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by Donald Hunt

The headline could have easily read ‘McKie’s No-Hitter Leads Phils Past Mets’.

Instead, the 6-foot-5 Aaron McKie is shooting basketballs, not throwing heat.

When McKie was in high school, he received a lot of publicity for his exploits on the basketball court. The Philadelphia 76ers’ shooting guard and Rasheed Wallace, the Portland Trail Blazers’ all-star forward, helped Simon Gratz capture the 1990 Public League basketball championship. However, McKie’s athletic talents weren’t limited to the hardwood. According to Bill Ellerbee, ex-Simon Gratz head basketball coach, McKie was baseball phenom too.

“Aaron could really pitch,” said Ellerbee, who is now an assistant basketball coach at Temple. “I had Aaron as a youngster at Belfield Recreation Center. He enjoyed playing baseball. I used to watch him pitch in high school. He used to give them heat. He had a tremendous fastball.”

McKie, an All-Public League baseball standout, helped Simon Gratz become one of the city’s top teams and guided the Bulldogs to the league playoffs his junior year.

“Aaron could definitely throw the baseball,” said Nate Smigel, former Simon Gratz baseball coach. “He used to throw the ball past everybody. He really helped our baseball program. He could have played in the majors. The Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox scouted him. I remember taking him to the University of Pennsylvania to the White Sox’s tryout camp. They liked his fastball and his control.”

Smigel remembers two special moments in McKie’s high school baseball career.

“Aaron had to make a decision whether to play baseball or basketball,” Smigel said. “He decided to go to Temple. John Chaney (Owls head coach) didn’t want him playing baseball any more after he signed to come to Temple. As a matter of fact, Coach Chaney thought Aaron was a catcher. Chaney said, ‘Are you wearing the tools of ignorance?’ Aaron said, ‘No coach, I’m a pitcher.’

“The other thing, I asked Aaron to pitch one more game for me after he signed with Temple his senior year. We had a game with Ben Franklin. It was for bragging rights in North Philly. Aaron came out and threw a no-hitter that game. We won 12-1, it was incredible.”

McKie had seriously considered playing major league baseball. But having the chance to remain in his North Philadelphia neighborhood and play for Temple was a big factor in his decision.

“I’ve always loved baseball,” McKie said. “I had a lot of fun playing in high school. It’s just that I wanted to play for Temple and Coach Chaney. So, I had to concentrate on basketball. I still like watching baseball. I saw most of the playoffs and the World Series this fall. I love watching the Phillies during the summer. But I know I made the right decision.”

It’s a good thing McKie stuck with basketball. During his college career, he guided Temple to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. In 1994, he was a first round pick of the Trail Blazers. Following two and a half seasons in Portland, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. In 1997, the Sixers acquired McKie in a deal that brought him home.

“I had some reservations about coming home in the beginning,” McKie said. “The team wasn’t winning at the time. It didn’t seem like a real good situation. But I could see the team getting better after my first season. Since then, we’ve been in the playoffs every year. We went to the championship two years ago. That was very exciting for my family and friends.”

“	I’m very fortunate to play for two Hall of Fame coaches. Everybody can’t say that. If I would have played baseball, I don’t know if I could make that claim.” — Aaron McKie

Last year, McKie suffered through an injury riddled season missing 34 games. In spite of the injuries, he still managed to average 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game while leading the Sixers to the NBA playoffs. McKie is healthy this season and appears to have returned to his old form that made him a key player in the Sixers championship run. His numbers are exceeding his career-highs, but more importantly his body is holding up to the rigorous schedule.

“I feel great right now,” said McKie, who won the 2001 NBA Sixth Man Award. “The injuries really slowed me down. I couldn’t get any consistency going last season. I worked hard on my game toward the end of last summer. I was determined to come out and make a contribution. I want to help the team as much as possible.”

Larry Brown, Sixers head coach, has a great appreciation for the way McKie plays the game. Brown also values his leadership and experience.

“He’s very unselfish,” Brown said. “He plays good defense. He doesn’t turn the ball over. He’s been here for a while like Eric (Snow) and Allen (Iverson). He does a great job of leading. This is important with so many new players.”

Two months ago, McKie made a trip to the Naismith Hall of Fame to attend Brown’s induction ceremony. Last year, he watched Chaney go into the hall of fame.

“I’m very fortunate to play for two Hall of Fame coaches,” McKie said. “Everybody can’t say that. If I would have played baseball, I don’t know if I could make that claim. I just realize how fortunate the way things have worked out for me. To be playing in my hometown, it is truly an honor.”