Raphiael Putney realizing potential for Minutemen
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The potential has always been obvious with Raphiael Putney. The University of Massachusetts sophomore forward's combination of athleticism, shooting ability and length has made his future tantalizing to anyone who watched him.
But for much of last season, that potential only showed up in spurts. Plays that would put every eye in the building on him, an alley-oop or a blocked shot, would too often be followed by long stretches where he wouldn't be noticed at all.
But it's becoming harder and harder not to watch him as the distance between the present and that immense potential is shrinking rapidly. The combination of a new offensive system, added maturity and strength, and a point guard who is looking to get him the ball in transition have led to a breakout year from the native of Woodbridge, Va.
"I feel like I'm comfortable at this level now," Putney said. "My confidence is where it needs to be and I'm playing real good right now. I'm just trying to keep it up."
Heights and weights on most college football and basketball rosters are more fiction than fact and UMass isn't any more accurate than most. Putney's listed weight last year was 180 pounds, about 15 more than his actual weight.
This year he's at about 178 (inching closer to his listed 185), according to new strength coach Rich Hogans, who has helped Putney add and keep on the extra pounds. But while Putney still looks thin, his time in the weight room has helped add muscle to his skinny frame.
"Underneath those clothes, he's getting ripped under there," Hogans said.
"Rich has helped me a lot. With my body type I can't really get big, but I'm getting stronger," Putney said. "On the court you can tell I'm getting a lot stronger with the things that I do."
The added strength has helped him withstand the physical play as well as maintain enough stamina to stay on the floor longer. His numbers are all climbing.
Last year he scored in double figures just three times. Entering Wednesday's game at Duquesne, he had at least 10 points in seven of his last eight games and 11 overall. His scoring average has more than doubled, going from 4.4 points per game to 10.2. Putney is averaging 5.1 rebounds and has blocked a team-high 24 shots.
His highlight film moments are increasing too. His first-half dunk during the Minutemen's comeback win over Saint Joseph's on Saturday earned him SportsCenter's No. 8 spot on its daily top plays, and a still photo taken of his dunk in mid-flight has been all over Facebook.
"I've been around some guys that were really great athletes, but seeing that dunk as a still photo ... Wow," UMass coach Kellogg said. "I was impressed. But I want to make sure he realizes that was one play and stays grounded."
That's figuratively of course because Putney isn't likely to stay on the floor. He's got a taste for the big dunk adulation.
"I like that picture a lot," said Putney, who was captured rising toward the basket with his right arm fully extended palming the ball above his head as the crowd and every player on the court looked on.
He had a similar dunk against Fordham and several alley-oop slams throughout the season.
"This year I've had more amazing dunks than I've ever had in my basketball career," he said. "It's getting exciting. I hope to keep it up."
Putney said he feeds off the thunderous applause that has followed.
"It gets me motivated and helps me play harder throughout the game. Plays like that helps bring more energy," he said. "I'm an energy-type guy. If I bring energy other guys are going to follow."
Putney promised that there's more to come in his game. He said he's working to be more effective inside.
"I think I should be in the post a lot more," he said. "I have undersized guards who guard me. Even though I'm a perimeter player I think I can help my team going to the post more like Sean Carter or Maxie Esho.
"I think I can get a lot better," he added. "I still have two more years to go."
Kellogg agreed.
"I'd love to put him in the post now. A lot of times he's matched up against a guy who is 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3," Kellogg said. "As he gets stronger, you could just throw the ball up to him in the post and it's hard to stop a guy with his wingspan. ... For a kid his size and length to have his athleticism is not something very common. He's matured mentally as much as physically. He's much more persistent in the gym before and after practice. He's doing the little things that lead to the big things."
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.
