Rookie Asks Ref to Explain Summer League Rules – See His Respectful Request!

During his debut NBA Summer League game, Charlotte Hornets’ new guard Liam McNeeley not only showcased his basketball prowess but also demonstrated remarkable politeness.

Amid scoring 22 points and leading his team to a 111-105 victory against the Utah Jazz’s summer team, McNeeley took the opportunity to clarify Summer League rules, which differ from regular NBA games. Notably, players can commit up to 10 fouls before being ejected, and a team must accrue 10 fouls in a quarter before the opposition enters the bonus, unless it’s the last two minutes where only two team fouls are needed.

Eager to understand these nuances, McNeeley approached the referees respectfully, referring to them as “Mr. Ref” each time he had a question.

During a game break, he inquired, “Hey Mr. Ref, what’s bonus?” followed by more queries and remarks as the game progressed.

“Hey Mr. Ref, 10 fouls is crazy,” he commented later, before asking again, “Mr. Ref, next one’s bonus?”

The Hornets picked McNeeley as the 29th overall in the recent draft following his one-year stint at UConn, where he averaged 14.5 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. The team hopes he will form a dynamic duo with Duke’s Kon Kneuppel, picked fourth overall, to strengthen their shooting capabilities.

In his first Summer League appearance, McNeeley impressed with 12 rebounds, six assists, and 22 points, affirming the importance of inquiry and understanding in new situations.

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