VCU product Bones Hyland shows out for Nuggets in Summer League originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
One of the biggest breakout stars during the 2021 NBA Summer League has been a local product: VCU's Nah'Shon 'Bones' Hyland.
Hyland, who Denver selected with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft, has put up some crazy numbers that only begin to tell the story of his full impact on the court during the five games played on this summer circuit.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. >Sign up here.
In large part, those numbers stacked up quite well up against the Nuggets' point guard, Jamal Murray.
In almost a minute per game less than Murray's Summer League back in 2016, Murray notched more points (19.8) and assists (4.8) per game than Murray, along with a better 3-point field goal percentage (40%) to boot. In five games, it's clear Hyland has cemented himself as another diamond in the rough that the Denver front office has uncovered.
NBC Sports
Hyland, the reigning Atlantic-10 Player of the Year, upped his scoring average from nine ppg to 19.5 ppg his sophomore season, to go along with 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, and 1.9 steals per game. After getting more license to the Nuggets offense in their third Summer League game, Hyland showed out with a 28-point outing against the Mavericks. That's not to mention his four assists and six rebounds in what was his best showing to help Denver to an 89-85 overtime win.
That kind of performance could be just the beginning of what Hyland can bring the Nuggets. With the kind of playmaking and physicality Hyland displayed in Las Vegas, the Wilmington, Del. native could fixture to become a formidable fixture in coach Michael Malone's 2021-22 backcourt plans.
