Jerome Realizes Dream, Goes In First Round

Posted on Thursday, Jun. 20, 2019, 11:41 pm

Follow Jerry Ratcliffe on Twitter

Advertising inquiries: Connect with us

Email Jerry Ratcliffe: jratcliffe7000@gmail.com

 

By Jerry Ratcliffe

UVA’s Ty Jerome participates in post-game net-cutting against Louisville in the regular-season finale.

Virginia’s Ty Jerome is headed west to play for the Phoenix Suns if a multiple trade comes off without a hitch.

The former UVA point guard was originally selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 24 overall pick in the first round of Thursday night’s NBA Draft. However, the Sixers promptly traded the pick to the Boston Celtics, who additionally sent the pick to Phoenix.

The No. 24 pick in the draft is slotted for $1.8 million for the rookie year, with raises up to $3.51 million through 2023.

Although the 6-foot-5 Jerome may compete for the starting point guard spot, presently held by Tyler Johnson (11.1 ppg, 4.2 assists). Jerome’s strengths are his passing, 3-point shooting, and his IQ.

Phoenix would like to have a stronger backcourt punch with shooting guard Devin Booker, who averaged 27 points per game. The Suns also drafted North Carolina shooting guard Cam Johnson as their 11th pick in the first round.

Johnson, however, did not produce strong shooting statistics last season as the team’s starting point guard, hitting 36.8 percent of his field goal attempts and 32 percent from 3-point range.