With Training Camp on the horizon, one local basketball standout is ready to make a strong case to be included in the Boston Celtics opening night roster. This player is Tony Gaffney. During his senior season at UMass, Tony Gaffney was a defensive stalwart and the leader of the Minutemen. He earned the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of The Year Award. Tony was named to the Conference's All Defensive Team and earned a spot on the Atlantic 10 Second Team.
He averaged 11.5 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, 3.8 blocks per game, and 2 steals per game. Tony was ranked 3rd in the nation in blocks a game during the 2008-09 season. Tony Gaffney is the first player since former Celtic Shelden Williams to have more than 100 blocks and 50 steals in a season.
Tony participated in the 2009-10 Los Angeles Lakers Training Camp and was the final player released from the squad. His tough and intense play impressed Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson and his staff. After Training Camp, Tony went on to play the 2009-10 season in Israel, before a foot injury sidelined him. In April, 2010, Gaffney signed a contract with the C's. He was a member of the Celtics post season roster, however, he did see any action during the team's Eastern Conference Championship run.
Tony is known as a tough defensive player with good scoring skills. This type of player fits well in Doc River's defensive system and his 6-8, 205 pound frame could help fill the Celtics lack of depth at the small forward position. This could earn Tony Gaffney the final spot on the Celtics opening night roster.
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