Scott McGann has returned from his time playing with Lake Land College in Illinois with a refined game that he’s ready to show to the Thunderbolts’ faithful.
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McGann has been in the US for the past 10 months and played for the Lakers in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) basketball competition.
The 19-year-old said his defensive game has improved but his accuracy around the basket was something that’s really gone to another level.
“I’m shooting the ball a lot better now,” McGann, who hails from Armidale, said.
“That was probably one of the areas I needed to work on before I went over there – and it was progressing before I left – and the 10 months over there has elevated it a bit more.
“I’m a lot more confident in that now.”
McGann will turn out for the Thunderbolts in between school years at Lake Land College.
He is set to play this weekend in Tamworth’s away game against Central Coast.
McGann will have to wait until the following week to turn out in front of a home crowd – something he was eagerly awaiting.
“It was good [playing home games for Lake Land] but I’d still rather play in front of Tamworth. You can’t beat playing in front of friends and family,” McGann, who thought the Thunderbolts could make another big finals push, said.
“I’m really excited to come back and play our first home game.”
McGann and his Lake Land teammates scored 17 wins and 14 losses last season but the Armidale junior said the side had a lot of potential and expected improvement next year.
Individually, McGann – who is also studying primary school teaching at college – was hoping to put in another big year in the hope of making a career in basketball.
“Our college is pretty well known for their player development so we get a lot of division one and division two coaches coming to watch us practice,” he said.
“I played at this little tournament [The All-American JUCO Showcase], where I played in front of something like 100 D1 [college basketball] coaches. If I go good next year there’s really no limit with where I can go.”