McKinney is new man for Mustangs
Dennis McKinney has undergone an incredible transformation for the Mount Mercy Mustangs this season.
Last year as a red-shirt freshman, he averaged 5.3 points as a reserve and attempted only one 3-pointer all season. "He shot one," cracked Coach Aaron Jennings, "and it was a mistake."
This year, McKinney is averaging a healthy 18.3 points as a key member of the starting lineup and has hit 29 triples in 12 games for the most prolific 3-point shooting team in NAIA basketball.
In high school in Chicago, he was a 6-foot-4 center who played with his back to the basket and was known for his offensive rebounds and tendency to commit too many fouls.
In college in Cedar Rapids, he roams all over the court and is capable of scoring from every spot on the floor, with strong moves near the basket and a soft touch on the perimeter.
McKinney scored 21 points and hit a key 3-pointer Monday to help the Mustangs hold off Waldorf, 82-76, in a non-conference game at the Hennessey Recreation Center.
"He has put in a tremendous amount of work. He loves the game of basketball," said Jennings, who has enjoyed watching McKinney become one of the top players in the Heart of America Conference.
