Section 215
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Philadelphia Sports: Section 215 top 25 Philadelphia athletes revealed

By Chuck Booth

Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) celebrates with center Joel Embiid (21) after his game winning shot against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) celebrates with center Joel Embiid (21) after his game winning shot against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Number 14: T.J. McConnell – Gaurd, Philadelphia 76ers

If this were a list going off pure talent, TJ McConnell would be nowhere near this conversation. But McConnell’s unthinkable rise puts him at 14th on the Top 25 Philadelphia Sports athletes. There was every sport obstacle in the way of the scrappy point guard reaching the game’s best pro sports league, but he found a way. This led him to become one of the most beloved figures in the city.

After transferring from Duquesne before his junior year, McConnell made a name for himself under Sean Miller at Arizona. McConnell and touted prospect Stanley Johnson made a Final Four run, just before Johnson fell in the top ten and McConnell went undrafted.

McConnell’s first summer league stint with the Sixers was decent. But many thought he’d be one of those left off the preseason roster in favor of Scottie Wilbekin. McConnell prevailed and had himself a very good first half of the season, leading all rookies in steals. As he tailed off in the second half with the return of Ish Smith, many questioned whether he’d make the team again.

But again, McConnell found a way to succeed. He is now the clear starter and an important driving force in the Sixers offense. He plays the floor general role perfectly and pesters opposing point guards. TJ McConnell is the underdog. And for this season, he’s taken his chip on his shoulder and used it towards becoming a competent NBA starter.