[Rosiak's Blog] Update on McNeal

[ToddRosiakSays]

Update on McNeal

Written by: Todd Rosiak


Although he's still awaiting word on an invitation to the Orlando pre-draft camp, Jerel McNeal is already generating some interest from National Basketball Association teams.

The senior-to-be scheduled his first two workouts this week, with the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers during the second weekend in June.

Denver's interest is intriguing in that it has just one pick in the draft as of now, the 20th pick in the first round. McNeal will be working out with Kansas' Mario Chalmers and North Carolina's Ty Lawson -- two high-profile point guards.

Portland, meanwhile, has four picks overall, including three in the second round. The Blazers are likely searching hard for guard prospects their lack of overall depth and talent at the position aside from All-Star Brandon Roy.

McNeal will be working out in Portland with Tennessee-Martin guard Lester Hudson.



http://blogs.jsonline.com/muhoops/archive/2008/05/16/update-on-mcneal.aspx

[spartan3186]

Wow... working out with Denver thats incredible... is Denver planning on trading down or do they legitamately see McNeal as a first round pick?

[HarveysWallbangers]

I wouldn't read into the Denver workout. They probably want to see how those first rounders can play against a great defender. They can't possibly be considering Jerel at #20. Don't forget, Cordell Henry had workouts for NBA teams with Yao Ming. And nobody was considering taking Cordell #1 overall.

The Portland thing is interesting. I hope he stays, but would be thrilled for him if he got drafted.

[Murffieus]

Why not McNeal at #20----he's as good as Rondo was coming out of U of K and Rondo went #22. In fact McNeal in his last 6 games played better than Rondo in 2005-06.

Same type of players, BTW.

[muhoops1]

Don't you think Rondo is a little better with the ball right now than Jerel?  I would say Jerel has the edge in strength and the ability to absorb contact, but he is still way too careless with the ball.  He needs to be on the receiving end of passes at this point.

[Murffieus]

Yes, i think after two NBA seasons that Rondo is better RIGHT NOW than McNeal, but by an apples to apples comparison with Rondo back in 2006, it's a horse race------with McNeal seemingly the better of the two-----look up Rondo's numbers at UK and compare.

[Niv Berkowitz]

IF McNeal were to go pro, it would decimate this team in short and long term, I think.

[BrewCity83]

IF McNeal were to go pro, it would decimate this team in short and long term, I think.

Short term...absolutely.

Long term...yes, but MU would get some benefit from getting another Warrior to the NBA.  Hopefully Jerel would direct this positive toward the school and Buzz and not to his former head coach (who would no doubt take full credit).   

[mviale]

Denver is a strong defensive team - why would they want Mcsteal?

[RawdogDX]

Denver is a strong defensive team - why would they want Mcsteal?

That was a joke right?

[mviale]

sorry - what is the muscoop sign for sarcasm

[77ncaachamps]

sorry - what is the muscoop sign for sarcasm

The use of TEAL.

IMHO, Jerel might be getting a sniff from Denver as a possible late round signing: less money, but more player for the money.

I agree with the Aaron and Yao situation comparison. Sometimes they mix it up with other draftees and projected non-draftees to see how players would react.

I'd love to see him in an NBA uni but I want him back too! 

[mu_hilltopper]

Please stop using teal for sarcasm.  Half get it, half do not, and it leads to misunderstanding, especially with new people.