September 21, 2007

McCrary another South Bay blue-chipper

Kevin McCarthy
 

Long and bouncy. Live body. Intriguing skills set. This description fits many an individual throughout the wide world of sports, let alone basketball, but it definitely captures a San Jose senior, one this time not named Drew Gordon. Meet Oak Grove’s Tyree McCrary, who possesses the kind of raw potential, a mix of outstanding athleticism and unusual basketball tools, that lights up the eyes of recruiters.

photo of Tyree McCrary, one of the most versatile performers in the South BayEnoch Andoh
McCrary is one of the most versatile performers in the South Bay

Currently 6-foot-8 but in need of greater muscle and mass, McCrary is the most versatile performer in the Santa Clara Valley prep ranks as he can play away from or close to the basket with equal effectiveness.

That is what Oak Grove High head coach Rich Young plans to do with his prize player. "We’re going to play Tyree on the perimeter a lot this season, most of the time actually because of his skills and his ability to run the floor," Young said.

Ask McCrary, who played this summer for multiple club teams including the Las Vegas Prospects, California Hoops and Team Converse, to describe the best aspects of his game, he replies, "rebounding, shotblocking and doing whatever I can for the team." McCrary modestly leaves out his shooting range as he must be picked up once he reaches the three-point area.

Young adds to the list, stating "Tyree is very instinctual on the floor, knowing what to do and when."

Asked what he’s been working on this summer, McCrary offered, "my handle and becoming more consistent from outside." That’s besides increasing his calorie input and lifting weights.

To some observers, McCrary invokes a recent college performer, Fresno State’s Dominic McGuire, the 47th selection of this year’s NBA draft.

McGuire swatted his way into the Fresno State recordbooks with 114 blocked shots, in addition to earning Second Team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC), and WAC All-Defensive Team honors during his only season in the Central Valley [he spent two years at Cal before transferring]. He averaged 13.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 3.2 assists per game.

Compare and contrast that with McCrary’s production as a junior: 13.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.4 blocks a contest. He batted away 137 opponent shots as Oak Grove posted a 29-2 season,12-0 at home, 7-1 on the road, 10-1 on neutral courts, culminating in a last second playoff loss, 69-68, to McClymonds High on March 17.

McCrary’s output netted him an All-NorCal selection by NorCalPreps.com as well as winning co-most valuable player of the Blossom Valley Mount Hamilton Division and a first team selection by the San Jose Mercury News. One particular highlight last season was his triple-double against Skyline in the playoffs when he scored 13 points, grabbed 12 boards and swatted 10 shots in the Norcal Division I semifinals.

McCrary has been contacted by a number of schools: Portland, Marquette, Utah, Fresno State, Long Beach State and San Jose State, among others.

He is planning on waiting until the second recruiting period, which opens April 16, 2008, before signing a letter-of-intent. "I’m just looking for the right school, one that best utilizes my talents," McCrary said, adding that he’s working on getting his academics fulfilled.

Asked what position college coaches envision him playing, he offered, "They tell me I’ll be on the wing some of the time and moving around the rest to take advantage of my skills and athleticism."

To view McCrary in action, follow these three links to brief YouTube videos: