Vermont Academy Guard Picks FIU
When Daquein McNeil’s playing career at Vermont Academy comes to an end, he’s likely to be remembered as one of the most pivotal players in school history.
McNeil was one of the first players to follow head coach Jesse Bopp to the school in the summer of 2010 and together they have been the two most visible pieces of a program that has been able to completely redefine itself after years of failing to be among the competitors in the New England prep school circuit.
After Sunday night’s commitment to Florida Intenational University and head coach Richard Pitino, McNeil will soon be preparing for a similar challenge.
Pitino is taking over a team that finished 8-21 last year and at the bottom of the Sun Belt’s East Division. If that weren’t enough of an undertaking, FIU will also be moving up to Conference USA beginning next season, McNeil’s first in Florida.
“Daquein has meant so much to our school and program,” Vermont Academy head coach Jesse Bopp said, “and I am thrilled to see him join a program where he will have a similar impact.”
A Maryland native who has come up the ranks with Baltimore Elite on the AAU and EYBL circuits, McNeil is a playmaking guard known for his ability to manufacture his own offense. He’s seen recruitment from a variety of mid to high-major programs during the last three years, including a Louisville program where Pitino was previously the associate head coach under his father, Rick Pitino.
McNeil visited FIU’s campus last weekend and didn’t need much more time to finalize his decision.
“Richard Pitino quickly built a relationship with Daquein and expressed his vision for FIU basketball,” Bopp said. “Daquein was comfortable with their players, staff, and style of play and excited about their move to Conference USA and what they hope to build there.”
McNeil is the third player to commit to FIU in the class of 2013, joining six-foot guard Jaquan Lynch from Thomas Jefferson High School in New York and six-foot-three guard Ayinde Sprewell from Agape Christian Academy in Florida.
Here's a look at some of McNeil's junior year highlights courtesy of Ballas TV.
Daquein McNeil