Recruiting Update: Wayne McKinney (2021 Lake Oswego HS)
Friday was a day that Wayne McKinney won’t soon forget. The athletic 5-foot-10, 175-pound point guard woke up to some big news, learning that he had earned his first scholarship offer from a major conference school. But the topper was…
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Continue ReadingFriday was a day that Wayne McKinney won’t soon forget. The athletic 5-foot-10, 175-pound point guard woke up to some big news, learning that he had earned his first scholarship offer from a major conference school. But the topper was the evening as McKinney and his Lake Oswego teammates were able to do what they missed out on last year – earn a bid to the state tournament.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling and it’s just amazing,” McKinney said right after Lake Oswego’s win over Westview. “I’m extremely proud and happy right now. Words can’t really explain my emotions.”
McKinney certainly showed his emotions on the court. His intensity on the court was obvious. ButaAfter the tight victory, McKinney also took some time after the customary team handshakes to spend some time with several Westview players, giving them hugs and chatting before they parted ways.
“I grew up with all those guys and we all go way back, played at The Hoop together,” McKinney said. “At the end of the day it’s always going to be family, the brotherhood that we all have. The brotherhood I have here, and all over Oregon and Westview. It’s a special love.”
On the basketball floor, McKinney simply did what he’s done all year. He ran the offense, took the ball to the hole strong, and found his teammates for open looks. He finished the game with seven assists. “I feel like I’m really distributing the ball and my guys are hitting shots,” McKinney said. “I have a lot of trust that they’re going to make their shots when I get it to them.”
The win followed up a day when McKinney saw his college recruitment take a big jump to another level when he received a scholarship offer from TCU. “I woke up this morning at 8:25 and got a call from their assistant coach who said I had an offer from them and that he hopes to see me soon,” McKinney said. “It felt really nice. They saw me playing in San Diego last year where I played really well. It’s pretty big for me and I’m extremely happy about it.”
McKinney continues to stay completely open with his recruitment. As he should as he and the Lakers have bigger fish to fry. While the goal of making it to the state tournament is complete, Lake Oswego is obviously not finished.
“We’ve got to keep working,” McKinney said. “We’ll take this but we’ll get back at it to practice and do our stuff – we’re not going to get off track.”
McKinney currently ranks as the #5 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2021 rankings.