Former Wolf Pack men’s basketball standout, Tyron Criswell, recently entered the NBA’s G-League draft pool. Unfortunately for the former Nevada hoopster, he was not selected in the draft that was held on Oct. 26, 2019.
Despite the setback, Criswell and his agent, Dana Smith, are not giving up hope of getting Criswell a chance at his NBA dreams.
“We have to move forward and be positive,” Smith said during an interview following the draft.
The disappointing news isn’t keeping Criswell down though. Currently, he is competing and playing in Bosnia, waiting for his opportunity to open up.
Prior to his professional career, Criswell played under former head coach Eric Musselman from 2014-16. In his two years at Nevada, Criswell crafted a respectable resume.
In 2016, Criswell was named the MVP of the College Basketball Invitational Tournament. In the tourney finals, he averaged 21.3 points per game, eight rebounds and 3.3 assists. His performance in the CBI helped propel Nevada to a CBI tournament victory that season.
While Musselman was still coaching Criswell, the former coach praised the then senior’s abilities.
“Great toughness with an unbelievable ability to get to the rim off the bounce. A guy that really rebounds his position.”
When Criswell’s tenure with Nevada basketball came to a close, he was originally drafted by the Reno Bighorns. However, a cut on his hand during practice forced his time with Bighorns to be cut short, being released from the team following the injury.
Since that time, Criswell has played professional basketball all over the world. He’s had stints in places such as Palestine, Israel, China and is currently in Bosnia.
Smith says that despite not being drafted, there is interest in the Omaha, Neb. native.
“I’ve gotten calls from assistant coaches in the G-League, there is interest in him,” Smith said.
Smith went on to say that Criswell has received invitations for workouts in the past. Notably from the now head coach of the Stockton Kings, Ty Ellis.
According to Smith, Criswell was brought in on three occasions to work out for the team.
As Criswell continues to play abroad, Smith says that his agent has high expectations of himself. Criswell’s goal anytime he steps on the court is to average 25 points,10 rebounds and five assists.
For now, Criswell remains in the NBA G-League waiver pool. What this means is that if a team comes calling, he can be signed at any time.
The next potential opportunity that will arise for Criswell is an invitation to the NBA Summer League.
“Having him on an NBA Summer League team is the current goal,” Smith said.
The NBA Summer League has yet to announce a start date, but it is typically held during the month of July.
Ryan Freeberg can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports