One of the best stories this past high school season was the success they had down in Lumberton high school. After finishing 16-11 last year, the Pirates improved and showed what they were all about on their way to a 26-5 season.
One of the big reasons why was the play of senior guard Jordan McNeil, who averaged 20 points per game, eight rebounds, and five assists. Pretty productive numbers from a 6’0 guard… And it now looks like he will be looking to take that same production to the next level, as he announced on Wednesday night that he had committed to UNC-Pembroke.
He now joins an incredible class being formed under head coach Drew Richards at UNCP and the relationship that McNeil developed with him and the staff seemed to be a big part of his commitment.
“I felt like Coach Drew wanted me and it was the connection he had with me. He would text me every day to see how I was doing and stuff,” McNeil told Phenom Hoops. “So that is why I chose them, not because it is close to home but because I felt like it was the place for me.”
“It was important knowing this was my hometown school.”
Other key factors that went into his decision were his parents as well, as he really wanted to put a smile on their face with his announcement; something that meant the most to him.
It has been a wild ride for McNeil this year, helping Lumberton to a 26-5 record, earning Player of the Year in his conference, surpassing 2,000 points, becoming the all-time leading scorer at his school, and to be the first team in school history to make the state championship.
Now, McNeil has a chance to continue his success in making his mark at the next level at UNC-Pembroke.
“(I’m going to fill) any role they need,” McNeil said. “I’m going to carry over what Lumberton has taught me. I hope to provide scoring options for my teammates and hope to lock down the best guard on the court and like always, get buckets.”