Pro Looks Have Started For McCray – Wizards Up First
Ron Bailey, Publisher
June 10, 2006 – Former Maryland Terrapin guard Chris McCray wasn’t able to complete the final semester of a successful college career in which he averaged 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals a contest, while generally increasing his output in each category yearly (for instance, he averaged 3.1 points as s freshman, and 15.2 as a senior). Though McCray was disappointed in not being able to compete on the hardwood due to academic concerns, he has not allowed the setback to temper his desire to play pro ball, or his love of the game itself. In fact, it’s fueled his fire even more.
“Basically, it pushes me” said Chris during a recent phone interview of the motivation not finishing his college career strong provides. “When I am tired, I push myself to go that extra half hour”. Recently, those practices have taken place in Houston, TX under the tutelage a former Terp who distinguished himself professionally, John Lucas.
McCray, seen here against Texas A&M-CC. A shooting guard at Maryland, Chris broadened his game from that of strictly a shooter, to a combo guard capable of driving, shooting, and defending.
Those sessions have been beneficial to McCray, having worked out for the Washington Wizards in late May. “They flew me in on the 24th”, with the actual workout taking place a day later, he revealed.
“First they did all the testing (such as height, weight and reach)” recounted Chris. “Then we started shooting around, and stretching. From there, it was straight into the workout”.
Participating in the session with McCray was Georgetown’s Brandon Bowman, Robert Hite from Miami, Colorado Buffalo Chris Copeland, and Jeremy Richardson, of Delta State fame. According to Chris, Wizards’ personnel had the players perform “a lot of shooting drills, a lot of one on one, and two on two drills”. Afterward, the group ran a number of fast break drills and exercises meant to test and improve a player's explosiveness. Chris shared one of these included “touching the rim nine times, and dunking on the tenth”.
McCray felt the workout, in which he felt he performed “pretty well”, was indicative of what the pro game requires. “It’s different than college” opined Chris. When pressed to differentiate the two, he replied “It’s just the speed of the game” and athleticism of professional players.
While he believes the “two guard or combo guard” positions are where he could best compete professionally, this former Washington, DC area All-Met and scoring champion is not picky, and welcomes any challenge, saying “I’ll play in whatever system”. McCray then said, half jokingly, “I’ll play center if they have me to”.
Going forward, Chris will continue to explore all of his options, domestically and internationally. This week, that includes attending the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando, Florida.
One of his ex-Maryland mates, Nik Caner-Medley, is also competing in this event, in which NBA front office executives are evaluating a reported 62 players in anticipation of the league's June 28th draft. Both young men being there could be positive, as McCray revealed “I have a great relationship with those guys (his ex-teammates). We’re like brothers”. Knowing you have support can help in any endeavor.
We at i95Ballerz.com would like to join his family, his Terp brethren, and others in supporting Chris’ future endeavors. Check back for more updates.
Chris McCray, seen here at Maryland's Comcast Center, has embarked on his professional hoops career.