Ball above all
Basketball is life for redshirt McNees
Vincent Dorsey
Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: Sports
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Those are two phrases that Steve McNees carries with him everywhere he goes. The redshirt-freshman guard for the University of Akron men's basketball team has the inspirational sayings prominently displayed on his right arm.
"It's just a little reminder," McNees said of the tattoo. "Basketball is my life."
Considering that McNees' father, Bill, coached high school basketball at Shennango High School for 25 years before retiring after his son's senior season in 2006, that statement is probably not far from the truth.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound reserve point guard credits playing basketball under the guidance of his father for his development and success.
"I think it's made me what I am," McNees said. "I don't think I'd be anything without him. Since day one, he's been teaching me the ins and outs (of the game)."
Late Addition
McNees' attachment to his family and hometown convinced the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-WPIAL Class AA First Team selection to sign his original letter of intent with Duquesne University. When the Dukes underwent a coaching change, McNees asked for and was granted his release by new head coach Ron Everhart.
The Pennsylvania prep star signed with UA in April 2006.
McNees said that UA was one of his favorite schools that he visited, and that he knew after the Duquesne coaching change that he wanted to become a Zip.
"Akron was my favorite place all along," he said. "I decided to stay in the city of Pittsburgh and play at Duquesne. It was a good opportunity to stay near my hometown and a good opportunity to play right away.But when the coach left, I knew, no doubt, that I was coming here."
'Quality guy'
Last season, McNees prepared in the weight room for the rigors of Division I college basketball, and served as an understudy to UA's veteran guards Dru Joyce III, Nick Dials and Cedrick Middleton.
"Those guys have done just a tremendous job of taking me under their wing, and teaching me what to do (and) what not to do," McNees said. "I learned a lot from Dru, Nick and Cedrick."
After McNees tied UA's school record for most consecutive made 3-point field goals in a game when he hit six 3-pointers and scored 20 points against Miami University Jan. 5, UA head coach Keith Dambrot praised the work ethic of his young guard.
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