The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell is Joel Embiid’s “Mini Me”

By Bret Stuter

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 23: Joel Embiid
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 23: Joel Embiid /
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Philadelphia 76ers
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 15: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate with comedian Kevin Hart after scoring a three point basket against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center November 15, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian) /

Modest beginnings

T.J. McConnell is a native Pennsylvanian, having been born in the western part of the state. Timothy John McConnell was born in Pittsburg, PA. Basketball is in his blood, as his father Tim McConnell is a rather lauded high school basketball coach. McConnell played for his father at Chartiers Valley High School

The opposite of Joel Embiid in terms of heritage on a basketball court, McConnell fell into a basketball family and embraced the role. His basketball personna in high school was simply that of a young man who had basketball in his blood.  But little did he know that he was paralleling the path of Joel Embiid to the NBA.  From different backgrounds, he was a lesser Embiid… a “Mini Me”

As a senior, he led his school with a 34.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 9.1 rebounds per game. That was good enough to lead his high school team to a 29-2 record and an appearance in the state 3A championship game.   But his role would change in Arizona.