, how would Summers feel? "I don't know, I didn't expect it and I wouldn't expect it" he said with around 13 selections in the first portion of the draft left. "But that would be just more adversity I would have to deal with, and I think I deal with that well".
Johnson, a sophomore from Wake Forest had been training with Summers in Santa Monica, Ca prior to the draft, and it was clear he felt himself Johnson's equal. Wayne Ellington (UNC), Jerry Smith (Louisville), and Gerald Henderson (Duke) joined the pair in those sessions. Initially, after G'Town's 16-15 season, Summers trained in Atlanta.
Those Cali sessions left DaJuan physically looking as though he had lost weight, but in actuality scaled a few pounds more than previously. In his opinion, ball handling and shooting skills were also advanced.
"A lot of guys came out, and said the way I played against that competition was above and beyond. They said I played well", said Summers of those sessions.
Regarding NBA franchises he auditioned for pre-draft, Summers noted "Charlotte, I worked out for Detriot, the Bulls,New Jersey, Minnesota, New Orleans and the Thurder".
Well, the first round dragged on - during the interview DaJuan would apologize for "rambling, but I'm watching it as it's going down" - and the news of possibly Memphis at 27 being his destination came in. To all in attendance's chagrin, it was not meant to be, since the Grizzlies selected another forward, Demarre Carroll of Missouri.
When the Cleveland Cavaliers snatched international unknown Christian Eyenga with the last pick of the first round, there was understandable concern for DaJuan in the room. The West B'Mo guy looked anxious, pensive; who wouldn't be? Summers was not only attempting to be drafted into the world's best basketball league, but had forgone his final year of collegiate eligibility in the process. The meaning behind an old De La Soul song, <i>'Stakes is High'</i>, captures the situation's flavor well.
His mother, Twanna Summers, a woman DaJuan indicated "is here for me. Always being supportive" was philosophical saying: "It doesn't matter where he's drafted. I could care less about this basketball stuff honestly. God has his back, and it'll all work out. It's His plan, not DaJuan's".
Four selections went by, and DaJuan, the draft party, and seemingly many people in the restaurant were still waiting anxiously; Summers by this time had retreated to the solace of his PDA, communicating with people not present. Then, a deafening roar went up - he was chosen by the Detroit Pistons. A smile of relief came over Summer's grill, and happiness crept back into his persona, as everyone in attendance congratulated him.
It was official, he had been drafted with the 35th selection. Yet mixed feelings existed.
Summers with his mother, Twanna.
"I feel very relieved to hear my name called but disappointed (in the slot)" he shared, amongst the rivalry. "Not disappointed, but ready".
Of the Pistons, Summers stated "It's a very strong franchise, very stable. It's a reminder of Georgetown": The Pistons had been one of the most interested franchises in Dajuan, according to G'Town's coach, John Thompson III. "He's ready and prepared for professional basketball" opined the coach, later. "We at Georgetown wish him well and have no doubt he'll be successful".
After calming down, the emotional dust clearing somewhat, Summers relayed a poignant thought, communicating "God doesn't make mistakes, this is how it's supposed to happen".
And it has. DaJuan Summers is now a member of the Detroit Pistons, a NBA franchise valued at 480 million dollars by Forbes Magazine in 2008, good for fourth in the league. A prennial frontrunner in The League's Eastern Conference. But he has to make the team's final roster, a fact which has crystallized his thinking.
"That was probably the worst thing that could have happened" for competitors, DaJuan shared, as now he would redouble his workouts, weightlifting, and focus.
Congrats go out to DaJuan and his family, including his mom Twanna, sister Regina, brother Malik, and his new family, DaJuan, Jr. - born Wednesday, and the kid's mom, Summers' long time girlfriend, Taleida Logan.
"I'm ecstatic...I'm so ready for the responsibility of caring for him" said DaJuan of his son, who weighed seven pounds, 13 ounces upon birth.
The journey now begins.