West Orange High alum inks free agent deal with Houston Rockets -- Observer Preps

WINTER GARDEN A 2012 graduate of West Orange High, Erik McCree has taken a big step toward his dream of suiting up in an NBA game.

McCree, who just this spring concluded his college career at Louisiana Tech, signed a free agent contract with the Houston Rockets June 23, a day after he went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. 

McCree chose Houston from a handful of offers he had attracted and will now play for the Rockets in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, beginning July 7. According to McCree, the terms of the deal outline that he will not only play for the Rockets in Las Vegas, but is also guaranteed a slot in Houston’s training camp ahead of the 2017-2018 season.

“It was the style of play — the system they run, I pretty much ran in college,” McCree said, explaining why he felt Houston was the best fit for him. “I feel like the Rockets are my best chance of making a roster.”

Despite going undrafted, McCree garnered interest from several NBA teams because of his versatility — listed at 6-foot-8, McCree shot 36% from beyond-the-arc as a senior for Louisiana Tech.

“With my size, being able to play the three (small forward) and some small-ball four (power forward), a lot of teams were telling me that they loved my versatility,” McCree said.

The Rockets will open the 24-team event with a game against the Denver Nuggets at 7 p.m. July 7, with that contest scheduled to be broadcast live on NBA TV.

As a senior for Louisiana Tech this past season, McCree led his team with an average of 17.7 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game.

As a senior for West Orange High in 2011-2012 under coach Eric Jones, McCree averaged 18.1 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game in leading the Warriors to a regional final appearance.

Training at West Orange’s gym last week, McCree said he feels fortunate to have this opportunity.

“This is a blessing,” McCree said. “To be invited to a training camp … it definitely gives me some reassurance that I really could make it.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].