"It's going to be a great experience for me, I'm just so happy and excited that things worked out the way they did," said Wayns. "I was confident that I was going to catch on with somebody. I knew I was going to play in the NBA. I just didn't know where."
Turned out to be the team that he has followed all of his life.
A two-time Catholic League MVP from Roman Catholic, Wayns played three seasons for coach Jay Wright at Villanova and appeared in 95 games, averaging 12.5 points and 3.4 assists for his career. In his final season Wayns led the team in scoring (17.6 points a game) and assists (4.6) and contributed 3.8 rebounds. He was seventh in the nation in free throw shooting at 89.2 percent.
In his three-game stint in Orlando last month, playing for the Magic, Wayns was one of the most impressive players. In three games, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals. He was aggressive taking the ball to the basket, hounding on defense and brought a tremendous amount of energy to the floor. He committed to play for Golden State in the Las Vegas Summer League, but tweaked his groin in Orlando and didn't play for the Warriors.
"I thought I played well in Orlando and there were rumors going around that a team or two were looking to sign me," said Wayns. "But nothing happened. Still, I never lost confidence that things would work out. The Sixers talked to my agent [Andy Miller] and we got a contract. I was thinking the whole time of just going to training camp and trying to make a team, really without any security. This is an added bonus."
Until training camp begins for the Sixers late next month, Wayns will do pretty much what he's done for the past several summers.
"I'll be in Philly, working out with former teammates and other players at Villanova," he said. "I'll also be doing whatever the Sixers want me to do. Whatever it takes."
The opportunity will be there for Wayns with the Sixers as their roster doesn't include any true point guard except for starter Jrue Holiday. While Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala can step in and handle the ball, having someone who is accustomed to running the point position will allow coach Doug Collins more options.
Contact Bob Cooney at cooneyb@phillynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobCooney76. For more Sixers coverage and opinion, read his blog at www.philly.com/Sixerville
