Nov. 15, 2011

Jamael Lynch, a member of the UMass Lowell men's basketball team during the 2007-08 season, was selected in the eighth round of the NBA Development League Draft by the Erie Bayhawks on Nov. 3.

A native of Brooklyn, Lynch transferred to UMass Lowell following two years at SUNY-Cobleskill (2004-06) and a year at the University of Rhode Island (2006-07), was taken with the 10th pick (130th overall) in the eighth round by Erie, the feeder team to the New York Knicks.

Lynch is fresh off two seasons overseas: the 2008-09 season with the 22-Feet Basketball Academy in Cassagnes, France; and Bodfeld Oberharz Basket in Germany's third division.

Lynch reported to Erie last Monday where he is one of 16 hopefuls competing for 10 roster spots.

"Today was day six," Lynch said. "I'm pretty confident. I think I have a good opportunity. I think I can be an effective, efficient player for them. I'm working hard every day, doing all the intangibles. I really feel I have a good opportunity to make this roster."

Lynch was one of three former Northeast-10 Conference players to be selected in the draft. Thomas Baudinet of Saint Anselm (2007-11) and Jason Westrol (Bentley, 2007-11) were each taken by the Iowa Energy, Baudinet in the sixth round (91st) and Westrol in the seventh (102nd).

Lynch received a huge boost to his career when he got into the 22-Feet Academy, where postgraduate players hone their skills in preparation for a professional career. In games against some of Europe's top clubs, he had averages of 18.0 points and 14.0 assists per game.

After foot surgery sidelined him for the 2009-10 season, Lynch played last year for Bodfeld Oberharz where he averaged 27.0 points and 11.0 assists per game. He also helped Bodfeld capture the third division and earn promotion to the Germany's Oberliga (second division).

Lynch expected to return to Bodfeld, but Oberliga clubs allow only one American per team.

With two invaluable seasons overseas, Lynch likes his chances in the D-League. But should he miss out the Bayhawks, he is not at a loss for opportunities. Having been drafted, Lynch's pedigree overseas improves dramatically. He also remains in the player pool for other D-League teams to consider.

"Playing in the D-League is what I want to do," he said. "I really want to get to the next level. God-willing it works out for me."

Lynch played for the River Hawks over the 2007-08 season where he had averages of 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 21.2 minutes per game. A starter in 9 of 29 games, Lynch enjoyed season-highs of 15 points twice; five assists in the win over Dominican; and five rebounds on two occasions.

UMass Lowell went 12-17 overall and 8-14 in the Northeast-10 Conference (11th) and advanced to the NE-10 Tournament quarterfinal.

Erie opens the season Dec. 1 at home against the Maine Red Claws.