Mocs Tre’ McLean Comes Up Big at Small Forward
Chattanooga-(WDEF) Kind of funny that they have a position in basketball called small forward, and yet, they’re expected to mix it up with the big guys. Luckily for the Mocs, they have a 6-5 small forward in Tre’ McLean, who plays bigger than his size.
Tre’ McLean’s college career began as a D-two player at Queen’s University in Charlotte, before he transferred up to Division one at UTC.
Said Mocs head coach Matt McCall-"There’s no question he’s a Division one player and then some."
McLean always dreamed of being a D-one player, and he says it hit him last year when UTC played a Final Four team.
"Definitely the Wisconsin game. I saw Frank Kaminsky and Sam Decker and those guys. I was thinking like, I’m here. This is it."
McLean averaged four points a game last year. This year, he’s up to ten a game. But it’s not his offense that impresses his coach the most.
Said McCall-"He’s focused on what I call the 95-percent. He’s focused on impacting the game when the ball is not in his hands. That’s really opened up some things for him offensively."
Said McLean-"Just being an active player. Just being active on the court. It just adds on to everything else. It just makes me a more efficient player."
Even though McLean is 6’5, he has a seven foot wing span.
Said McCall-"Since he has been here, he has kind of always relished the role as a defensive stopper because of his length. He can guard multiple positions. The other night against Tennessee Tech, we put him on their point guard. He can guard a power foward if we have too."
McLean’s development has been a joy for his head coach.
Said McCall-"He’s also one of the leaders on the team. As a coach, that’s what you want to see out of him."
Added McLean-"Just being a team player. Just working hard on leadership. Stuff like team chemistry and making sure we have a cohesive group."
Leave a Reply