• Player
• Seasons: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09
• Number: 24
• Position: F
• Height: 6' 8“
• Weight: 208 lbs.
• Hometown: Berkley, MA
• High School: Somerset HS (MA)
• Prep School: Northfield Mount Hermon
• Transfer From: Boston University
• Birthdate: November 14, 1984

• Played two seasons for UMass after playing two at Boston University.
• Went from role player off the bench to dominant forward, garnering A-10's top defensive award in 2008-09.
• Big improvement in numbers in last two seasons: from 3.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg to 11.5 ppg and 10.2 rpg.
• First UMass player to average a double-double in 30 years (Mark Haymore).
• Blocked 174 shots in just two seasons, putting him (at the time) 7th in UMass career blocks.

• ATLANTIC 10 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF YEAR, ATLANTIC 10 SECOND-TEAM, ATLANTIC 10 ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
• Ranks THIRD in blocks (3.8) in the NCAA and 17TH in rebounds (10.2). Led A-10 in blocks, second in rebounds, second in steals.
• Averaged a double-double 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds in 33.9 minutes per game. 3.8 blocks and 2.03 steals per game.
• Fifth player in NCAA since 1996-97 with 100 blocks and 50 steals in a season (113 and 59). Last: Duke's Shelden Williams in 2005-06.
• Named by ESPN's Fran Fraschilla as the 5th-best rebounder in the nation through the first half of the 2008-09 season.
• Sixth player with 100 blocks in a season in UMass history. Stands third in single-season with 115.
• Also ranks tied for 48TH in NCAA in steals per game (2.0) which was second in the A-10.
• First UMass player to averaged 10 rebounds per game since Mark Haymore (10.0) in 1978-79, highest average since Jim Town in 1976-77.
• First player since Mark Haymore to average a double-double since Haymore (17.1 ppg and 10.0 rpg) in 1978-79.
• Steals total of 61 ranks as fifth-most in a UMass single-season. 307 rebounds ranked as ninth-most in a season in UMass history.
• Had 12 double-doubles this season after none in his career (first 81 games) entering season. 20 games with 10 or more rebounds.
• Seventh in UMass career blocked shots with 174.
• Had three games with 15 or more rebounds this season: 19 at Memphis (11/17), 18 vs. BC (12/6), 15 at Houston (12/30).
• At least seven rebounds in 24 of 30 games this season and double-figure boards in 20 of 30 games including 11 of last 14 games.
• Leads UMass with 49 dunks, all except seven of the team's dunks (Gibbs-3, Gurley, Harris, Lynch have others) on the season.
• Recorded 12th double-double of the season in final college game with 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. Duquesne (3/11) in A-10 First Round.
• Posted 19th game with 10 rebounds at Rhode Island (3/7), also scored six points, but held to just one blocked shot.
• On Senior Night, posted 11th double-double of year with 11 points, 10 rebounds, also had season-best five blocks vs. G. Washington (3/4).
• Had 50th steal as part of 8-point, 10-rebound, 3-block performance vs. Duquesne (2/25) to reach 100 blocks and 50 steals in a season.
• Third double-double in four-game span with 17 points and 10 rebounds at Saint Joseph's (2/22). Also four blocks and four assists.
• Scored 11 points, had six blocks, five rebounds, four steals and three assists vs. Rhode Island (2/18). Swatted 100th shot of season.
• Career-high 21 points, ninth double-double of year with 11 rebounds at St. Bonaventure (2/14). Career-high six slam dunks.
• Posted eighth double-double of year with 19 points and 10 rebounds at Fordham (2/11). Had 12 points, nine reb. in first half.
• Racked up 13 rebounds along with eight points, career-best tying four assists and two blocks against Saint Joseph's (2/8).
• After a foul-trouble first half, posted 12 second-half points along with four rebounds and three blocks vs. Richmond (2/4).
• All-around game in 100th game: nine points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two blocks in near upset at #10/10 Xavier (1/31).
• Seventh double-double (first in seven games) with 19 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks vs. La Salle (1/24).
• Grabbed 13 rebounds, most in 2009 with nine points and three assists in career-high tying 43 minutes at Charlotte (1/21).
• Scored 14 points on 7-of-8 from the floor along with five rebounds and three blocks vs. Temple (1/17).
• Swatted five shots, added seven points and five rebounds at Saint Louis (1/14).
• Called by Dayton's (1/10) Brian Gregory “the best non-scorer in the country” after 17 points, seven rebounds and seven blocks.
• Grabbed 16 rebounds. three blocks, three assists, two steals at Houston (12/30).
• Sixth double-double of the year with 11 points, 11 rebounds along with five blocks and three steals in win over IUPUI (12/27).
• Mired in foul trouble played season-low 15 minutes (had played at least 32 minutes in each of first 10 games) and had eight points and four rebounds vs. Hofstra (12/20).
• Grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked six shots going up against one of the nation's top bigmen at #25/23 Kansas (12/13).
• Nearly posted a triple-double for the second game in a row, with 17 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks in win over Holy Cross (12/10).
• Named CollegeChalkTalk.com Atlantic 10 Player of the Week on Dec. 8 after Toledo and Boston College games.
• Racked up 15 points, 18 rebounds and career-high nine blocks along with three steals vs. Boston College (12/6). Blocks ranked tied for fifth-most in a game in UMass history, making him just one shy of the seventh triple-double in UMass history. Became first player in UMass history with a statline including 15 points, 18 rebounds, nine blocks.
• Scored 11 points including two big free throws with 8 seconds left in game, also grabbed eight rebounds at Toledo (12/3).
• Corraled 12 rebounds along with five points and three blocks at Green Bay (11/29).
• Third double-double of year- 20 points and 13 rebounds along with career-high eight blocks vs. Jacksonville State (11/24).
• Called the best player on the court by Memphis Coach John Calipari after career game with 16 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks at #13 Memphis (11/17).
• All out hustle with career-high seven blocks, six points and nine rebounds in 37 minutes at Southern Illinois (11/12).
• Posted first-career double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds in season opener vs. Arkansas-Monticello (11/11).

Pre-season report from Head Coach Derek Kellogg: “Tony is one kid you wish you could have for twenty years and he brings an unbelievable enthusiasm and energy to the court every day. He's a very, very high energy athlete who plays above the rim. I'm excited to coach him, I'm hoping he plays with unbelievable confidence and can give us some stuff on the offensive end because I know he's going to rebound and defend and take charge and play at a high level. I just want him to be confident and play, and try to take guys on the offensive end and do those kinda things. He's kind of our heart and soul of the team along with Chris Lowe and Luke Bonner and he's the one who's going to bring the intangibles to the program.”

• Emerged as an energy player in first playing season with the Minutemen after sitting out as transfer from Boston Univ.
• Played in 35 total games and first 33 games with eight starts, including six games in a row (Jan. 16-Feb.2).
• Missed Syracuse (3/25) NIT Quarterfinal with knee injury suffered against Akron (3/22) in NIT Second Round.
• Averaged 3.2 points, fourth on team with 4.8 rebounds in 20.0 minutes.
• Second on team in blocked shots with 59 and third with 39 steals.
• Fourth in the A-10 in blocks per game (1.7).
• Returned to play in the NIT Semifinals and Final at Madison Square Garden vs. Florida (4/1) and Ohio State (4/3).
• Made both shots for four points, grabbed six rebounds in win over Akron (3/22) in NIT Second Round.
• Eight rebounds and three blocked shots in playing great defense on GW's leading scorer Rob Diggs in win at George Washington (3/8). Held Diggs to just seven points, half his average of 14 ppg.
• Third game with 10 or more rebounds with 10 vs. La Salle (3/5). Also added five blocked shots in 20 minutes.
• Most points in two months with eight at Rhode Island (2/21), making all three field goal attempts.
• In 31 minutes off bench (tying UMass high) hit second 3FG of year (first since 12/15) had four points, five rebounds at Temple (2/10).
• First two career double-figure rebound games in two games (Jan. 30-Feb. 2) with 11.0 rebounds per game.
• Snatched 10 rebounds at Saint Louis (2/2). Also had two blocked shots.
• Career-game at Duquesne (1/30), with new highs of 12 rebounds (10 defensive) and six blocks. Also scored seven points.
• In second consecutive start had eight rebounds and five blocked shots vs. Charlotte (1/19).
• Returned to starting line-up at #14/18 Dayton (1/16). Despite not scoring had seven rebounds and blocked three shots.
• Great hustle with six rebounds and three steals at #15/15 Vanderbilt (1/5).
• Playing against team he began his college career with in Boston University (12/29) had three points and two rebounds.
• Nine points, seven rebounds, three blocks in 22 minutes in win over Central Connecticut (12/22).
• Five points and five rebounds including first 3-pointer of the year in win over Toledo (12/15).
• Boston native had impact in win at Boston College (12/12) with four points, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
• Swatted career-high five blocks vs. Marist (12/8), all in the second half. Scored four points and had four rebounds.
• Made all six field goals over the two games (Nov. 17-28).
• Canned two field goals and grabbed five rebounds in huge win at Syracuse (11/28).
• Scored career-high 15 points in win over Wis.-Green Bay (11/17), making all four field goals and adding 7-of-9 from the foul line, also new career-highs. Swatted career-best four shots along with four rebounds and two assists.
• Played 50th college game on his 23rd birthday vs. Yale (11/14), scored two points, had three rebounds.
• In 23 minutes, scored three points and added four rebounds before fouling out at Northern Iowa (11/11).
• First-career start vs. Northern Illinois (11/10), scoring eight points along with six rebounds and career-high six steals, tied for fifth-most in a game in UMass history.
• Showed his energy with career-high tying eight rebounds off the bench in opener vs. Cal Poly (11/9).

Pre-season report from Head Coach Travis Ford: “Tony is another player that is very versatile. He is going to be a factor because of his style of play that we are going to play this year. He is going to be able to press a lot. He is very versatile at the four position. He is tough to guard from the perimeter. Tony just has to continue to work on being tougher everyday and have more consistency. He transferred in prior to last season and worked with us all season on the scout team. Tony can be an offensive weapon. He can shoot the ball from outside, handle it well and drive on large defenders. He is very quick and has a long reach. He can also block shots. We are looking forward to him playing in 2007-08.”

Redshirt season as a transfer from Boston University … can be an offensive weapon… a very versatile wing, he can handle the ball, shoot from outside and drive on larger defenders… very quick, with a long reach and good shot-blocking abilities… added over 20 pounds of muscle since he came to college.

UMass accomplishments:

• Double-Doubles: 12, last vs Duquesne (3/11/2009)
• Double-Figure Scoring: 18 times, last vs Duquesne (3/11/2009)
• 20-plus point games: 2, last at St. Bonaventure (2/14/2009)
• 10-plus rebounds: 23 times, last vs Duquesne (3/11/2009)
• 5-plus blocks: 14 times, last vs Rhode Island (2/18/2009)
• 30-plus minutes: 29 times, last vs Duquesne (3/11/2009)
• 40-plus minutes: 3 times, last vs Duquesne (3/11/2009)

Expanded stats from StatSheet

• Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year (2008-09)
• Atlantic 10 Defensive Team (2008-09)
• Atlantic 10 Second Team (2008-09)

Courtesy: UMass Athletics

• Favorite Musical Artist: Kanye West
• Best Concert I Ever Attended: Kanye West
• Favorite Sports Movie: Remember the Titans
• Best Sporting Event I Ever Attended: 2004 World Series
• Favorite TV Show: Lost
• Favorite Web Site: Espn.com
• Favorite Sports Broadcaster: Sean McDonough
• Favorite Pro Sports Team: Boston Red Sox
• Favorite Athletes: Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, David Ortiz
• Most Famous Person I Ever Met: David Ortiz
• Childhood Idol: My poppa
• My Most Memorable Moment in Athletics: Playing Duke at Cameron on my 21st birthday on ESPNU
• Best Player I Ever Faced: J.J. Redick
• My Biggest Fear: Snakes, spiders
• Person I'd Like To Have Dinner With: Warren Buffet
• My Most Prized Possession: My family
• Place I'd Like to Visit: Italy
• Best Part About Living In Amherst: Being with my second family, bball team
• My First Memory of Basketball: My older sister scoring 15 against my best friend Johnny Gallagher's team in fouth grade.
• I Wear My Jersey Number Because: I needed a change from 23
• If I Didn't Play College Basketball I Would Play: Baseball
• Who Had the Greatest Impact on My Life: My dad and mom
• Best Advice From a Coach: You never know who's watching
• Most People Don't Know This But: I love country music and broadway musicals
• If I Had $1 Billion Dollars I Would: Give it to my family

• Wore jersey # 23 while with Terriers.
• Granted a release from BU to pursue other opportunities. (3/21/2006)

• Played in 17 games with the Terriers
• Did not play in the game at UMass (12/12)
• Scored 4.5 points per game
• Shot 44.6 from the floor (33-for-74) including 30 percent from the 3-point arc
• Grabbed 3.2 rebounds per game

• Saw action in all 29 games off the bench
• Avergaed almost 16 minutes per game and 3.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg
• In America East play, averaged 3.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg
• Had a breakout game vs. Maine (2/24) when he established career-highs with 12 points (5-7 FG), 3 steals and 2 blocks
• Added 4 rebounds vs. Black Bears in a personal-best 25 minutes
• Career-high 7 rebounds vs. Hartford (1/6) to go along with 4 points
• Against UMass (12/28), scored 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 15 minutes of playing time
• Career-high 4 assists at Boston College (12/11)
• Solid 5-6 from the line en route to 7 points, 4 boards, 3 blocks and 2 steals vs. Stony Brook (2/16)
• 7 points, 6 boards and 2 assists at Harvard (12/7)
• Last 4 games of regular season averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg on 11-18 (61.1%) shooting
• Hit a three-pointer in his first collegiate action vs. Holy Cross (11/20)
• Ended up with 3 points and 1 rebound in 11 minutes vs. Crusaders
• 6 rebounds in just 10 minutes in 3rd career game at Youngstown State (11/27)
• America East Tournament: 5 points and 3 rebounds off the bench in opening-round loss to Maine. Went 2-3 from the field and added a steal, as he was BU's most-effective reserve
• NIT: 2 points, 3 boards in 22 minutes at Georgetown, also had an assist, a block and a steal, despite 0-4 from the field

• Played a prep season at Northfield Mount Hermon, where he started all 26 games, averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 assists per contest
• Played high school ball at Somerset HS
• Helped turn a 2-20 Somerset team his junior year into a 21-4 Massachusetts Division 2 South Sectional Champion the next year
• The team advanced to the semifinals of the state tournament
• Averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds, 11 blocks and 7 assists per game during his senior season
• Was named Eastern Athletic Conference MVP as well as All-League
• Also earned BostonPreps.com Massachusetts Player of the Year honor
• Earned a spot on the Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic Teams his junior and senior seasons
• Named First Team All-State by Boston Prep Basketball
• Averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and 7 blocks per game as a junior, earning All-League accolades
• Set Somerset High School's all-time freshman scoring record
• It was broken two years later by his brother, Bud
• Earned the 2003 Dave Cowens Award as southeast Massachusetts' top senior student-athlete.

• Anthony Joseph Gaffney
• Born on November 14, 1984, in Boston, Mass
• Son of Jennifer and Tony Gaffney
• Majored in Sociology

July 2021: Gaffney reflects on his basketball career

Played in the 2013 NBA Summer League with the Utah Jazz.¹⁾

Joventut Badalona, Spain, 2012
Catching up with Gaffney (3/6/2013)
Signed with club in July 2012.²⁾
Club site: Wikipedia

Utah Jazz, NBA, 2012
Chosen to be on the team's summer league roster.

Telekom Baskets Bonn, Germany, 2010-12
Club sites: official, Wikipedia
Averaged 12.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game³⁾
All-Star weekend dunk contest highlights

Utah Flash, NBDL, 2011
Averaged 10.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in 35 regular-season games with Flash. Gaffney's D-League player page

Also played professionally in Turkey ⁴⁾

Boston Celtics, NBA, 2010
Released from club early in the 2010-11 pre-season (10/3/2010)
Played with the Celtics' summer league team, and participated in pre-season training camp along with former Minuteman Stephane Lasme.
Signed with the club on April 13, just before the end of the regular season. Was on bench with team throughout Boston's playoff run.
Tony Gaffney takes long road to short list as a Celtic (4/24/2010)

Hapoel Gilboa Galil Elyon, Israel Super League, 2009
Had a brief stint with the club after being released by the Lakers. Was released after he broke his foot during practice.

Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, 2009
Cut from the roster on 10/24/09.
Played in the pre-season. Appeared in 7 games, averaging 3.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks. Gaffney page on NBA.com
Though not chosen in the NBA Draft, participated on the Lakers' summer league team. Appeared in 4 games, starting in 2, averaging 3.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks.

Wikipedia - Tony Gaffney
Twitter - Tony Gaffney
UMass - Just Take a Minute Blog: Tony Gaffney