McKines working in the books

No one ever said Wendell McKines would mail it in on the hardwood. In fact, there are few players in the country that get the most out of their effort than the 6-foot-5, 223-pound power forward from Richmond (Calif.) High School.

Now the three-star prospect is challenging his blue collar, non-stop approach in the books. McKines said he has put his recruitment on hold as he takes hold of his academic situation.

"I'm going harder in the classroom than I do on the court," McKines said. "I'm trying to get my core done and improved now so I don't have to go to a prep school. I don't want to do that.

"A couple of schools want to wait until after this first semester just to see how I'm doing academically and whether or not I'm going to qualify. I understand that. That is just part of their job. It's a business. They want to make sure they are recruiting a guy that can get into college. I'm going to do my part now in the classroom so I can do that."

McKines wants to play in college sooner than later. And there are a couple of schools that want him to play sooner than later, too. McKines said Seton Hall is coming out to see him in the next couple of weeks and the Big East school is trying to set up an official visit.

He added the UTEP, San Francisco (offer), UNLV, San Diego State and Nebraska are also in the mix.

"A lot of them seem anxious to offer but they are also waiting on me," McKines said in reference to his academics.

With the season less than a month away, McKines said he is looking forward to mixing hitting the hardwood for his senior season. Paired with Eli Holman, an Indiana commitment, the duo makes one of the top threats inside in California.

"We've never played a full year together before," McKines said. "So this year we want to go all out and bring it. We're motivated."

By the sound of it, McKines is motivated for a number of things this season.