Lobo fans first learned of Phillip McDonald this spring when he along with then T-Mac All-Star Coach Chris Walker
brought his AAU team for Steve Alford’s Elite Camp. It was very obvious at that
time that Phillip had serious game and the Lobo Coaching Staff immediately made
Phillip their #1 target.
Since that time the Lobos have received
commitments from other players in the Houston area that have played with or
against Phillip McDonald… Will Brown, Isaiah Rusher, and Curtis Dennis. The
Lobos also landed scored mega points when former T-Mac All-Star Coach Chris
Walker joined the staff here in the 505. All of these gentlemen while great
players in their own right all expressed interest and excitement in being
teammates with Phillip McDonald and playing in The Pit.
This weekend Phillip McDonald along with
Curtis Dennis visited the 505 on an official recruiting trip and after the visit
and getting home Phillip made the decision that Lobo fans have been waiting for
since they first heard the name Phillip McDonald.
Earlier tonight Dom Zarrella shot a phone
call to the latest player to commit to UNM.
Hi Phillip. I have heard that you have
come to an important decision tonight, what is that?
“I have made a decision. I am a
Lobo!”
Phillip, you were recruited by some of
the biggest names in college basketball, and you chose New Mexico.
Why?
“Everything I wanted to do in life, I
think, Coach Alford, can help me get there. Becoming a better player, reaching
the NBA.”
I have read the scouting reports on you
and they say you are a good outside shooter. You are one of the two top high
school guards in Texas; describe your game to us.
“I shoot the ball pretty good. I
can put the ball on the floor. I can jump pretty well. Working on ball
handling.”
Who do you watch in the NBA whose game you like or you
like to model your game after?
“Ray Allen. He’s a steady
perimeter shooter, who can create his own shot. He’s got great ball skills and
is a great all-around player.”
Jesus Shuttlesworth.
“Oh, yeah!”
What was the reaction of your
family?
“My family was very happy! They
jumped up and down once I made my decision.”
Was there a point during your visit this
past weekend where you thought to yourself, “this is the place for
me”?
“I made the decision once I
arrived back home after the trip and thought about how being a Lobo was the
right for me and my future.”
How important was the fact that some of
the players that Coach Alford has brought in are former teammates of
yours?
“Oh, that was very important. We
all know what each other can do. We know each others’ game and it will be easier
for us to play together on the Lobos.”
Congratulations, Phillip. Can’t wait the
see you in a Lobo uniform. Thanks for the time.
“Thanks a lot.”
Looks
like Houston Texas is coming to play in New Mexico and The Pit will never be the
same!