Raphiael Putney - UMASS

Raphiael Putney

UMASS 

 ALL-MET ELITE

WOODBRIDGE VA.

AMHERST - In the ways that matter most these days, Raphiael Putney is a media star.
Better yet, the University of Massachusetts sophomore forward refuses to act like one.
"First time ever on YouTube for me,'' said Putney, whose throwdown dunk against Saint Joseph's on Saturday became a viral sensation.
The public is speaking, and more and more, Putney is the object of their interest.
With averages of 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots per game, the 6-foot-9, 178-pounder is making an impact in a variety of ways.
The numbers are rising, but that does not fully explain why Putney has captured the imagination of the fans at the Mullins Center.
An unmistakeable package of long arms and legs that seem to come from all directions, Putney is one of the most entertaining Minutemen in years.
"He's about 6-10. His wingspan is 7-4. He's long and athletic, and can help us with blocks and dunks,'' forward Terrell Vinson said.
His dunk against Saint Joseph's drew 1,300 hits in its first 12 hours on YouTube. By Monday night, the 66-second video had 2,721 views.
The dunk was also named the nation's No. 8 play of the day by ESPN. That came after a deluge of tweets and Facebook postings.
The object of this affection and fascination sat out his freshman year to build strength. Putney's rail-thin body made him a late bloomer as a high school player in Woodbridge, Va.
In his junior year of high school, a key season for recruiting, Putney averaged a modest nine points a game. But something was there.
"I saw him play at Reebok's camp, all-star games and the AAU circuit,'' said Vinson, who grew up in Baltimore, Md.
Intrigued by Putney's potential, UMass coach Derek Kellogg took a chance. The scope of the dividends are now being realized.
"He can be so good. My expectations for him are through the roof,'' Kellogg said.
Hard work in the weight room has added strength to a game that thrives on diversity.
Putney is shooting 3-pointers at 38 percent. Looking to assume more post presence, he has a 7.2 rebounding average over his last five games.
When he grabs seven boards a game, Putney's game gets its highest grades from Kellogg.
"I haven't ever liked the weight room, but I had to do it and here, they've made it fun,'' Putney said.
Putney's favorite player is Kevin Durant. At UMass, his game is occasionally being compared to another tall, slender forward - Marcus Camby.
"I never really paid attention to Camby until I came up here,'' Putney said.
No rational comparison would equate the level of Putney's game to Camby's, but their styles are similar.
Each player has relied on agility and mobility, rather than muscle.
"It's fun seeing Putney on the break. The way I pass to guys from long range, he can get it (with agility and reach),'' point guard Chaz Williams said.
What is easily overlooked in the video, which features Williams' between-the-legs pass to set up Putney's fast-break dunk, was when it happened.
It came with UMass trailing 20-8. The mood-changing play sparked a comeback that ended with a 71-62 victory, lifting the Minutemen into a first-place tie in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Bringing that type of energy is what Putney thinks he does best.
"I feed off the crowd. Especially this year, they've been into the games and helped us when we needed it,'' he said.
"I'm getting stronger, too. I'm following the advice of the coaches, and I am improving.''