Broken Wing

Just so it's out there, the name of my second child is riding on the pro prospects of Travis the Weiner Diener. Because the name of my first child is already Jared George Joynt because of my Whoopi Goldberg from Ghost-quality fortune telling ability about little known Dwayne Wade, I am predicting that the Weiner will last less time than Tony Bennet in the NBA (Tony Bennet the basketball player, not the crooner or football star). I don't know what my second child's name will be if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure it's not good.

A quick glance at Tony Bennett's bio (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tony_bennett/) shows he finished his career (92-95) with 152 games played and 1886 minutes, racking up 538 points. So what's the criterion? Games, minutes, or years? Can I take this bet? Its not nearly as easy as your bet with Jared was, so how about my first son will have one of his names be Nathan (first or middle) if you win. If I win, you name one of your children Farnsworth. Just out of curiosity, how do you think your future wife will feel about all of her children's names being accounted for?

One, the bet is again with Jared, but I'm willing to put it up against you also, Miller. The length will be measured in years.

Two, naming your child Nathan is not a bet because the child will have that name, regardless of our wager. I will be his father.

Three, my future partner is going to have to put out kids like they're Pez candies, and who doesn't like a name like Farnsworth? Anyway, the kid's going to end up being called Joynt, so it makes no difference. F'in' apellido.

Travis Diener is possibly the best point guard iN college basketball. He's a National Player of the Year candidate two years straight. Is the NBA EVEN A QUESTION HERE?

Diener will get his chance with the NBA...perhaps he can settle in as a Steve Kerr or even a Vinny Del Negro type of player. Regardless, he's the best point guard in the nation this year -- there's just no comparison. Felton cant shoot, Paul is inconsistent, Thomas is inconsistent, etal. Travis is quite a player

I agree with Tim, Travis Diener is by far the best point gaurd in college basketball right now. As for his NBA time, there is no doubt in my mind he well make it, but his playing might be limited for a while unless he gets on a joke team which hopefully he does. I personally think he is one of the most exciting players to watch(especially since he is white)

Travis Diener has great court savvy and an even greater heart. On the right NBA team, he will not only stick, but over time, could very well become an impact player on the order of Steve Nash. When he is surrounded by pro talent and doesn't have to be the primary scorer, he'll be able to dish the ball for even more assists. He sees the whole court, and can make athletic passes. Defenders must respect his jumper, or get burned, and he can take care of the ball when he drives the lane. He is extremely strong for his size, and backs down from no one. He wants the ball in the clutch and will drill three's like a machine if he's given any room. Diener is the kind of player whose skill, drive, and stamina elevate the game of his teammates significantly, and his indomitable will and well earned confidence make it nearly impossible for him to accept losing. There should always be a place on a team for a class act like this guy.

It is too early to assess Travis Diener as a pro, but he is surely worth a draft flyer. He needs to get stronger (and better). It is ludicrous to simply assume that he will improve like D. Wade just because they both went to Marquette--but he has a chance.

I know Rick Pitino has said he never thought Diener would make it in Conference USA. Now he is a fan.

Robert in DC

I LOVETRAVIS DIENER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MARQUETTET #########################34

I agree that Diener needs to get stronger if he wants to survive in the NBA. However, I do think that going to the right team, with the right players, Diener will undoubtedly succeed. Look at how well DWade has done in Miami. There was a lot of good talent on the 03-04 Miami team, and they're even better this year with the addition of Shaq. Diener is definately more of your Steve Nash/Steve Kerr type player. If Earl Boykins can have success in the NBA, so can Diener.

I agree that Diener needs to get stronger if he wants to survive in the NBA. However, I do think that going to the right team, with the right players, Diener will undoubtedly succeed. Look at how well DWade has done in Miami. There was a lot of good talent on the 03-04 Miami team, and they're even better this year with the addition of Shaq. Diener is definately more of your Steve Nash/Steve Kerr type player. If Earl Boykins can have success in the NBA, so can Diener.

I believe that Travis Diener will have a great shot at making it to the NBA. He is such a great team player and knows the game as any pro player.
Most players would love to have Diener on their team because he has the desire to win and he is so committed to his game and his team. He makes other teammates a better player and he would make pro players too. Travis may not start or have a lot of play time in the beginning but when he does play he will make an impact. People then will relize the kind of player Travis is. He is probably the best point guard out there. The best quality about him as a player is he gives it all he has on the court and never back down. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Who wouldn't want him?

Travis Diener is an amazing player with a huge heart and an amazing drive to win and succeed. He always gives nothing less than his best. He has very good court sense and a very good 3-point shot. Now come on what coach in the NBA doesn't want a player like that?

he'll get drafted. i have heard that Jeff Van Gundy loves his game. i dont know if its true or not, but in any event he has a chance somewhere. i cant believe his career at marquette is over. it ended far too soon. im sure all of you have heard, but those who havent, travis broke his hand tuesday and is out the rest of the season. he certainly didnt deserve this to happen to him...but what can you do?

Diener should go to the NBA! You can't say he won't make it until you give the guy a chance. His heart is for basketball, it's evident in the style of play. He is unselfish and can shoot the three as good as anyone. He may be a little undersized, but with he is as big as any basketball player. It's nice to watch a basketball player who actually loves the game and will put his body in harms way just to win. You have to admire the guy for it. So I say give the guy a chance, he just might make it and succeed in the NBA!

Travis is awesome. He IS the best PG out there. He deserves the NBA. The fact that he broke his hand here at the end of the season is a heartbreaker. I went to their game last night and the team seemed so lost without him. He is a born leader and a born star. He's freakin awesome. Travis, you are the man

Travis is the best pg, not only in college basketball! But hey, it runs in the family. It's been a sad world since he's broke his hand, and we all couldn't watch him play. But I think he'll come back better than ever, in the NBA, I just can't wait!!! I also think he'd be lost without b-ball in his life, and I would be lost without him in b-ball.

Diener would definately be lost w/o bballl in his life. Besides, I don't think that his family wold let him live it down.....all he has to do is think like an optimist and he should do just fine

Diener would definately be lost w/o bball in his life. Besides, I don't think that his family wold let him live it down.....all he has to do is think like an optimist and he should do just fine

My cousin went to high school with Travis Diener... He is an amazing player.. and always will be...he is also a great and true friend...no one will ever forget Travis Diener

OMG!! your cousin went to school with him?? I think he is one of the best player to ever play at MU, not to mention he is HOTT!!!

Travis will probably be undrafted, but i think he can make a team with enough talent to take a chance on him. I can see him being like a sam cassell

I agree that Travis is a great player, thats why I was suprised that several mock drafts don't have him being drafted at all.

i definately give diener his props but who knows, diener might go undrafted in june. i'm sure that there are plenty of players in the nba today that do just fine and were undrafted. if it were up to me, i would rather be undrafted and do well than to be a lottery pick and do nothing.

he is an amazing player and an amazing guy...surely to be drafted in june. ive had the opportunity to talk to him several times and he is ready to give it his all to be the best he can be. eveyrone said he wouldn't make it in college...and look how much he accomplished. i believe that his potential is underestimated by many...

he is super cute and he will make it in the nba
cause hes a great player and al so a great leader and i plan to go to all of the games that i can

Tim,
Can Marquette win without Travis Diener this year? Did you hear Orlando is trading Diener to the Bucks for Terry Stots, an old Jack Sikma jersey and a rookie year Kirby Puckett baseball card.
FREEWAY

I don't think that Orlando will trade Diener. They know that they have a great player in Diener, and one that is easily coachable. I don't think that they'll let him go that easily. Besides, he fits into their program. And if he does get traded, someone might find themselves without a job

As for Marquette, I think that they can win without Diener this year. Between the three seinors, and the 'Big 3' of freshman, they'll do just fine. The rest of those guys should be feeling more comfortable with playing without Diener to "save" them now that things should be clicking better.