I spoke with Wendell McKines on Tuesday, ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft. McKines is focusing on the NBA Summer Leagues in July.
McKines worked out with the Warriors twice, Cleveland, Phoenix and the Kings while his agent pushed for McKines' landing with a team in the summer, not only for hopes of landing with a NBA team but garnering interest from teams in Europe.
McKines said two themes came out of each workout and anyone who watched his career at NMSU wouldn't be shocked. His energy level and heart were strengths and his lack of a consistent jumper and size were obstacles.
McKines will make money playing basketball somewhere. I hope he lands in the NBA, but I don't see him getting drafted on Thursday. Every NBA team has a guy like McKines on the roster and his ability as a rebounder is a specialty that makes him intriguing, especially after watching him do it in the All Star game and averaging 18 and 10 at the Portsmouth Invite against good competition.
In the five years I've covered the Aggies, I believe McKines to be the most well prepared to go to one of the better leagues in Europe initially. Billy Keys, Justin Hawkins, Jonathan Gibson, Jahmar Young and Troy Gillenwater have all enjoyed success in Europe, but I think McKines' college resume and skill set will earn him a nice living.
3 comments:
Nice update Jason.
It would be interesting to know where those others have landed in Europe.
Any idea?
nice work,
Patrick
Patrick,
Could be wrong but here is what I know;
Justin Hawkins most recently played in Finland for ToPo and has also played in France and Belarus.
JY most recently played in Latvia for Ventspils and has played in Belgium and Serbia.
Troy most recently played in Israel for the BC Habikaa and has played in Cyprus.
Jonathan Gibson most recently played in Italy for Enel Brindisi and has also played in Turkey and Israel.
Billy Keys has played with a ton of teams since he last played for the Aggies in 2000. He most recently played in Greece for Panionions.
Jesus
thanks for the update Jesus, it's great to hear these guys are able to continue their basketball careers in one way or another. Looks like Wendall will join the list and head to France.
peace
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