WCC in the Summer League: Olynyk With Another Strong Outing

Dec. 19, 2012; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kelly Olynyk (13) attempts a free throw during a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

In the final day of action in the Orlando Summer League, the Boston Celtics played a 7th place game against the Orlando Magic, a game in which the Celtics won by a score of 102 to 83. Olynyk, who has had an awfully impressive in the 6 days in Orlando, had another strong showing on the sixth and final day of the Orlando summer league. Olynyk, whose playing time was limited for rest purposes, scored 12 points, and grabbed 7 rebounds against the Magic.

Olynyk was one of the standouts in this years Orlando Summer League; the former Bulldog showed off his innate ability to score and his unusually smooth handles for a seven-footer. Olynyk led the Celtics in most statistical categories in the Orlando summer league, including games started, minutes played, rebounding, and scoring. More specifically, Olynyk averaged 18.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game this week. Statistically it was a phenomenal showing from the British Columbia native.

Kelly Olynyk also adapted some moderately new nicknames as the week progressed as well. The announcers from NBA TV frequently referred to Olynyk as “the big K.O.” This is something that was kind of a nickname at Gonzaga, but Olynyk never was called that as often in Spokane as he was down in Orlando. Jeff Green, a current forward for the Boston Celtics, called the big seven footer “sunshine.” For those that don’t know, this is an allusion to Ronnie Bass, the quarterback in the movie Remember the Titans that sports long, lucious blonde locks, just like Olynyk. To further understand the reference, here is a picture of Bass.