“Betting on yourself” is an overused phrase. It’s showbiz. Most people bet on themselves. Not doing so is to turn away from self-reliance.
But T.J. McConnell is on the verge of winning the NBA championship because he bet on himself.
The 2011-12 collegiate season had concluded. McConnell had finished his sophomore season at Duquesne: 11.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game. Not bad.
But the Chartiers Valley grad knew he was capable of more.
He also knew it was necessary to extend his career.
So McConnell didn’t settle.
He bet on himself.
McConnell transferred to Arizona. Better program. Better conference. Everything got tougher. But Arizona had a coach McConnell could trust, Sean Miller of Pitt and Blackhawk. A point guard just like McConnell.
McConnell flourished.
The stats were about the same: 10.4 points, 6.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game as a senior at Arizona in 2014-15.
But the Wildcats reached the Elite 8 two straight times while McConnell was at Arizona. McConnell’s game got better, and it got exposure.
McConnell didn’t get drafted but made the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent.
Now, 10 years later, McConnell is a hero in the NBA playoffs, a true catalyst, and one win away from getting a ring with the Indiana Pacers.
Indiana is the perfect spot for McConnell. One of the country’s few areas where basketball matters most, just like it does to him.
He made $10.2 million this season. He’s made $45 million during his career.
He’s 33, but his game is clearly aging well. He’s got a few years left. (His contract runs through 2028 with a club option for 2028-29.)
All of this is a lot less likely to happen if McConnell doesn’t bet on himself in 2012. If he stays at Duquesne.
McConnell knew. He’s got guts on the court — and also off the court.
