Mizzou Excited About McKinney

Missouri head basketball coach Quin Snyder couldn't hold down his excitement about one of his recruits for the 2002-2003 season. "Jimmy McKinney is going to be a great player for us," the Mizzou leader said yesterday at the ABCD camp. "We can't wait for him to play for us this season."

One can't blame Snyder for being particularly high on McKinney. McKinney, a 6-4 combo guard from Vashon High School in Missouri, signed his letter of intent last Fall so Snyder can talk about him on the record.

McKinney is a strong, athletic guard who is a much better passer than he is given credit for. McKinney is also excellent in transition. He can score by taking the ball to the basket. He is a good shooter. His shot has improved over the past season and it appears he is ready to be in position to have a great freshman year.

Several other schools like Tennessee, Minnesota, Louisville, and Illinois had expressed interest in McKinney during his recruiting process. McKinney had committed verbally last June to Missouri before many schools could take a real good look at him. Missouri appears to have made the right move by taking the early commitment and then signing the talented guard.

McKinney likes to push the ball up court. And he has no fear in taking it to the basket. He will create inside opportunities as well for the Missouri big men with his ability to challenge bigger bodies inside.

When McKinney makes a move inside to challenge an opposing defense, his presense must be observed and stopped. This will allow open spaces for the inside threats of Missouri to get free.