T.J. McConnell told a group of Sean Miller Camp participants Wednesday that he wouldnโt be speaking to them about playing in the NBA if it werenโt for Sean Miller.
He also wouldnโt have been as motivated to visit at all if not for Miller.
Unable to come during last summerโs Miller camp, McConnell said it was a โno brainerโ to make the effort this year to see his college coach and talk to the campers. He brought a Sixers player development coach with him to work him out on Tuesday and Wednesday, visited with some old friends and acquaintances, while also speaking to the participants on Wednesday.
We had a special visitor at Sean Miller Basketball Camp as @TJMcConnell delivered an important message to everyone. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/iPBbKrTiOF
— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) June 13, 2018
McConnellโs return to Tucson came just as the Sixers opted to pick up the final year of his four-year contract. That means heโll get paid $1.6 million next season, more proof that he belongs in the NBA โ even though he isnโt taking it for granted.
โItโs obviously great that they picked up my option but I play with a chip on my shoulder no matter what,โ McConnell said after his talk. โNothingโs guaranteed in the NBA, so Iโm never going to walk in there and act like Iโve arrived. Itโs a thing for me just playing as hard as I can all the tie and continuing to just stay the course.โ
Already during his three years with the Sixers, McConnell has been given constant reminders that things do change. He started one game as a rookie during the Sixersโ 10-win season in 2015-16, then started 51 games as a second year player โ before going back to a reserve role much of last season (but bringing the Sixers to life during a playoff start against against Boston).
He rolled with it.
โThe NBA is all about a league of change,โ McConnell said. โYou have to adapt to it and the people who adapt to it the best survive, unless youโre a star player. I kind of just try to do whatever the coaching staff needs me to do as long as I can get out on the court, and just try to make a difference.โ
Rawle Alkins saidย he was greeted with โbear downsโ when working out for the Lakers on Wednesday because of the obvious connections on the L.A. coaching staff.
Was surrounded by a couple familiar faces today... ๐คBEARDOWN ARIZONA !! ๐ฅ๐๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฟ๐ #SAVAGELIFE pic.twitter.com/PdQ14vOuH6
— Rawle Alkins (@Iam_RawleAlkins) June 13, 2018
It's been another busy week for Alkins, who already worked out for the Warriors on Tuesday and said heโs heading next to Dallas, with two others possible before the draft. He reportedly is gaining increased interest as the draft approaches.
