Commitment Profile
Countdown: Brendan McClain to Boise State
by Keith Kropp, 19 March 2013
Share: | |
| | |
|
|
As a lifelong resident of Ventura, Calif., Brendan McClain has benefited from the ideal tennis weather conditions Californians enjoy nearly every day of the year. With plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, tennis players rarely have long stretches off the court.
As the
Boise State-bound McClain prepares to make the transition to a college campus 875 miles to the north, the climate differences alone will be a reminder of the change. Idaho's largest city averages 19 inches of snow a year and the winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s.
McClain, who began playing tennis at age 2 and excelled at the junior level, was very thorough in exploring his college options. The blue-chip recruit seriously considered the University of Arizona and Louisiana State before signing with Boise State.
Now that the process is over and he has chosen Boise State, McClain is looking forward to the future.
"I'm very excited," McClain said. "I really believe Boise State is the best fit for me. [Coach] Greg Patton is a great guy. At Boise State they treat you like family."
Patton, in his 17th year at Boise State and No. 5 all-time in wins among active in Division I men's coaches, believes McClain will be a big contributor to the Broncos.
"The one thing that I love about Brendan's game is his fierce drive and competitiveness," said Patton. "It is evident that he loves to play, and he brings tons of energy to the court. He has a fearlessness about hitting his shots."
McClain is already contemplating one fairly significant change as a college player. "The biggest thing I'll have to do is learn how to play indoors," he said.