There is a misconception in grassroots basketball that the chance to get the most exposure and be seen by college coaches is to play in a major shoe circuit. While the Nike EYBL, Adidas Gauntlet and UA Circuit can open doors for athletes; if the player can play and has character, he will be found. 2017 Darius McNeil “trusted the process” and felt that his grassroots program, TX Boys Athletic Club allow him to fulfill his dreams of playing D1 basketball, and he will have that chance at the University of Cal-Berkley.
Darius, who originally was an Iowa State commit, was recently granted a release from his scholarship agreement and soon after his phone was ringing with interested schools.
“UofH (University of Houston), Baylor, VCU, Georgia Tech, LSU and other schools contacted me but ultimately I felt Cal seemed like the best fit for me.”
McNeil talks about the deciding factors in taking his talents to the Bay Area.
“Coach Jones (Head Coach Wyking Jones) made me feel that this is the right spot for me to excel,” McNeil said. ” I understand the people out there (at Cal) and what the coaches asked for me on the court.”
Playing style and playing time was also factored in for McNeil in committing to Cal.
“They play up and down and fast which is the type of style that I flourish in. Also I know right away I have the chance to play and make a impact on the court my freshman year.”
The guard out of Westfield High School is ranked #9 in our state rankings in 2017 and the texasboysbasketball.com staff believes that what McNeil brings to the table as far as size, speed and athleticism will translate in the PAC 12. We will go as far as to say in two to three years we will be seeing McNeil’s name in the draft boards and you read it here first!
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