WS Chronicle

In above photo: Pointer emerged as a much-improved offensive threat during his senior year at St. John’s. (Photo by St. John’s University Athletics)

For Sir’Dominic Pointer, it’s been an immensely satisfying year.

The year, however, isn’t over.

Pointer, a 6-foot-6 swing man who played at Quality Education Academy (QEA), capped a brilliant final season at St. John’s University.

He was a prime factor in helping the Red Storm make its first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.

But that’s only the beginning.

In May, he graduated from college with a degree in Sports Management.

A month later, the Cleveland Cavaliers made Pointer a second-round pick in the NBA Draft.

Now he’s looking to prove himself as a rookie in the NBA Summer League.

“I’m so blessed,” said Pointer, who averaged 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.9 steals per game as a college senior. “One of my goals was to leave college with a degree and I did it. Hearing my name called out during the draft was very special. I’m excited to get the opportunity to show what I can do at the next level.”

Pointer closed out his college career as Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Big East Conference.

Although Pointer built his reputation as a fiercely competitive lock-down defender, he was hardly one-dimensional, especially as a senior.

His mid-range jumper improved dramatically which helped to elevate his value in the eyes of the pro scouts.

Perhaps the most noteworthy collegiate accomplishment for Pointer was winning the Haggerty Award, an annual honor which goes to the top Division I college basketball player in the metro New York City area.

Winning that prestigious award put Pointer in elite company with past winners which includes Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson and Ron Artest – all of whom had standout NBA careers.

At QEA, Pointer (Class of 2011) was the key figure on a team that finished 25-4 against a national-caliber schedule.

As an all-purpose contributor, he averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocked shots per game.

“Sir’Dominic is in a great place (Cleveland) where he can make it,” said Isaac Pitts of QEA, who coached Pointer in high school. “He’s a super athlete with a big heart and he exudes confidence. But what pleases me most is that he graduated on time. To me, that’s bigger than going to the NBA.”

There are no certainties for NBA second-round draft picks and free agents.

They don’t have guaranteed contracts, so summer league basketball is so crucial.

If Pointer plays well enough during the summer season, which ends on July 20, he’ll earn an invitation to pre-season training camp.

Making it to camp would give him the chance to test his wares against LeBron James, who is frequently referred to as the best player on the planet. For now, though, first things must come first.

“Being able to play and compete against LeBron James in practices would be a great experience,” said Pointer. “I can learn from him and grow. But in order for that to happen, I still have to make the team. Everything starts with what happens in the summer league. I believe I can make a difference as a defensive stopper. At the offensive end, I can get to the basket and I’m able to energize the players around me.”

Pointer got his first taste of action with Cleveland in its first two games of summer league play last weekend. In limited playing time (17 minutes per game), Pointer shot 60 percent from the field and averaged 3.5 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocked shots against the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets. Based on early reports from the summer league’s website (http://www.nba.com/summerleague/), Pointer is making his presence felt.

Here’s a game story snippet on that website from the Cavs-Warriors contest.

“Pointer was just 1-of-3 (field goal shooting), but blocked a pair of shots, and showed on several occasions why the Cavaliers like him as a long, versatile defender.”

The time that Pointer spent at QEA was memorable for all the right reasons.

He acknowledged that the challenges he faced on the court and in the classroom helped to prepare him for life as a student-athlete at the major-college level.

Developing the right mindset, he explained, made a big difference in his overall development.

“Regardless of any obstacles you may face, you’re never out of it,” he said. “You continue to work hard and keep moving forward.”

QEA notes Juvonte Reddic (2010 QEA graduate), was all set to play with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in the NBA Summer League.

Prior to the July Fourth weekend, however, Reddic suffered a back injury, which ended his summer prematurely.

A little over a year ago, the former Virginia Commonwealth star graduated with a degree in business.

Reddic, a 6-feet-9, 250 pounds power forward whose home is Winston-Salem, was not selected in last year’s NBA Draft.

He spent last season playing for VL Pesaro of the Italian League and he averaged 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Once Reddic’s back is healed, it’s believed that he’ll most likely go back overseas to play another season in one of the European leagues.