Over the last month, Indiana has been tracking Indian Hills C.C. (IA) forward Jameel McKay closely and the Hoosiers offered a scholarship to the JUCO All-American after a workout last week. It was Indiana’s second trip to watch McKay in less than a week.
Inside the Hall talked at length with McKay about his interest in the IU program, his thoughts on Tom Crean, his evolving game, his recruitment and much more:
On what Indiana believes he can bring to the program:
“Right now they’re interested in me coming in and playing right away. Bringing the same type of game play that I bring right now to my team and help bring another banner to the program.”
On his familiarity with Crean from his time at Marquette and how that factors in to his interest:
“It’s a big factor. When I was younger, I used to go to a lot of Marquette games. I know the way he lets his players play. I watched Indiana a couple of times this year, like four or five times, and I liked the players they had and the way he let the players play. He helps make players their best.”
On how he viewed the resurgence of the Indiana program this past season:
“He [Coach Crean] had to have a good vision. Because he left Marquette at a point where Marquette was really good. They had some good players returning. It just takes a process when you’re trying to start over with a new program. He got players to listen and got some of the players he wanted. This year he’s got one of the top recruiting classes coming in so Indiana’s back.”
On the strengths of his game:
“My strength is when I’m facing up with the ball. I can play multiple positions and I bring a lot of energy to the game. I’m very versatile and can score in different ways. I’m a very good offensive rebounder. I got a nose for where the ball is going to go off of rebounds.”
On what makes a great offensive rebounder:
“As long as you go [to the glass], you’re going to get rebounds. As long as you go. Everybody doesn’t go. It’s so hard to keep a box out and keep a body on somebody at all times. I figure if I just go, I can get a lot [of rebounds]. A lot of times I just go with my length.”
On areas of improvement for his game:
“Last year I guarded every position on the court. It was mostly point guards because I was on top of the press. I think that’s why a lot of schools like me because I can guard multiple positions. This year I played well against point guards. I want to get my off-the-ball defense a lot better and my on-the-ball defense a lot better. I’m still developing that. And just getting stronger. This past year the biggest difference for me was strength. I still had a good year, but I’ve just gotta get stronger. I know if I get stronger, the game will become a lot easier.”
Friday marked the first opportunity of the spring for college coaches to watch AAU events and Indiana had a presence across the country with staff in Merrillville, Minneapolis and Las Vegas.
As one of just three freshman to be named as a first team NJCAA All-American selection this past season, Indian Hills Community College forward Jameel McKay has established himself as a recruiting priority for several high major programs.
As the Indiana coaching staff continues to recruit for the 2013 class — which could end up with a total of five signees — an emphasis on back court help may be coming to the forefront.
Aaron Brennan burst onto the recruiting radar of several Big Ten programs as a sophomore by averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots for Class 3A state champion Guerin Catholic.
