Dodgers Surprise College Hoops Star With Selection In MLB Draft
(CBSSports.com/ Matt Norlander) -- We've had a lot of inter-sport turnover in college basketball in the past few days. Some switching sports within their university; others going from playing basketball at one school to football at another; another doing the opposite.
Plus, there's been a mini trend of college basketball players being drafted by Major League Baseball teams. St. John's recruit Amir Garrett has a decision to make after being plucked by the Cincinnati Reds.
And now Saint Mary's grad Mickey McConnell has a possible -- if far-fetched -- future in The Show as well. McConnell was picked in the 31st round by the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday afternoon. He was the 944th overall pick.
McConnell hasn't played competitive baseball in four years. The 2010-11 West Coast Conference Player of the Year isn't seen as a potential NBA player of impact, but he is working out with teams and still has dreams of making money playing hoops.
Still, who knew he'd be coveted enough to play hardball? Not McConnell.
"It's exciting, I'm totally surprised, this was a little bit unexpected," he said in a statement. "The last time I played was four years ago in high school. In the summers I would hit a little bit and do minor baseball stuff with my brother but nothing serious or organized."
Then again, this is the Dodgers; only the Mets can compete for all-out laughability as a franchise right now. It has to be stated that Matt McConnell, Mickey's older brother, was selected by the Phillies two years ago. Sometimes that gene pool is worth chancing a late pick on. I ge tit.
McConnell played shortstop for Dobson High School in Mesa, Ariz. After his senior season there he earned an honorable mention in the 5A All-State Selection. He was a solid player in a baseball-rich state, but by no means was his choice to play college baseball or basketball a tough one. Hoops has always been McConnell's forte.
According to Saint Mary's, McConnell will be working out with the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings in the next week. The NBA Draft is June 23 in Newark, N.J.
Photo: AP
