Friend Stephen Gertz, who covers the Colonials for SB Nation and is a scout at EV Hoops, took some time out to observe future RMU PG Matty McConnell play. McConnell is currently a senior at Chartiers Valley. Here is his assessment...
I don't make a habit of attending a lot of high school basketball games. Between scouting local college players and keeping up with trends in the NBA, there simply isn't a lot of time. With that said, I made an exception to see future Robert Morris Colonial Matty McConnell of Chartiers Valley earlier this week.
Going into the game, I had very high expectations. The local consensus is that he's best player in the WPIAL and carries a 30+ points per game average. Before I raise a few questions that McConnell will need to answer at Robert Morris, I want to highlight some of his strengths.
Strengths:
- A very high basketball IQ: the son of a head coach (Tim McConnell, Chartiers Valley) and the brother of a current Division I point guard (T.J. McConnell, Arizona). The game comes naturally to him, and he simply is a step or two ahead of players at the high school level.
- Consistent with release point and elevation on his jumper. During warm-ups, he practiced triples with a teammate contesting his attempts. The mechanics, release point, elevation, and speed of release on a player's jumper can change when contested. I am a big fan of players who take warm-ups seriously and put themselves in position to practice what they'll actually do in the game.
- An advanced understanding of high-screens: can dissect how a defense is going to play him and exploits it. If you show too early that you're going over the screen he'll use a nifty in-and-out crossover (either hand) to sell the use of the screen but instead drive to the basket. His opponent never intentionally went under the screen because of McConnell's ability to connect from beyond the arc.
- He actually uses the screen. This seems basic, but some players simply don't wait for a screen to be properly set before initiating.
- Changes his pace in conjunction with a variety of hesitation dribbles: can rock a defender to sleep with a hesitation crossover and explode in either direction. The key here is that he steps in the direction he wants his defender to go before crossing over; a key element that players neglect at times. He also effectively uses an in-and-out dribble-crossover in the lane to freeze opposing frontcourt players from providing help.
- Possesses above-average court vision: he consistently has his head up in transition and while breaking down his defender to find available players. He registered at least two assists upon securing a rebound or taking an immediate pass and finding a streaking player 50 feet away.
- Isn't a selfish player: probably finished the game with more assists than points. He looks to get the ball into the forecourt as quick as possible and where it makes sense. Showed an advanced ability to pass off the bounce and in traffic.
- A willing defender who doesn't mind guarding an opposing team's best player. I saw him apply heavy on-ball pressure, box out frontcourt players in the post and secure rebounds, and effectively defend players off the ball. The main thing I came away with on the defensive end is that he's mentally tough and loves to compete.
Questions[/B] Moving Forward:[/B]
[/B]
- How well will he play off the ball?
- How steep is the learning curve if the Colonials continue to play a 2-3 zone a majority of the time?
- Can he impact the game in reduced minutes?
Final Judgment:
McConnell is the type of player who can step on the court and contribute immediately. Perhaps more importantly, he has the mental toughness and maturity that he'll actually have the opportunity to play. He's used to being challenged and comes from an environment that demands attention to detail, especially on the defensive end. He's hometown is just 30 minutes away, and he'll have a strong support network to help keep him grounded and mentally engaged.
The pace of the game will be much faster and he won't have the vast advantage mentally as he did at the high school level. He isn't an overwhelming athlete, and it will be hard for him to get to the basket at will. With that said, his mental approach to the game will earn him plenty of opportunity to develop.
If you're an RMU fan, I'd be most excited about the fact that McConnell brings a professional approach to the game. There is absolutely no indication that he will violate team rules which will result in missed games. It's hard to envision a scenario that he won't play because he had a poor week of practice. The talent is there; the fact that he's mature enough to put himself in the best chance to showcase that is why he'll make a very good addition to the Robert Morris Colonials.
This post was edited on 2/13 4:06 PM by Chris Cappella
I don't make a habit of attending a lot of high school basketball games. Between scouting local college players and keeping up with trends in the NBA, there simply isn't a lot of time. With that said, I made an exception to see future Robert Morris Colonial Matty McConnell of Chartiers Valley earlier this week.
Going into the game, I had very high expectations. The local consensus is that he's best player in the WPIAL and carries a 30+ points per game average. Before I raise a few questions that McConnell will need to answer at Robert Morris, I want to highlight some of his strengths.
Strengths:
- A very high basketball IQ: the son of a head coach (Tim McConnell, Chartiers Valley) and the brother of a current Division I point guard (T.J. McConnell, Arizona). The game comes naturally to him, and he simply is a step or two ahead of players at the high school level.
- Consistent with release point and elevation on his jumper. During warm-ups, he practiced triples with a teammate contesting his attempts. The mechanics, release point, elevation, and speed of release on a player's jumper can change when contested. I am a big fan of players who take warm-ups seriously and put themselves in position to practice what they'll actually do in the game.
- An advanced understanding of high-screens: can dissect how a defense is going to play him and exploits it. If you show too early that you're going over the screen he'll use a nifty in-and-out crossover (either hand) to sell the use of the screen but instead drive to the basket. His opponent never intentionally went under the screen because of McConnell's ability to connect from beyond the arc.
- He actually uses the screen. This seems basic, but some players simply don't wait for a screen to be properly set before initiating.
- Changes his pace in conjunction with a variety of hesitation dribbles: can rock a defender to sleep with a hesitation crossover and explode in either direction. The key here is that he steps in the direction he wants his defender to go before crossing over; a key element that players neglect at times. He also effectively uses an in-and-out dribble-crossover in the lane to freeze opposing frontcourt players from providing help.
- Possesses above-average court vision: he consistently has his head up in transition and while breaking down his defender to find available players. He registered at least two assists upon securing a rebound or taking an immediate pass and finding a streaking player 50 feet away.
- Isn't a selfish player: probably finished the game with more assists than points. He looks to get the ball into the forecourt as quick as possible and where it makes sense. Showed an advanced ability to pass off the bounce and in traffic.
- A willing defender who doesn't mind guarding an opposing team's best player. I saw him apply heavy on-ball pressure, box out frontcourt players in the post and secure rebounds, and effectively defend players off the ball. The main thing I came away with on the defensive end is that he's mentally tough and loves to compete.
Questions[/B] Moving Forward:[/B]
[/B]
- How well will he play off the ball?
- How steep is the learning curve if the Colonials continue to play a 2-3 zone a majority of the time?
- Can he impact the game in reduced minutes?
Final Judgment:
McConnell is the type of player who can step on the court and contribute immediately. Perhaps more importantly, he has the mental toughness and maturity that he'll actually have the opportunity to play. He's used to being challenged and comes from an environment that demands attention to detail, especially on the defensive end. He's hometown is just 30 minutes away, and he'll have a strong support network to help keep him grounded and mentally engaged.
The pace of the game will be much faster and he won't have the vast advantage mentally as he did at the high school level. He isn't an overwhelming athlete, and it will be hard for him to get to the basket at will. With that said, his mental approach to the game will earn him plenty of opportunity to develop.
If you're an RMU fan, I'd be most excited about the fact that McConnell brings a professional approach to the game. There is absolutely no indication that he will violate team rules which will result in missed games. It's hard to envision a scenario that he won't play because he had a poor week of practice. The talent is there; the fact that he's mature enough to put himself in the best chance to showcase that is why he'll make a very good addition to the Robert Morris Colonials.
This post was edited on 2/13 4:06 PM by Chris Cappella
