ESPN recognizes junior basketball player

Taylor Schafer, Features Editor
December 4, 2009
Filed under Sports, Sports News

Rising basketball star junior Malcolm McMillan is officially in the spotlight.  Since his freshman year, McMillan has been the starting point guard on the varsity basketball team under head coach Tony Martin.  But his success has not only attracted attention in the JC community; it has recently been recognized by  ESPN.

McMillan has been recognized by ESPN’s Rise program, which celebrates high school athletes around the country.  “Jim Quinn, a local writer through ESPN, does a lot of high school coverage in the area.  He contacted me about Malcolm,” said Martin.

“I wasn’t really expecting to be recognized by ESPN.  I was very proud of myself, but I know I still have a lot to work on,” said McMillan. 

ESPN focused on McMillan’s potential in the game. He is also currently in contact with several colleges, including American University, Mount St. Mary’s College, Towson University, College of the Holy Cross, University of Central Florida, Providence College, and University of Virginia.

Out of these schools, Mount St. Mary’s is the only school to offer a full scholarship so far. On receiving interest from these colleges, McMillan said, “I am open to all other schools as well.”  

As a captain the team, McMillan has high hopes for this season. “My expectations [for the team] are to have a winning record, and my goals are to make it to the playoffs and have at least two more Division I offers,” he said.

McMillan mentioned to ESPN that he needs a school that would prepare him with an education for life after college. However, he still hopes to continue to play basketball after college.  “My hope in the future is to play in the NBA, or even overseas,” said McMillan.

 Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.