Creech: One of Vanderbilt’s assets is acceptance of coaching
out NBA talent.
But the hang-up on Vanderbilt rests in his left foot, which he has injured twice since high school.
There are questions about his durability.
McCray doesn’t think there should be.
“I understand the hesitation,” he said. “But I think Jarred is going to be fine and healthy.
“And he is going to work extremely hard. I think he will fit in the NBA perfectly.”
He’s right. When healthy, Vanderbilt has the makings of a special player.
He’s been compared to players such as the Sixers’ Ben Simmons for his ability to playmake and the Warriors’ Draymond Green for his aggressive defense.
He’s the right size to play in the uptempo NBA.
On top of all of that, McCray says, he’s extremely coachable.
“He’s going to work for it,” McCray said. “He’s going to give someone everything he has.”
McCray remembers his time in the NBA well.
He was with the Rockets from 1983-1988 and said ending up on a team with veterans like Elvin Hayes made all the difference for him.
He hopes the same happens for Vanderbilt.
“He will listen and observe and keep adding to his game,” McCray said. “He’s a special player. He would do well to learn from veterans.
“He can do so many things on the court and can still get a lot better. I think we are going to see him for a long time.”
Vanderbilt will get drafted. It’s just a matter of where.
Before the season, he was a projected high first-round pick. After injuring his foot, though, he played in 14 games for the Wildcats.
But in those games in limited minutes, he averaged nearly eight rebounds.
“No one really got to see everything he was capable of and that’s unfortunate,” McCray said. “But it might be good for him.
“He might sneak up and surprise some people.”
Vanderbilt has picked up steam in the last couple of days and a few experts are pushing him up to the first round.
In mock drafts, he’s projected anywhere from No. 14 to the Denver Nuggets, No. 35 to the Orlando Magic and No. 53 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He’s going to be a risky pick, but one who will pay off if he can stay healthy.
Wherever he ends up, he is capable of making an impact quickly.
One of Vanderbilt’s strengths is his aggressive play on the offensive glass.
A guy who can clean up and finish around the basket would be an asset for any team in the NBA.
Like several players in the NBA, Vanderbilt is an alum of Houston Hoops AAU. In the league, he will join others from the group, such as the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox and Justin Jackson, who were drafted last year, and Justise Winslow, who just finished his third season with the Heat.
The area continues to be a hotbed for basketball talent, and Vanderbilt is the next example of that.
Several NBA players hail from the city, including the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and the Rockets’ Gerald Green.
“Houston has always had great basketball,” Green said. “I think we see that every year when more guys make it to the league.
“The competition here is really good and guys are proud to represent this city.”
McCray, who calls Houston home, said he hopes Vanderbilt will be the next one to represent his hometown.
“He’s a player people can get excited about,” McCray said. “He’s fun to watch, plays the game the right way.
“I will be watching Thursday night. I can’t wait to see where he ends up.”