Marcus Keene looks to impress Brooklyn Nets: ‘I have that underdog mentality’

Marcus Keene is currently participating in Brooklyn Nets mini-camp. After spending a year in Italy, the former Division I scoring leader attempts to make his NBA dream a reality.

Marcus Keene stands at 5’9″. His only offer out of high school was Youngstown State, where he went on to continue his education and play for two seasons. The underdog mentality is something he has always embraced.

After a season of averaging 15.6 points per game at Youngstown State, he transferred to Central Michigan, a more notable basketball program, to showcase his skills. When he got there, he had to follow NCAA protocol (sitting out one year upon transferring schools). During the year off was when he was able to establish himself.

Keene recalls out-dueling the starters in practice. “I showed coach Keno [Davis] what I could do against his starters in practice,” he said. He wasn’t exaggerating.

The next very season, Keene went on to lead the NCAA in scoring at 30 points per game. Keno Davis, Central Michigan’s head coach, gave him the power to do what he always knew he could.

"“Coach Keno gave me the keys, I will always be thankful for him.”"

Upon leaving Central Michigan, he wasn’t courted by NBA teams, going un-drafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. Though he eventually signed with the Washington Wizards for NBA Summer League, that still did not lead to an NBA contract.

Keeping his options open, Keene went to overseas play in Italy this past season. He called the experience a “culture shock,” but thinks playing there made him a better person and player.

"“I learned on my own being with only one other American,” he said. “The style of play was different, and it helped my game physically and mentally.”"

Fast-forwarding to present day, he’s attending the Brooklyn Nets‘ mini-camp for a chance to earn a spot with the team during Summer League. The first day was mainly testing agility, height and wingspan — all the things one would find at the NBA Draft Combine. The second day, he scrimmaged with notable players like Melo Trimble and Jared Sullinger, who were also in attendance.

Keene thinks he can bring a lot to Brooklyn regardless of his size.

"“I can come off the bench, bring scoring and bring a different pace to the game, push the tempo, knock down some shots and keep the intensity high, while the starters are on the bench,” he said."

Although there are no doubts about his scoring ability, his size at 5’9″ raises red flags on defense. Keene disagrees. Identifying his weaknesses beforehand is what makes him think defense is something he could actually bring to Brooklyn.

"“I told myself what the weakness is, and I know what is holding me back,” he said. “Give it 110 percent on the defensive end.”"

Due to their lack of draft picks over the year, the Nets are always on the lookout for new talent. Keene could at least make the case to play on their Summer League squad, and he would say that is his goal. “I want to stay in the states,” he said, while also knowing it’s not a guarantee.

If his NBA dream is put on hold yet again, Keene will not be discouraged. There is the G League, new two-way NBA contracts, and going back overseas could still be an option. Giving up, however, is not in the cards for the 23-year-old.

"“I have that underdog mentality,” he said. “I’ve been small all my life and people said I wouldn’t make it to college. I want to prove people wrong.”"

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition

Hopefully he can prove the Nets right for giving him an opportunity.