Jerel McNeal article..

[mu_hilltopper]

In case you missed it ..

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/exmu-star-mcneal-keeps-following-his-nba-dream-ak8gove-188309891.html?page=1

[augoman]

Nice article, thanks Topper.

[nycwarrior]

Nice article. I hope Jerel gets his shot at the league and then figures out what comes after basketball.

He's more of controversial figure on this board than he should be. When the chips were down, he was a fearsome competitor who played a huge role in legitimizing Marquette's entrance to the Big East.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Nice article. I hope Jerel gets his shot at the league and then figures out what comes after basketball.

He's more of controversial figure on this board than he should be. When the chips were down, he was a fearsome competitor who played a huge role in legitimizing Marquette's entrance to the Big East.

Yup.  He brought the chip on the shoulder attitude from day 1 that we needed heading into the BEast.  He was an integral part of building our national perception of tough-minded, excellent guard play.  We have not had trouble brining in high level guards/wings since he stepped foot on campus.

[MauraDay]

+ 1 on fearsome competitor

[tower912]

Jerel gave everything he had to MU basketball.     He had his flaws, like the rest of us, but no one could ever criticize his effort.

[MU82]

Way before I even knew this board existed, I had a love/hate relationship with Jerel. It sounds like I had plenty of company. Overall, he did a heck of a job for us.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

He's more of controversial figure on this board than he should be.

What is the controversy? He was a great player for us and I can't think of a bad word to say about the kid.

[Sir Lawrence]

What is the controversy? He was a great player for us and I can't think of a bad word to say about the kid.

He was a bit controversial coming out of the BE Tournament his senior year.

An example:  http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=13651.0

[GGGG]

What is the controversy? He was a great player for us and I can't think of a bad word to say about the kid.

Really?

I just thought he was overrated, especially on the defensive end.  Took way too many chances for my taste.   Dude could score though....although a bit of a ball stopper.

[MUMBA]

I recall reading that he made practice sessions ultra-competitive because he refused to be outperformed in even a basic drill.  Open gyms were the same deal.  That always stuck with me, and I think it's at the root of the toughness we see on the floor today.

His senior year, Rick Majerus was interviewed on WFAN in NY during the Big East tournament.  Told a great story about seeing Jerel in high school, and never thinking he would be better than average.  Rick conceded that he was wrong, and he underestimated how hard the kid would work on his shot, etc etc. 

[NCMUFan]

Really?

I just thought he was overrated, especially on the defensive end.  Took way too many chances for my taste.   Dude could score though....although a bit of a ball stopper.

I believe Jerel was on the all-Big East defensive team a couple of years and his WIKI says Big East defensive player of the year his sophmore year. 

[RJax55]

I believe Jerel was on the all-Big East defensive team a couple of years and his WIKI says Big East defensive player of the year his sophmore year. 

Yes, Jerel was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year his sophomore season. However, IMO he regressed defensively his last two seasons. Too much gambling, not playing fundamentally sound defense. He lived off the reputation he gained from the award. By the time his senior year rolled around, DJ had surpassed him as the team's best defender.

With that said, Jerel really improved his offensive game at MU, especially his senior year. I thought he was hurt the most by DJ's injury, as it greatly increased his role to created for others. When playing with DJ that year, you could make a strong case that Jerel was the best scoring two-guard in the nation.

[JoBo2756]

He's still my favorite player. He played so tough and was an excellent defender. He usually led the conference in steals (or was close to the top).

[flash]

Jerel was a beast at MU, all time leading scorer, Big East defensive player of the year honors, unfortunately injuries prevented him from making any serious noise in the tourney (his broken wrist sophomore year, and DJ's foot injury his senior year) I don't consider him overrated at all.  All things considered, with his credentials, I consider him a top 7 MU player of all time.  I hope an NBA team takes a chance on him. 

[Bling]

I'd put him in my Top 5 no doubt about it.  Big East Player of the Year is pretty huge.  He was a train wreck at times in the open court though - How many offensive fouls was he called for after running people over? 100?  Still, however, he was a silky smooth straight up BALLER that joins Mr. D.Wade, Dominic James, Travis Diener, and Scott Merritt in my Top 5 MU Players of All Time.  That's right.

[flash]

I'd put him in my Top 5 no doubt about it.  Big East Player of the Year is pretty huge.  He was a train wreck at times in the open court though - How many offensive fouls was he called for after running people over? 100?  Still, however, he was a silky smooth straight up BALLER that joins Mr. D.Wade, Dominic James, Travis Diener, and Scott Merritt in my Top 5 MU Players of All Time.  That's right.

Scott Merrit?? how many moving screens was he called for in his career? 1000??

[mug644]

I'd put him in my Top 5 no doubt about it.  Big East Player of the Year is pretty huge.  He was a train wreck at times in the open court though - How many offensive fouls was he called for after running people over? 100?  Still, however, he was a silky smooth straight up BALLER that joins Mr. D.Wade, Dominic James, Travis Diener, and Scott Merritt in my Top 5 MU Players of All Time.  That's right.

All I can say is that you must be quite young if that's your top 5 MU players of all time.

[GGGG]

I believe Jerel was on the all-Big East defensive team a couple of years and his WIKI says Big East defensive player of the year his sophmore year. 

Hype based on stats that don't tell the full story.  IOW, "steals" oftentimes means taking too many chances and that IMO is what McNeal did.

[Goose]

I hope the kid knocks out of the park and makes a ton playing ball. That said, he was very good college player but in top 20 of all time players IMO. Very glad he came here and enjoyed watching him for the most part. If anyone thinks they he is one of our all time players I think either is young or has different grading scale than I do.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I hope the kid knocks out of the park and makes a ton playing ball. That said, he was very good college player but in top 20 of all time players IMO. Very glad he came here and enjoyed watching him for the most part. If anyone thinks they he is one of our all time players I think either is young or has different grading scale than I do.

# 12 all time according to Pudner (Bama)

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2012/08/calling-pudner-bama.html?m=1

[GGGG]

# 12 all time according to Pudner (Bama)

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2012/08/calling-pudner-bama.html?m=1

Yeah...that's about where I would have him too.  Good job by Bama.

[Goose]

I respect Bama's work big time and glad it is out there to be discussed. But, if Jae is over Earl Tatum in overall rankings I am shocked. Tatum was one of the most gifted basketball players ever to wear a jersey and was pure joy to watch. I realize times and the game change but give me Earl Tatum and Lloyd Walton anyday. Hopefully everyone agrees that Wade was the greatest talent ever to play at MU.

[JMcSteal]

Like him so much I made my name after him.