McConnell Signs With Italian Professional Club
7/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MORAGA,Calif. -- West Coast Conference Player of the Year Mickey McConnell from Saint Mary's College has signed a professional contract with Italian Lega Due side Filena BPA Jesi.
McConnell finished his career at Saint Mary's in March as one of the school's all-time career leaders in 3-point field goals made (3rd) and attempted (6th), 3-point percentage (2nd), free throw percentage (5th), assists (2nd), assists average (7th), steals (t6th) and games played (4th).
"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to play professionally in Italy and be a part of Filena BPA Jesi," said McConnell. "I expect this experience to help be become a better player, understand the nuances of professional basketball and experience another part of the world. I plan to play hard to contribute in any way I can to help the team win."
The Mesa, Ariz. native earned honorable mention All-America honors and was twice named a first-team All-WCC selection. He was selected to participate in the Reese's College All-Star Game and the State Farm College 3-Point Championships at the NCAA Final Four in Houston.
Last month, despite not having played since his senior year of high school, McConnell was drafted in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was the 944th overall selection.
McConnell could meet up against another former Gael in Lega Due. Paul Marigney recently signed to play for the league's third-place team last season - Scafati Basket. He played last season for Assigeco BPL Casalpusterlengo, which finished 11th in the league. Marigney is one of Lega Due's top performers, finishing sixth in assists and ninth in scoring in 2010-11.
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