theACC.com: Taking Playground Lumps Bred McKie's Fearless Attitude
1/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 11, 2012
GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) - Asked to describe the attributes of sophomore forward Travis McKie, the first adjective used by Wake Forest coach Jeff Bzdelik was "fearless."
It shows in the way the 6-foot-7 McKie attacks the boards against bigger players. It shows in the way he defends anyone from big guards to centers. It shows in the way he hustles constantly and doesn't hesitate to get a floor burn in pursuit of a loose ball.
Asked about the description, McKie said it fit him well. And there's a good reason why.
"You had to be fearless playing basketball on the playgrounds growing up," he said of his youth in Richmond, Va. "I was always playing against bigger and older guys and you learn that you can't back down from anyone.
"I first remember playing at 7 or 8 years old and nobody cut me any slack. If I got knocked down, they would tell me to get up and play defense. I took my lumps, but it made me a better player."
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