While his game isn't flawless, McNeal is best equipped to reach the next basketball level in my opinion. His play over the last 6 games undoubtedly proves he has what it takes, particularly with another season in college basketball left to improve and season his game.
I think he would have to play point in the NBA which will be problematic. He would have to ma better decisions, distribute better, and handle ball better. He is fearless, plays great D, and alway finds a way to score.
I hope you are right. I would take him.
For those who remember Paul Pressey, do you see a similarity in their games?
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 24, 2008, 10:13:36 PM
For those who remember Paul Pressey, do you see a similarity in their games?
Maybe. But Pressey played in the 1980's until like '91 or '92. The NBA is a lot different now...that was almost 20 years ago. I think Jerel can make it, but he needs to become a better outside shooter and get a batter handle on the ball. Decision making also has to improve.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 24, 2008, 10:13:36 PM
For those who remember Paul Pressey, do you see a similarity in their games?
There are some similarities in that, like McNeal, Pressey was a real good penetrator and solid defender. However, Pressey was 3-4 inches taller than Jerel and was very long-armed, which allowed him to play a bit taller than his height. Pressey also was a better passer.
I do agree that Jerel could find his way on an NBA roster, but I don't see him getting much PT in "The League."
Bill Simmons made an interesting point regarding Curry from Davidson and I think it applies to McNeal as well. He suggested that a team with a big point guard should draft Curry and let him play the 2 on offense and guard the PG on D. Same situation could work for McNeal except that Curry has a much better outside shot at this point and McNeal is a streak scorer who is best when he gets into a rhythm offensively. He will not have that luxury in the NBA.
I am a life long Piston fan and would love to see McNeal on that Detroit team. To me, he is the classic Bad Boy that would be a great asset off the bench. Of course, I am not biased at all.
He will either ride the bench for many years as an energy guy or will improve his outside shot and have a chance to be a mediocore to above average starter
He must improve his mid-range/3pt shooting to even get a sniff from Da League. Too short for the 2.
Who knows? I never thought Travis would be getting 20+ mpg in his third year. I loved TD, but I didn't see him lasting too long in the NBA. Jerel has a tremendous work ethic, great intangibles and a will to win. Seems like some team will give him a shot to play.
You can't really compare Travis Diener and Jerel McNeal. They're completely different players.
Diener is a pure PG. It is all he is asked to do in the NBA because, at that level, it's all he can do. He can't really guard anyone, and that is part of the reason his team gives up almost 106 ppg. As we all know, Diener can shoot the ball. From anywhere. He doesn't get a lot of looks in the NBA, but he can fill it up when he has to.
McNeal is an entirely different ballplayer. He is only big enough to play the 1 in the NBA, but doesn't really have the skills to do so. Want the ball to disappear? Give it to Jerel. He is a player who looks to be aggressive with the ball and put it in the basket. He is a better defender than Diener, but he will not be able to guard an NBA 2 man-to-man. He can survive guarding bigger players in college because he is more athletic than them. That will not be the case in the NBA.
Jerel needs to work on his shot and his assist/TO ratio to be someone that can stick on an NBA roster. He is the prototypical "tweener". He doesn't have a position on an NBA team, but I believe with some work in the offseason, and a senior year where he plays like he like he did his last 6 this season, he has a chance to go in the 2nd round.
Jerel makes it to the show after going to Europe for a couple of years and learning how to run the point, a la Charlie Bell. Right now, he is a 6'3" shooting guard who is a slasher, not a shooter. I love him to death, but I need to see a list of 6'3" shooting guards without a consistent jump shot in the NBA right now before I believe he goes straight from MU to the NBA.
Here is some insight on McNeal from NBA draftexpress.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jerel-McNeal-1161/
Here is a mock draft for 2009 from NBA draftexpress. They got both James and McNeal going at the beginning of the 2nd round.
http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2009/
i agree jerel is a tweener and does not have a PG's abilities although he is an NBA pg size wise. I do however completely disagree with the opinion that he cannot defend an NBA 2 guard. He has the strength, length and quickness to guard a 2 in the league. i also beleive that if he continues to improve his shot that his other strentghs including so many intangibles that he could play, and i mean play, in the league
McNeal is more NBA ready than DJ.
Though I think McNeal is undersized for the NBA 2 spot, he can definitely be a great energy guy from the bench!