Prospect Profile

Strengths:

  * Size
  * 7-foot-2 wingspan
  * Good rebounder
  * Solid defender
  * Plays with intensity
  * Good basketball IQ

Weaknesses:

  * Free throw shooting
  * Offensive game is not polished
 

NBA projection:
After fitting in as a component part in Pittsburgh’s highly effective system, McGhee emerged a bit after the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 18 rebounds in the NABC College All-Star game at the Final Four in Houston and earning third-team All-Tournament honors at the Portsmouth Invitational. If McGhee is drafted and manages to win a roster spot, it will be to serve the same purpose he served at Pitt—rebound, defend and set screens.

2010-11 Season:
McGhee started all 34 games at center and wound up starting 68 consecutive games over two seasons. He was a solid defensive and rebounding presence whose offensive game showed some signs; he reached double-figure scoring in nine games. McGhee also racked up 11 double-figure rebounding games.

Key statistics:
6.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 23.0 mpg, .567 FG, .485 FT

Cool statistic:
McGhee blocked seven shots against Duquesne, tying a Pitt single-game high.

Reminds me of:
Etan Thomas

What Insiders Say:
Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon
"Defensively, he’s more than equipped to hold his own [in the NBA]. There are very few guys with his size and width and athleticism."

What Outsiders Say:
Butler coach Brad Stevens
"I watched Gary as a high school player, really liked him, thought he was going to be a really good player. But I think he'd being first to tell you—and I've talked to Coach Dixon about it—he's really blossomed there. And he's done a wonderful job. Coach Dixon and the staff have done a great job."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.