Recruiting Report: Connor McCord (2016)

<p><em>(Photo credit: YourLegend.org)</em></p><p><strong>Connor McCord</strong> gave himself a clear objective heading into his summer of basketball improvement: Become a more physical presence.</p> <p>At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, McCord brings size to a Legend team stacked with a group of uniquely talented guards -- and he knows he must use that size to his advantage.</p> <p>“I’m really excited,” McCord said of the prospects for his senior season. “I’m always looking to improve and I think it’s going to be fun. I’ve gotten a lot stronger. I feel like this season is going to go much better than it did last year, just from a physical standpoint. I want to be dominating physically.”</p> <p>McCord began showing some of that improved strength during Legend’s run of team camps in June, attacking the glass with a high motor and mixing it up physically in the post. The Continental League, though a relentlessly deep and challenging league, isn’t always know for its size. McCord’s emergence in the low post could pay big dividends for an experienced, talented Legend team that came within one victory of the Final Four last season.</p> <p>McCord said he worked extensively on drills this summer that had him catching the ball in the low post and exploding to the rim, conditioning himself to be in an authoritative scoring position.</p> <p>“I think that has really helped me a lot,” he said.</p> <p>Legend’s starting combination of guards and wings -- <strong>Riley Matticks</strong>, <strong>Monroe Porter</strong>, <strong>Danny Garrick</strong> and <strong>Jared Small</strong> -- are all playmakers who have the ability to draw defense with drives or their ability to shoot from the perimeter.</p> <p>It all makes McCord a valuable presence if he can put himself in position to be on the receiving end of that group’s collective playmaking ability.</p> <p>“It’s really taught me court awareness,” said McCord, who believes he may still have an inch of growth left. I know that I can basically be anywhere on the court and they can fire the ball into me. I have to be aware of whenever they are going to drive so that I can slide out of the way and find an open spot.”</p> <p>To that end, McCord has worked hard on solidifying his short- to mid-range jumper. His solid vertical form belies a player who could make that shot a major weapon.</p> <p>“And I’ve also really worked on my ball-handling so it’s easier for me to get to the rack when I need to,” he said.</p> <p>McCord is eager to prove he can be a productive player at the Division II or Division III level, beginning with participation Saturday in the <strong><a href="http://prephoopscolorado.com/news_article/show/556290?referrer_id=1912380">Prep Hoops Colorado Prime Time Prospects Combine</a></strong>. The Legend post said he has had good communication with the coaching staff at Division III Illinois College, and he’s hopeful more options can arise.</p> <p>With a number of college prospects on the team, McCord will certainly have his chances. And if he reaches his goal of becoming an even stronger, more physically imposing player, to go with a promising skill set, it will be hard for coaches not to take notice.</p>