T.J. McConnell's Career At Arizona May Be Over, But The Next Level Is An Option
By Danny Cox
Name: T.J. McConnell #4
University: Arizona
Year: Senior
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Position: Guard
T.J. McConnell was in tears and hugging Arizona head coach Sean Miller as the Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Wildcats 85-78 in the Elite 8 of the 2015 NCAA Tournament. It was a familiar scene for many reasons, and mostly because it was Wisconsin who knocked Arizona out of the Elite 8 last year as well.
The big difference this year is that senior point guard T.J. McConnell won't be returning next season as he's a senior now and the man who put "point guard" back into Point Guard U. He transferred to Arizona after spending a season at Duquesne, and had to wait a year to play, but the Wildcats know that wait was worth it.
McConnell's numbers as a senior weren't the greatest of his collegiate career, but that was of no matter. His worth brought so much more to Arizona and his leadership guided them straight into the Elite 8 and an overall 34-8 record for the season.
As a senior, McConnell averages over 30 minutes per game while scoring 10.4 points, grabbing 3.8 rebounds, and dishing out 6.3 assists per game to lead the team. Let's not forget that he averaged 2.2 steals per game to lead the team and shot 83 percent from the free throw stripe.
In his first season with Arizona, he averaged more minutes per game, but his numbers were down overall. McConnell had 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Sure, his numbers were lower, but the Wildcats truly knew that his best was yet to come.
During his time at Duquesne, McConnell excelled and already had shown that he was going to be a force no matter where he played. He earned Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year honors in 2011, and then went on to a spot on the A-10 All-Defensive Team for his sophomore season in 2012.
Not too shabby for the Pennsylvania Class 3A Player of the Year when he was a team captain his senior year at Chartiers Valley High School. During his senior year in high school, McConnell averaged 34.2 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists to average almost a triple-double per game.
The two-year starter must now say goodbye to his time at Arizona and there were many times that McConnell was looked at as a potential Pac-12 Player of the Year. Even though he never got to the Final Four or the NCAA Championship game, McConnell let it be known after the loss to Wisconsin that he wasn't just doing it for himself.
"I've said this like 600 times, but he's like my dad and I'm going to miss playing for him (Coach Sean Miller). It sucks. I wanted to get him and this team to the Final Four," McConnell said. "He's made me a better man, and I'm going to miss him for that."
Now, many wonder where T.J. McConnell will go and what he will do. The NBA is not out of the question and that's even more true as comparisons to John Stockton and Steve Nash continue to be thrown around. His time as a Wildcat may be over, but McConnell's playing career certainly doesn't have to be.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
