McClinton continues to impress NBA scouts

CORAL GABLES _ On Thursday, former UM guard Jack McClinton was in a familiar place.

He was heading to shoot jumpers on campus. This scene has been a constant the last four years. The reward is expected to come when McClinton hears his name called during the NBA Draft June 25. After having some doubters, McClinton has been impressive while working out for several NBA teams.

"Things are going really well," McClinton said. "You only get one chance to go in there and show these people what you got. You have to make the best of it."

So far, McClinton has visited Oklahoma City, Houston, San Antonio, Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago. He lists Houston as his only sub-par workout, but likely made up for that with a strong showing at last month's Pre-Draft Camp in Chicago. McClinton performed well enough to earn workouts with two more teams, Cleveland and Phoenix.

McClinton said it doesn't matter where he lands as long as he hears his name called while watching the Draft with family.

"I'm hearing a lot of late-first (round) or early-second," McClinton said. "And early-second to mid-second. Basically, it's anywhere from No. 22 to 60. If I'm not taken in the first round, I wouldn't say it would be disappointing. I've worked so hard. Even if you're in the second round, you can still work and get a spot. I love to work. I'll do what I got to do to get there."

The biggest question is what position McClinton will play. At 6-2, he played mostly shooting guard for the Hurricanes. He will likely shift to the point in the NBA. Ball-handling and play-making ability are both concerns, but McClinton refuses to worry.

"I get this question a lot," McClinton said. "I look at myself as a guard. If you think about the NBA, there's only about six or seven great point guards. You got Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Jason Kidd and Chauncey Billups. But all the rest are guys who just don't get rattled bringing the ball up the court. They get the team in the offense and they cut through and knock down the open shot if possible. There's not too many guys who are out there creating."



(sun-sentinel.com)