Chuck Landon: MU's Kinsey getting shot at NBA

Besides the Thundering Herd baseball and softball teams dodging raindrops and hoping to get some games in this weekend at Jack Cook Field and The Dot …

Besides those highlights, former Marshall basketball star Taevion Kinsey stole the show from everybody.

The 6-foot-5 Kinsey was signed to a 10-day contract by the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Kinsey, who is a rookie, was playing for the Jazz’ NBA G League affiliate – the Salt Lake Stars – before getting his first shot at the NBA.

So, why now?

It’s because Kinsey has been shooting 46.8% from behind the 3-point line this season in G League play. That was the one weakness that had been holding Kinsey back. The rest of the package is there – especially his phenomenal leaping ability.

Now, his 3-point shooting, coupled with his vertical leap, has become his strength, and the Jazz obviously noticed.

Kinsey becomes only the 10th Marshall product to play in the NBA. Most recently before Kinsey, 7-footer Hassan Whiteside joined the NBA in 2010. Then, there was the inimitable Jason Williams, who thrilled NBA fans with his eye-popping passing and ballhandling in 1998.

And don’t forget 6-9 guard Tamar Slay, who played in 2002. Then, there’s the unforgettable Mike D’Antoni, who played in 1973 before becoming a world-class coach and player in the Italian League and then reprising his coaching role for years in the NBA as a true basketball innovator.

Next, there was Russell Lee, who was a first-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972. Hall of Famer Hal Greer starred in Philadelphia. Then, there was 6-9 Bob Allen in 1968, Andy Tonkovich in 1948 and Bucky McConnell in 1952.

And, now, let’s add Kinsey to this top 10.

Want more?

Leave it to veteran Thundering Herd coach Danny D’Antoni to put the cherry on top.

“Taevion is the only graduated Sun Belt Conference player in the NBA,” D’Antoni said proudly.

How about that?

Meawhile, back on the hardwood in Pensacola, Florida, the Herd women can’t rest on their laurels after blowing Appalachian State off the floor Friday. Marshall shot an extraordinary 62.7% from the floor in the 116-74 victory.

All five starters scored in double figures, with reserve C.C. Mays joining the fun with 18 points off the bench. Otherwise, the Herd’s Breanna Campbell scored 21 points, Abby Beeman had 19 points and nine assists, Meredith Maier knocked in 16 points, Sydni Scott added 13 points and Alasia Hayes had 10 points.

Marshall plays always tough Old Dominion (22-8) at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.