Recruiting Report: Caleb McConnell (2018)

At 6’5”, <strong>Caleb McConnell</strong> of Dayton Dunbar’s 2018 class, is one of the most highly regarded players in Ohio. McConnell plays the wing at times, but he has a skillset that could put him at the point guard position in college. Speculation aside, all he really needs is program that will allow him to be himself on the court. The Jacksonville native is looking for a school that will help him develop, in turn his skills will translate to wins. His decision will not be made based on immediate playing time or a flashy signing day. It’s purely about the right <em>basketball</em> fit. “That’s understandable to not play a lot as a freshman … I want to feel comfortable running the offense and playing my game,” McConnell said. The smooth guard performed highly at the University of Florida Camp earlier this summer. He mentioned that Ohio State and James Madison are also interested. Wright State is the only school to officially offer thus far. McConnell’s playing style is noticeably collected. He seems to understands that raw quickness isn’t as effective if you never change speeds, meaning he saves his displays of explosiveness for certain moments. “I’m an upsize guard. I can shoot, dribble, pass. I can get to the hole. At the next level, I could bring like a Shaun Livingston-type player, but can shoot a little bit better in my opinion,” McConnell said. He truly does have a complete game. More importantly, he knows who he is as a player, and uses that understanding to his advantage. As a sophomore, McConnell averaged 11.4 points, 5.6 boards, and 2.5 assists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6KUSSCDWVY For someone so well-rounded, how else can he improve? “One big thing I’ve noticed is, make my shot more consistent,” McConnell said. “This offseason, I really want to pick up muscle and get stronger. As far as to help my game. So every morning, really Monday through Friday, I’ll wake up at 7 and hit the weight room first, at least for an hour. Then go into the gym and put up shots.” McConnell credited personal trainer Kareem Gilbert, of <em>Dropping Dimes Basketball,</em> for pushing him in the offseason. In July, he will be back on the AAU circuit with OH Nova. Additionally, he’ll be one of the guys leading the charge for Dayton Dunbar over the next two high school seasons. It would be of no surprise to anyone if McConnell racks up quite a list of prestigious offers over the next few seasons. If he’s not already, this 6’5” combo guard should be on every D-I watch-list across the region and beyond.