6 Questions for Sixer Sense: How’s T.J. McConnell doing?

Arizona Wildcats fans love former Wildcat T.J. McConnell; we were wondering if fans and media in Philadelphia were taking good care of him.

It just seemed odd to read about T.J. McConnell on another site under the Fansided umbrella. After writing about our beloved basketball player and sending him on his way to the NBA, Zona Zealots writers wondered how the Sixers media was treating him. McConnell is a Wildcat for life after all.

So we asked the editor of our sister site, TheSixerSense.com’s Joshua Wilson, a few questions about our Wildcat and how he’s doing in Philly.

ZZ: Did you ever think T.J. McConnell would make the team or even be a start for some games in pre-season?

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JW: I did not think that T.J. McConnell would make this team. Going into training camp, the Philadelphia 76ers had plenty of options at the point guard spot. In fact, they had a bit too many and had to cut several guards that a lot of people were attached to. Guys like Pierre Jackson were let go, and a lot of people like Jackson. It took McConnell some time to grow on people, including me. It wasn’t until he had his first 12-assist and single turnover game that I was a true believer in him.

I had the pleasure of talking to Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil about McConnell, and even he said he didn’t expect the level of performance the Sixers got from him. He had to work really for his position and did so fantastically. He deserves the minutes he was awarded.

ZZ: How have you been most impressed by rookie Sixers guard  T.J. McConnell?

JW: Definitely his passing has been the biggest thing that’s impressed me and everyone. He’s got great court vision and is always looking to set his teammates up with a good look for a score.

Some would even say he’s a passer to a fault, getting some good fast break looks for himself, but instead moved back and passed the ball. In some instances, this hasn’t been the best option. I’ve wanted him to shoot a lot more.

But of course, in many instances, the passing is perfection.

ZZ: What is his relationship like with his head coach? Fellow Players?

JW:  McConnell is definitely a likable guy, and it’s clear that head coach Brett Brown and T.J.’s teammates respect him. McConell is a learner, and that fits very well with Brown, who is all about teachable moments with the team. Brown knows McConnell will listen, which makes him a clear coaches player. And of course, his teammates love him because he passes the ball to them beautifully.

ZZ: Does he ever get interviewed by the press?

JW: Yes, he does. McConnell is available to all credentialed media in the locker room and after practices.

ZZ: Did fans know who he was and what schools he went too?

JW:  Most fans knew what school he ended up at because of his Twitter name (@iPass4Zona) and a fair amount knew he was in Pittsburg previously. A lot of people knew his name from Duquesne, which is obviously closer to Philly than Arizona is.

ZZ: Do fans want to keep him around? Is he a fan fave?

JW: The Sixers are all about moving assets around and getting the best possible roster built up over the next few years, and a lot of fans don’t think McConnell will be a part of that. Some are even looking for the team to shop him at the trade deadline this season. I think he will make it through this year but may have to compete yet again for a roster spot this upcoming offseason.

As far as being a fan favorite, he certainly was for many for a while, but since point guard Ish Smith returned to the team this year and has played outstandingly, the fans have made Ish their favorite yet again.

ZZ: Do you think the Sixers will try to trade or keep McConnell?

JW: I believe general manager Sam Hinkie and the Sixers will try to move McConnell eventually, it’s really just a matter of when. There’s no telling for sure with this team, but it just doesn’t feel like McConnell is with this team for the long haul. If he showed us anything so far this year, though, it’s that he’s happy to be here, and will do whatever it takes to get a roster spot.

We thank Joshua for his time and insight; I am sure there are plenty of fans in Arizona who would like to see him on the Suns. Whatever the case, he will have Arizona Wildcats fans pulling for him where ever he goes or whichever team he plays for.

More wildcats: Arizona Wildcats: T.J. McConnell comes home

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BEARDOWN T.J!