Power Forward=Xavier's three headed monster

[muskieman]

McLean, Brown and CJ. We all know Brown and CJ's ability and we have seen Brown's ability increase over his first year but what do we have in McLean?

His high school career was not really that great until he played in the AAU between his Jr and Sr year. His scouting report read like this: "McLean (6'8 225 lbs), when given the time was very efficient for the BWSL squad. The first thing noticed was his ability to box out opposing players down low and snare rebounds at high rate. Whether it was against backups or starters McLean held his own. he still needs to be a little more selective when it comes to blocking shots but he got a fair share of the ones he went after. On the offensive end McLean showed some good footwork and nice moves inside with his back to the basket for some nice buckets. He established good position down low and kept his defenders on his back until he decided what he wanted to do with it."

As a senior in High school he receive looks from high majors schools (BC, Pitt, UVa) but chose Tulsa. His first year there he averaged 6.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and a team-high 1.1 blocks per game and demonstrated great athletic ability around the rim. He played in all 31 games and his rebound totals were second best on the team. He also led the Golden Hurricane in blocked shots. McLean's best game came in that February contest, when he had 16 points, eight rebounds and four blocks against Memphis. He also had a 14-point outing at Arkansas and ended his TU career with a 13-point, 11-rebound performance against Tulane in the C-USA Tournament.

Some say he can jump out of the gym and he did beat Brown in the slam dunk contest. Why did he leave after a promising start? It is reported that he wanted to play at a school with a higher profile. What did he do this past year while sitting out. McLean used the year to add muscle. he now is around 240, an increase of 14 pounds from when he arrived at Xavier. he found out what the coaches wanted from them and then spend the season working on them. he looks to be a type garbage player that gets the put backs and because he can finish around the rim. He is a taller version of CJ and finishes a bit better.


With Kenny, Love at the post and the power forward spot occupied by or three headed monster the inside game looks very promising. Sure Kenny is unknown to D-I ball but he is a top prospect and doesn't have to be the man coming into the season.

[Mr. Neutral]

I don't see C.J. playing much PF next year, anymore than he did this year, if not less. With the long, athletic Brown and the more physical McLean, I think the PF spot is pretty much spoken for.

Certainly, C.J. could get some minutes at the PF with certain matchup situations, but on a regular basis, I'd be surprised to see him at the 4 spot.

[muskieman]

You might be right but CJ has the opposite inclnation of Duncan. While Josh drifted to the outside CJ drifts to the inside for a SF. Why because his strength is around the rim. Xavier coaches like players that can play more than 1 or 2 positions. I think the two main 4 players are Brown and McLean but I bet if they don't rebound or play D in a game others will be used there. I just see it as a 3 man position. 15 fouls and ten more from the center position

[wkrq59]

If Sean continues his practices of the past, all five front line players, Frease, Love, Derrick, CJ and McLean will see time at both positions. For the first timein ages, xavier may employ a successful full-court trapping zone press, with Love and Frease the goaltenders.
What's with the Taylor kid? Is he strictly a three or a big two?
At least there is no talk of redshirting Frease.