Jameel McKay, Senior, Iowa State, Forward, 6’9, 225
(2014-15, 27.2 mpg) 11.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 0.8 spg, 1.2 tpg, 2.4 bpg
58.3 FG%, 59.8 FT%, 59.6 TS%, 58.3 eFG%
19.4 USG%, 11.9 OREB%, 19.2 DREB%, 15.7 TRB%, 8.7 BLK%
DOB: 9/14/1992 (23) Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2015 Third Team All-Big 12
2015 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season
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Once McKay became eligible in December last season, sitting out after transferring from Marquette, Iowa State finally had the defensive presence that it had lacked in Fred Hoiberg’s tenure as coach. Athletic and long, he has a 7’4 wingspan, McKay is the perfect big man for a team that loves to push the tempo and get up quick shots. What stands out more is that he averaged 11 points per game without really having a defined role in the quick-hitting offense. McKay does most of his damage as a basket cutter off of penetration, or by hitting the offensive boards, using his length to keep possessions alive. McKay has good hands and is able to catch passes up high around the rim and finish strong. While McKay doesn’t play much as a traditional low post player on offense, he has shown the ability to make some back-to-the-basket moves, usually involving him setting up on the left block and dribbling with his right hand into the lane. McKay may not look particularly strong with his build, but he has the ability to finish through contact around the basket. He has also shown the ability to attack the basket from the perimeter, usually from 10 feet in or so. McKay is quick and has above-average footwork, often making him a tough cover for the normal power forward/center. McKay can be a good screener on the perimeter, and when he does look to open up, he has the agility and hands to be a good option as a “roll” man in the pick-and-roll, or using his quickness to slip the screen and get to the rim. He is a good rebounder on both ends of the floor, tracking balls well and going strong after the missed shots. Defensively, McKay may not have the body to defend the low post against bigger players, but he uses his advantage, his long arms, to try and make any passes into the post difficult. McKay has very good footwork on the defensive end, and that extends out to the perimeter as well, where his length can disrupt passing lanes or perimeter shots. He is a very good help defender and shot blocker around the basket, and he does a good job getting into position quickly to challenge shots around the rim. McKay also does a good job hedging out in pick-and-roll situations, sealing off the ballhandler and recovering to his man quickly. He runs the floor well for his size, with the ability to get out in front of the defense to score on the break, and a threat to get back in transition defense quick enough to challenge what seem to be wide-open shots.
What he needs to show this season: McKay did a very good job playing at the Division I level for the first time last season, but he was often able to get by just on his athletic ability. This year is about adding to his skill-set. Now, I’m not sure how much different the Iowa State offense will look under new coach Steve Prohm, but there needs to be a way to let McKay become more a part of the offense. The basket cuts and offensive rebounds will still be there, but if McKay can improve his ballhandling, especially being able to change directions, he should have a speed advantage against most college power forwards or centers. McKay hasn’t shown much as a perimeter shooter, and while it will be important for him to at least show some consistency from mid-range at the next level, the chances may not be there for him this year. But, he can work on his shooting form when he gets to the free throw line, especially with how often he gets there. Last season, McKay has a remarkable 78.6 free throw rate, but was only able to convert about 60 percent from the line, leaving a lot of points out there. The individual parts of McKay’s shooting mechanics are decent, but he has to find some consistency and smoothness in his motion into the release. On defense, McKay is very good, but added strength will help him in a lot of areas, especially defending the post and rebounding.
Where he fits at the next level: McKay is an interesting prospect based on his length, athleticism, and defensive ability, all things coveted at the NBA level right now. Add to that his ability to hit the offensive boards and score efficiently around the basket, and many of the key ingredients are there for McKay to find a place in the league. He does need to get stronger, and the offensive skill-set is a work-in-progress, but progress in his senior year will assure that he gets a lot of looks heading into next June.
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