Xavier Munford returns to the D-League for a breakout sophomore campaign
“The NBA is the goal. That’s the highest level of play and that’s my goal just like every other kid who plays this game growing up. I know I can play on that level, too.”
When perusing the NBA D-League for the top prospects, it would be easy to gloss over Xavier Munford. However, once you delve deeper into his rookie season with Bakersfield, it’s rather easy to get excited about his return for a sophomore run.
The Jam traded for Munford on D-League draft day last season. He was a third round pick who graduated from University of Rhode Island and had the dreaded wrap of being an undersized scoring point guard thanks to his 6-2 frame. For him to achieve his dream of making it to the NBA, developing as a viable point guard is his first step, and last season he made promising strides.
In 48 games with the Jam, Munford averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists — quality numbers considering he played just 21.7 minutes per contest. Of course, any competitive prospect wants playing time, but the Jam were chalked full of talent to start the season with Elijah Millsap, Earl Barron, Casey Prather and Jamil Wilson headlining the group. Keep in mind that the Phoenix Suns regularly utilize the Jam for their young players, too, meaning T.J. Warren, Archie Goodwin, Tyler Ennis and Reggie Bullock all stopped in for assignments.
“I focus on what I can control, man. I make sure that I make the best of any opportunity I’m given.”
Once Munford did get his chance to shine, he was ready. The Jam went 34-16 last year and earned a playoff berth, setting them up for a first round matchup with the Austin Spurs. They had the talent to make some noise on the big stage, even after losing Earl Barron to a call-up, but their pursuit of a title came to a screeching halt when starting point guard Joe Jackson went down with an injury. While the Jam lost their opening round series, Munford stepped in for Jackson and proved to be fit for the task, posting 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Perhaps just as important is that he was efficient, shooting 45 percent from the floor and 40 percent from the land of plenty.
“This offseason I’ve been working on my decision-making skills and getting more of my teammates involved as a point guard.”
Munford is a scoring point guard, first and foremost. The struggle for any coaching staff is to keep a player like Munford aggressive and motivated to score while balancing how to create opportunities for teammates. To make the jump to the next level, that second part is going to be vital. There are tons of players out there who can put the ball in the hoop, but as a 6-2 guard he has to bring more to the table.
Luckily, Xavier has all of the tools and the drive to make it happen. Now, it’s in his hands and he’s preparing himself for a breakout sophomore campaign.
“I’m excited, man,” Xavier finished our interview by saying. “I reached out to the coaching staff and I’ve talked to Coach Jent. They’re excited to have me back and Coach Jent said he’s been watching my tape and I’m just ready to get to work.”
The players that were ahead of Munford in the rotation have moved on to other leagues — the starting point guard position is his to take hold of. If his performance in the postseason is any indication of what’s to come, his dream of playing in the NBA may be around the corner, too.
The Jam open the 2015-16 season against the defending Champion Santa Cruz Warriors on the road on November 13th.