Georgia State University Athletics

2006-07 Season:

McBride played in 30 games and started 14 as he charted 668 minutes of playing time. He scored 187 points (6.2 per game) on the year and was second on the team in three-point baskets made with 39-of-119. In addition, Ryan grabbed 94 rebounds (3.1 per game) to go with 37 assists. He produced six double-figure scoring games.

His most points scored were 17 against Hofstra with three treys and 15 against VCU on 6-of-9 shooting. But, one of his biggest contributions was a 14-point tournament game in the win over William and Mary as he knocked down 4-of-7 three-point shots.

Ryan had four games in which he grabbed seven rebounds (at Delaware, Hofstra, at VCU and vs. ODU) and two games where he pulled down six rebounds.He had four offensive rebounds in the game at Hofstra and at VCU.

In addition to his four three-point basket game in the tournament, Ryan had four other games with three three-point baskets made (Alabama State, at Charlotte, Savannah State and Hofstra). His top assist game was five at VCU and four at William & Mary.

On defense, he had 12 steals and 7 blocked shots.

Junior College Recap :

After being a two-time junior college all-conference star, McBride was high on the 2006 recruiting list of multiple schools. The high-scoring McBride first committed in April to the University of Arkansas, but later changed that to McNeese (La.) State because he had family friends in Lake Charles, La. When Coach Tic Price left McNeese State on July 31, McBride was again a hot commodity and chose Georgia State in August.

During his recruiting chase, McBride got interest from Tennessee, Kansas State, Pitt, Pepperdine, Charlotte, Oregon State, Utah State, Southern Mississippi and Southern Illinois, in addition to Arkansas, McNeese State and Georgia State.

 

The most amazing part of his story is that he never played high school basketball and was away from school for four years until a friend talked him into trying out for the junior college team.

Junior College:

McBride led the Coast Conference in scoring in 2005-06 with a 21.2 per game average to go with a 9.5 rebounding average for the Monterey (Cal.) Peninsula Lobos. He shot 46.2 percent outside the arc and had multiple 30-plus-point scoring games.

As a freshman for Coach Blake Spiering, McBride was all-conference after a 15.9 scoring average and 5.7 rebound average. He led the Coast Conference of California in both three-point shooting percentage (.533) and free throw percentage (.852).

While there are multiple good games when you average 21 points per game, McBride had a top game of 36 points vs. Hartnell with six three-point baskets. He also had plenty of double-doubles, including a 17-point, 15-rebound game vs. San Francisco State.

One of those players who want the ball in clutch situations, McBride won a junior college game with no time on the clock. With his team down by two points, McBride was set to shoot a three-point game winner when he was fouled. So, he went to the free throw line with zeros on the scoreboard and calmly drained all three free throws.

The Route to Junior College:

The 18-year old McBride left high school in 1999 without finishing his degree, but still played a lot of basketball at the local Rec Center at 6 in the morning before work. Over a four-year period, he worked at a GM Parts Plant in Denver, worked with his dad on political campaign projects, and worked in Houston and Los Angeles with his best friend’s father. That was the family he was going to be with in Louisiana when he accepted McNeese State’s scholarship offer. Sadly, his best friend was killed this past December.

In 2003, McBride participated in a 3-on-3 Hoop It Up event at the Pepsi Center in Denver. It was there a friend from eighth grade told him of a tryout the next week at Monterey Junior College and invited him along. Obviously, things turned out well since that unusual tryout.

During the time between high school and junior college, McBride says he watched a lot of Duke basketball games and taped some to study Jason Williams’ jump shot style which he has used to improve his shot.

He also brushed up on his schoolwork to be able to finish up his G.E.D. credits to finish his high school academics and become eligible for junior college.

Prep Career:

In Denver, McBride never played varsity basketball at Manual High. Surprisingly, he entered high school at just 5’4” and was just 6-foot tall when he left.

As a freshman, the pint-sized guard played on the freshman team at Manual and showed his scoring skills fairly well with what he calls “a sling shot” looking outside shot. But, he tried out for the varsity as a sophomore and did not make the final cut. The Manual teams were deep and strong with a pair of the leading scorers in the state.

His next athletic team was the Manual High tennis team where he played and earned a letter as a sophomore. But, he gave that up after some ribbing from other students and friends. He also had played a lot of soccer and considered that one of his better sports, but never pursued it on school teams.

Personal:

Ryan was born on April 20, 1981 in Denver to John and Marilyn McBride. His father played on the offensive line for the Michigan State Spartans football team and later with the New York Jets. His dad worked on political campaigns for mayors and governors.

Mother Marilyn has worked for Wells Fargo Bank for 30 years. The oldest of three children, Ryan has a younger sister Marissa, 21, and a younger brother, Aaron, 17.

In addition to his family, Ryan expressed gratitude to Evelyn and Edna Gomez, who helped take care of him during his two years in junior college in California. He also credits Terry Garrison as a big part in his life for exposing him to gyms like the Pistol Pete Maravich arena at LSU and the one at Southern University, which helped Ryan set goals of wanting to play at this level.

At Georgia State, McBride will study to work his way to become a junior college coach to be able to help young men like himself find a way.