McKenna sets sights on European career

Having just graduated from Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, combo guard Matthew McKenna has his sights set on a professional basketball career overseas. McKenna, a 6'3'' combo guard from Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Central Catholic), was accompanied by several coaches and teammates to Las Vegas for the final round of a FIBA combine held at the Cambridge Recreation Center July 11 and 12.

FIBA governs international competition in basketball. The organization, which is based in Switzerland, defines the international rules of basketball and specifies the equipment and facilities to be used. The international governing body of FIBA also regulates the transfer of athletes across the countries and controls the appointment of international officiating.

"After the first combine, I pretty much knew what to expect in terms of operation," said McKenna in a recent interview. He went on to say, "So I made sure that I was ready to perform at a higher level and almost felt like I had an advantage."

McKenna was a 2015 USCAA All-American and the 2015 PSUAC Player of the Year. While in Las Vegas, McKenna averaged 20 points per game, which was tied for the highest point total for the two-day event. McKenna also set a record for the defensive slide drill at the combine.

"We're very proud of Matt. He's worked harder than anyone we've had to get to this point," remarked Penn State Fayette's Head Men's Basketball Coach Mookie John, who added, "Matt's been working out like a professional athlete with Coach Mike Perieff and Coach Jajuan Davis for the last two years, as well as going to a scoring specialist in Pittsburgh. Coach Perieff and Coach Davis are better coaches and trainers than most scholarship student-athletes have at their disposal."

The combine was produced by overseas scouting service Whitecox & Lyons Sports Management, which is certified by the FIBA and NBA.

As a Roaring Lion, McKenna averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds over two seasons of play. He was awarded PSUAC Newcomer of the Year for the 2014 season, and earned USCAA Honorable Mention status.