UNLV BASKETBALL:

Darger selected by Utah Flash in fifth round of NBDL draft

Former Rebels forward will attempt to make 10-man opening day roster

Image

Sam Morris

UNLV guard Wink Adams and forward Joe Darger bump fists in the closing minutes of their game against North Carolina A&T on Nov. 22, 2008, at the Thomas & Mack Center.

By Ryan Greene

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 | 2:02 a.m.

A venture into the world of professional hoops officially began on Wednesday afternoon for former UNLV forward Joe Darger.

The Riverton, Utah, native, who averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds last season for the Rebels, was selected by the Utah Flash on Wednesday in the fifth round of the NBA's Developmental League draft.

Darger was a key reserve on the UNLV squad which made a run to the Sweet Sixteen in the 2007 NCAA tournament, and also helped lead the Rebels back to the field of 65 in 2008.

As the 69th overall selection in the draft, Darger will have a legitimate shot at making the Utah roster. The Flash, oddly enough, play their games down the street from the campus of UNLV's top Mountain West Conference rival — BYU — in Provo.

Following a brief tryout camp, including each team's eight drafted players, seven returning players and those acquired through allocation and local tryouts, rosters will be reduced to 12 on Nov. 18. Opening day 10-man rosters will be set by Nov. 25 in time for the Nov. 27 NBDL tip-off.

Discussion: 3 comments so far…

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.

  1. By Lenny_V
    Nov. 6, 2009
    2:48 p.m.
    Flag

    This is great for Joe, his entire family have access to his games. I wish him the best, he was a loyal soldier for UNLV.

  2. By Big_John
    Nov. 6, 2009
    2:54 p.m.
    Flag

    I completely agree Lenny, one of the most unselfish players I have ever seen. I hope he does well.

  3. By Louis_G (Louis Gregory)
    Nov. 9, 2009
    4:07 p.m.
    Flag

    He really did sacrifice his game to fill a role when the team needed someone to step in and play. I hope he makes the team or maybe gets a few years overseas to pad his bank account.

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