T.J. McConnell On Making NBA Roster
PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan) - Chartiers Valley grad T.J. McConnell made the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers opening night roster as an undrafted rookie out of Arizona. He told Bob Pompeani that he worked hard to prove the doubters wrong.
"I kind of knew I wasn't going to get drafted, I was just being realistic with myself," McConnell said. "My mindset was I really had nothing to lose, I just had to go out there and play hard and show that I can run a team, and I thought I did a good job of that."
McConnell said that he will remember his debut, in Boston against the Celtics, for the rest of his life.
"It was just incredible. Unfortunately we lost, and I got burned quite a few times on defense," McConnell said. "But it was just a great experience, and I'm just trying to do whatever it takes to stay on this team and help our team win."
McConnell played 28 minutes in his debut, followed by 26 minutes in his second game versus Utah. Did he expect to play so much so quickly?
"To be honest, no," McConnell said. "I'm just trying to do whatever it takes, going out there and running the team, getting people shots like I've always done and just helping us out. We have two point guards down, so it's a great opportunity for me, and just trying to take advantage of it."