You always hear about kids having offense-ready games for Division I basketball, but what about defense? That’s what’s so intriguing about Cowley County Community College guard/forward Montrell McDonald. The 6-foot-6 McDonald is a sophomore for the Tigers, who are opening their season tonight in Bethany, Okla., against Southern Nazarene JV. McDonald, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, began his college career at George Washington University, the seventh man on a team that was ranked in the Top 10 for most of the year. In 20 games with the Colonials, McDonald averaged 4.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 13.1 minutes. He added 12 steals and five blocks, but also 28 turnovers and 38 fouls.
What does it all mean? I asked McDonald, who is being recruited by K-State.
1. Where do you stand with K-State and why? Who else is in the picture? When is a decision coming?
I’m interested in them, but I haven’t made any decisions yet. Oregon, Kansas, Colorado, Miami and Iowa. .. I haven’t been up there yet, but I plan on going up. Our season begins tonight, so I’ll probably go up at the end of the year. (J-Mart question: So that’s when you’re going to make a decision?) Yes.
2. Impressions of Frank Martin and the staff?
My impression, from the conversations I’ve had, is he’s a great guy, someone who is ready to help you move on and be successful.
3. Why did you leave George Washington?
I was a little homesick, going through a lot of personal problems. (J-Mart note: Cowley coach Steve Eck said McDonald was concerned about his ailing grandmother, whose condition has improved.) I was going through things where it wasn’t the place for me. (Coach Karl Hobbs) is a good guy, but at the time. … That was a great team to be a part of.
4. Coach Eck said you weren’t like anyone he’s coached in his 31 years on the bench, but he also said that he’s heard others compare you to Stacey Augmon, the former UNLV star known for his defense. Do you know who that is, and is that accurate? Or is it just one of those things because you’re both thin, athletic and left-handed?
I’ve heard about him, but I don’t know him personally. I’ve seen a few of his highlights. (J-Mart question: Are you similar?) Yeah, we’re similar. I just play hard on both ends of the court. I like to get out on the break and do whatever it takes to help the team win.
5. This is a little weird, but bear with me. How would you stop Montrell McDonald? What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how would you, as a defender, attack each?
I might play off a little bit, but it depends on certain situations. If I hit a few shots, I might sag. If I missed a few, I’d be up. Usually, I’m up on someone if I don’t know what they’ve got. Most schools are excited more about what I can do on the defensive end. They know with hard work I can get there on offense.
(BONUS) 6. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? One thing not a lot of people are aware of?
I watch “Walker, Texas Ranger.” (Laughter) When I was younger, I always hung around elderly people and they were watching it, so I did. I watch it with my coach now. (More laughter).
ALSO
- Eck said McDonald sat out last season. He attended Redlands (Okla.) Community College in the second semester, where Eck was coaching, but did not play basketball. As for McDonald’s decision to leave GWU, Eck said, “Sometimes you go too far from home right out of high school.”
- According to the coach, McDonald is “very quick. He can guard, and his jump shot is getting better and better. … He’s a solid guy on the court. He’ll go out there and play hard all of the time. When he goes hard, he’s pretty darn good.” McDonald is viewed as a leader instantly, Eck said, because he has played Division I basketball already. “He knows what it takes to get there,” the coach said. “He’s liked by his teammates. He’s not a bad kid. He’s a good kid.”
- The entire K-State coaching staff is involved in McDonald’s recruitment, Eck said.