Former WPIAL Star T.J. McConnell Stars in NBA Playoff Win

McConnell was initially a low three-star recruit out of Chartiers Valley in Bridgeville, Pa. He spent two seasons at Duquesne, averaging 11.1 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game over two seasons before transferring to Arizona after two seasons.

After sitting out in 2012-13, he averaged 9.4 points, 5.8 assists and 3.7 assists, on 48/34/74 shooting splits, over two seasons at Arizona. He wasn’t selected in the 2015 NBA Draft but quickly earned his place on the Philadelphia 76ers roster.

McConnell put together his best season as an NBA player this season, finishing seventh in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, as a key piece for the Pacers of the bench. He averaged a career-high 10.2 points, 5.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds on 56/41/79 shooting splits.

He played in 71 games, making four starts, in his ninth NBA season, and it was perhaps his most impactful.

In nine seasons, McConnell has averaged 7.5 points, 5.1 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, on 52/35/78 shooting, and it’s pretty evident that his game is translating to the NBA well as he ages. He was solid over four seasons in Philadelphia but has broken out over the last five seasons in Indianapolis.

The Pacers are locked into a series with the Knicks, and McConnell’s play will very likely turn into a deciding factor in the series. McConnell is a player who could make a legitimate difference.

The Pacers are tied at two games apiece with the Knicks, fighting back to level the series. Game 5 is set for Tuesday, May 13 at 8 p.m.