When Tom McMahon was in middle school, he dreamt of playing college basketball on a scholarship.
That dream will become a reality as McMahon, a 6-foot-7-inch, 195-pound forward, gave a verbal commitment to the University of Pennsylvania to go to school and play basketball.
"It has always been a goal of mine to play in college," McMahon said. "When I was in middle school, I didn't think it was possible. It's really a great feeling to accomplish it."
Penn, which started recruiting McMahon in July, beat out UCLA, Santa Barbara and Princeton for his services. McMahon said he enjoyed the players and coaching staff when he went on his visit and was told coming in and starting his freshman year was a possibility.
But what clinched it for McMahon was the strength of the program.
"They've been in the (NCAA) tournament the last eight years and they win the Ivy League every year," McMahon said.
Another determining factor, he said, was Penn really wanted him. When McMahon spoke with UCLA and went on a visit to Westwood, he determined the Bruins were just covering their bases.
"They were looking at a couple of other guys ahead of me," McMahon said. "I didn't want to be the guy that got there by default."
McMahon averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game during the West Catholic Athletic League for Serra High last season. He is a wing player who can bury the 3-pointer, rebound and run the floor, which fit in perfectly with the Quakers' plans.
"They're graduating a lot guys and I'm the only true wing guy that can hit 3-pointers," McMahon said.
McMahon's time spent on the summer basketball circuit playing with the Bay Area Ballers out of San Jose was the one thing, more so than his high school playing, that got him noticed, he said.
"I played a lot of summer ball. I played in Las Vegas, Los Angeles. (Recruiting) is almost solely based on summer," McMahon said. "[College coaches] are more focused on the season. Once summer comes along, these coaches don't go home during the month of July. If you're trying to get recruited and you don't have a good July, it puts you in a hole."
McMahon is glad to get his college decision out of the way before the start of his senior season, so he can concentrate on his final year of high school.
"I'm glad it's done," he said. "I just want to concentrate on winning a state championship and not worry about having to prove myself to scouts."
Sports Editor
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