Xavier McDaniel: NBA Star and Seattle Sonics Legend
Xavier Maurice McDaniel, known as the “X-Man,” left a lasting impact on the NBA and Seattle SuperSonics. He led his high school team to a state championship in 1981. At Wichita State University, he dominated both scoring and rebounding in NCAA Division I in 1985.
The Seattle SuperSonics picked McDaniel 4th overall in the 1985 NBA draft. He played all 82 games in his rookie season, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His talent and toughness shone through, leading to an NBA All-Star selection in 1988.
McDaniel’s 12-year pro career was marked by his physical, intimidating style. He spent his first six years with the Sonics, becoming a fan favorite. His dedication and skill made him a true Seattle basketball icon.
Key Takeaways
- Xavier McDaniel was the first player in 1985 to lead the NCAA Division I in both scoring and rebounding in the same season.
- He was selected 4th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1985 NBA draft and played all 82 games in his rookie season.
- McDaniel was named an NBA All-Star in 1988 while with the Seattle SuperSonics.
- He was known for his physical and intimidating playing style on the court.
- McDaniel spent the first six years of his NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he became a beloved figure among the team’s loyal fan base.
Early Life and High School Career
Xavier McDaniel, born on June 4, 1963, in Columbia, South Carolina, is a basketball legend. At A.C. Flora High School, he led his team to a state championship in 1981. His skills on the court were already turning heads.
In his senior year, McDaniel averaged 18.8 points and 14.4 rebounds per game. His team achieved a 22-0 record after starting 0-3, showcasing his leadership skills. These achievements set the stage for his future success.
McDaniel’s talent was evident early on. In 1976, he earned his first MVP trophy playing for the Ben Arnold Boys Club. This early recognition hinted at the remarkable career ahead for the young athlete from Columbia, South Carolina.
After high school, Xavier McDaniel continued his basketball journey at Wichita State University. There, he further established himself as one of the nation’s top players. His college career was just the beginning of his basketball legacy.
| Year | Achievements |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Received first MVP trophy while playing for the Ben Arnold Boys Club |
| 1981 | Led A.C. Flora High School to a state championship |
| Senior Year | Averaged 18.8 points per game and 14.4 rebounds per game at A.C. Flora High School |
“I idolized basketball players like Dr. J., Bob Dandridge, Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes, and Bobby Jones for their respective skills.”
– Xavier McDaniel
College Basketball at Wichita State
Xavier “X” McDaniel made history at Wichita State University. He became the first NCAA Division I player to lead in scoring and rebounding. In the 1984-85 season, McDaniel averaged 27.2 points and 14.8 rebounds per game.
McDaniel’s stellar play earned him top honors. He was named a Consensus First-Team All-American twice. He also won the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year award twice.
His incredible stats and tireless effort made him a college basketball legend. McDaniel’s performances on the court left a lasting impact on Wichita State’s basketball program.
| Season | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984-85 | 27.2 | 14.8 | First Player to Lead Nation in Scoring and Rebounding |
| 1983-84 | 26.9 | 13.5 | Consensus First-Team All-American, MVC Player of the Year |
| 1982-83 | 25.1 | 12.4 | Consensus First-Team All-American, MVC Player of the Year |
McDaniel’s success at Wichita State set the stage for his NBA career. He went on to become an All-Star for the Seattle SuperSonics.
xavier mcdaniel
Xavier McDaniel, nicknamed “X-Man”, was a fierce NBA player known for his aggressive style. At 6’7″ and 218 pounds, he used his size to overpower opponents. McDaniel hailed from Columbia, South Carolina.
The Seattle SuperSonics drafted McDaniel 4th overall in 1985. At Wichita State, he led the nation in scoring and rebounding. His college success earned him a spot in the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
McDaniel played for several NBA teams, including the SuperSonics, Suns, Knicks, and Celtics. He also had a stint with Greek team Iraklis Thessaloniki. His intimidating presence made him an NBA All-Star in 1988.
Over 870 games, McDaniel averaged 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He scored 13,606 points, grabbed 5,313 rebounds, and dished out 1,775 assists. In 1986, he made the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
After retiring in 1998, Xavier McDaniel entered real estate and house flipping. He now owns a janitorial supply company in South Carolina. His son, Xavier Jr., plays college basketball at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
“I always wanted to be the baddest guy on the court. I wanted to be the guy that everybody was scared of.”
– Xavier McDaniel, on his playing style
NBA Draft and Rookie Season
The Seattle SuperSonics picked Xavier McDaniel as the 4th overall in the 1985 NBA Draft. His stellar college career at Wichita State had caught the eye of NBA scouts. The SuperSonics were eager to add his skills to their team.
McDaniel hit the ground running in his rookie season. He averaged an impressive 17.1 points per game, showing off his scoring talent. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
McDaniel finished second in the xavier mcdaniel rookie of the year voting. He was runner-up to the legendary Patrick Ewing. This strong start set the stage for his successful xavier mcdaniel seattle supersonics career.
McDaniel’s physical play and scoring ability made him a fan favorite. The xavier mcdaniel nba draft pick became a key player for the SuperSonics. His impact would be felt for years to come.
“He was one of the most physical players I’ve ever seen. He just brought it every night.”
– Former SuperSonics teammate Nate McMillan
Seattle SuperSonics Years
Xavier McDaniel made his mark during six seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics. His aggressive style and relentless pursuit of the ball made him a fan favorite. McDaniel’s physical presence on the court intimidated opponents and energized the crowd.
Physical and Intimidating Playing Style
McDaniel stood at 6’7″ and weighed 218 lbs, dominating the court. He outmuscled opponents, crashed the boards, and played stifling defense. His physical style often led to free-throw opportunities, where he shot 71.8% for his career.
1988 NBA All-Star
In 1988, McDaniel earned his only NBA All-Star selection as a Western Conference reserve. He averaged 20 points and 7 rebounds per game that season. This performance earned him recognition from his peers and the league.
McDaniel played a crucial role in the SuperSonics’ success, helping them to 57 regular-season victories. Despite losing to the Lakers in the playoffs, he remained a Seattle fan favorite. His physical and intimidating style continued to impress throughout his tenure.
| Season | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game | Steals per Game | Blocks per Game | Field Goal % | Free Throw % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-86 | 17.1 | 6.7 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 49.1% | 74.4% |
| 1986-87 | 20.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 48.6% | 73.1% |
| 1987-88 | 20.0 | 7.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 47.4% | 71.1% |
| 1988-89 | 19.5 | 6.6 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 48.0% | 68.0% |
| 1989-90 | 16.3 | 5.5 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 49.7% | 74.0% |
Later NBA Career
Xavier McDaniel continued his NBA journey after leaving the Seattle SuperSonics. He played for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. His physical, intimidating style remained a hallmark of his game.
In 1995, McDaniel signed with Greek club Iraklis Thessaloniki. He reached the Greek Cup final in March 1996. After one season abroad, he returned to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets.
Stints with Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics
Xavier McDaniel continued to make his mark in the NBA after leaving Seattle. He played for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. His tough playing style remained popular with fans across different teams.
Playing in Greece for Iraklis Thessaloniki
In 1995, Xavier McDaniel took his talents to Greece, joining Iraklis Thessaloniki. He reached the Greek Cup final during his single season there. McDaniel then returned to the NBA, signing with the New Jersey Nets in 1996.
McDaniel’s move to Greece showed his ability to adapt as a player. He faced new challenges and gained international experience. His successful return to the NBA proved his enduring skill and versatility.
Post-Playing Career
Xavier McDaniel retired from professional basketball in 1998 and returned to Columbia, South Carolina. He got a real estate license and started a successful janitorial supply company. McDaniel also ventured into entertainment, appearing in films and TV shows.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Xavier McDaniel’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a thriving janitorial supply company in Columbia. This business allowed him to stay active in the community. It also let him pursue his passion for entrepreneurship.
Acting and Television Appearances
Xavier McDaniel explored opportunities in the entertainment industry after his NBA career. He appeared in the 1992 film “Singles” and the TV series “Married… with Children”. These roles showed his versatility and helped him connect with fans in new ways.
| Year | Project | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Singles | Film | Cameo Appearance |
| 1996 | Married… with Children | TV Series | Guest Star |
Xavier McDaniel has shown he can excel in many areas after his NBA career. His success in business and entertainment proves his versatility. McDaniel’s achievements have built on his legacy as a basketball legend.
Conclusion
Xavier McDaniel’s NBA legacy is undeniable. His physical, intimidating style made him a fan favorite during his 12-year career. McDaniel left a lasting impact on the game, earning an All-Star selection and dominating as a power forward.
McDaniel’s xavier mcdaniel basketball journey began with a stellar college career. He became the first player to lead the nation in both scoring and rebounding. The SuperSonics drafted him, cementing his status as a rising talent.
Even after retiring, xavier mcdaniel legacy as an NBA icon grew. His business ventures and media appearances kept him in the spotlight. McDaniel’s xavier mcdaniel impact on basketball will endure for years to come.
His passion and determination have secured his place in NBA history. McDaniel’s story continues to inspire basketball fans around the world.
FAQ
What was Xavier McDaniel’s basketball career like?
Xavier McDaniel played in the NBA from 1985 to 1998. The Seattle SuperSonics selected him 4th overall in the 1985 NBA draft. He had a successful 12-year NBA career, earning an All-Star spot in 1988.
McDaniel was known for his physical and intimidating playing style on the court.
Where was Xavier McDaniel born and where did he attend high school?
Xavier McDaniel was born on June 4, 1963 in Columbia, South Carolina. He went to A.C. Flora High School in Columbia. There, he helped lead the school’s basketball team to a state championship in 1981.
What were Xavier McDaniel’s college basketball accomplishments?
At Wichita State University, McDaniel led the nation in both scoring and rebounding in one season. He was a Consensus First-Team All-American. McDaniel also won the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year award twice.
What was Xavier McDaniel’s playing style in the NBA?
Xavier McDaniel, known as the “X-Man”, was a physical and intimidating player. He was known for his aggressive style of play during his NBA career. McDaniel often shaved his head and eyebrows to appear more intimidating on the court.
How did Xavier McDaniel perform in his rookie season with the Seattle SuperSonics?
As a rookie, McDaniel averaged 17.1 points per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. McDaniel finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Patrick Ewing.
How did Xavier McDaniel perform during his time with the Seattle SuperSonics?
McDaniel played six seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics. He became known for his physical and intimidating style. In 1988, McDaniel made his only NBA All-Star appearance as a Western Conference reserve.
Where else did Xavier McDaniel play in the NBA?
After the SuperSonics, McDaniel played for the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. In 1995, he joined Greek club Iraklis Thessaloniki for one season. McDaniel then returned to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets in 1996.
What has Xavier McDaniel done since retiring from professional basketball?
McDaniel returned to Columbia, South Carolina after retiring in 1998. He got a real estate license and now owns a janitorial supply company. McDaniel has also appeared in films like “Singles” and the TV series “Married… with Children.”