Recruiting Report: Cardell McGee
Springfield Lanphier 2018 shooting guard Cardell McGee is among the top 10 prospects in the state’s junior class. He has great size and is a versatile player. Good slasher, mid-range jump shooter, plus athlete, and a multi positional defender. McGee is coming off a solid junior year where he helped lead his team to Peoria for the 3A final four. We caught up with him to get an update on his game, season, and recruitment!
McGee spoke about his junior year at Lanphier.
“It went well. Unfortunately it didn’t start off how I wanted it too, but at the end we made a good run and got to the state finals. We came in fourth. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but it was a great experience. It was a great experience going against the top competition. We played Morgan Park and they were missing their best player. They still came out and fought.”
After a slow start McGee had a talk with his coach and got things back on track.
“I needed to stay in the groove and coach Blake (Turner) told me to keep my head up. You know who you are and what type of player you are. I just kept that in my head and picked it up.”
He told us some of the areas he is focusing on this spring.
“Off the ball dribbling, being more aggressive, and I have been working on my shot.”
McGee is running with a Wisconsin Playground Warriors team that has a lot of Illinois prospects and one of the top point guards in the Midwest from Wisconsin. He is excited about the opportunity.
“Playing with a lot of great players. Jordan (McCabe) is one of the top point guards in the country. Playing alongside him will be a great feeling for me.”
What is he looking to show college coaches during the spring live periods?
“A little bit of everything. People look at me as more of a slasher that can get to the basket. I can pull up and play defense. I can do a little bit of it all.”
The 2018 prospect updated his recruitment.
“Illinois State and DePaul are the offers. Nebraska, Tulsa, Iowa, Bradley, and Drake are interest.”
The Redbirds of Illinois State have made him a priority early in the process.
“We have a great relationship. We talk almost every day. Coach Muller is a great coach. I have been down there for a few unofficial visits. I get a great vibe from them.”
DePaul is another school that has extended an offer.
“Coach Garrett I like him. He came to a couple of my games. He came to the super sectional game. He said he really likes what he sees.”
What is his timetable for a decision and what will be important for him in a school?
“Before my senior season starts I want to know where I am going and be settled. I don’t want to be worrying about that during the season. This is a big summer for me so I have to come out and play. How they feel about me and am I comfortable there. Is it my playing style. Those will be key.”