What's the Skinny on McLachlin?

[Mac]

starbulletin.com/2006/12/10/sports/story05.html

He's a 3-time state MVP, in Hawaii. So is he a big fish in a little pond, or is he going to make a splash at the next level? What do those of you who've seen him play say? His high school, Punahou, went 21-0 to capture its 27th state championship in 34 years of the state tournament's existence. Looks like most players who play well makes their way to that school.

[roy]

McLachlin is a very typical "Hawaii" player. His game reminds me of the Wongs. Skill wise, he has a good all around game, however he may be a year away from starting. I think he will need to get used to the pace of college volleyball. I wouldn't be surprised to see him redshirt his freshman year. He is a fairly decent passer, but a better defender. I would say for college level, he would have an average serve. His blocking may need some work, but I think that is the biggest issue for all freshman, as many are not used to seeing huge players against them. His hitting is overall very good. He has a great volleyball IQ. He understands the game, not a huge surprise considering who is parents are.

He has the potential to be a great volleyball player. I am not quite sure exactly how good he can be. I personally think he would be one of those key role players for a national title team. I don't think he will be the kill leader (hey, he could prove me wrong), but I think he would be a player that can cause enough trouble for the opposing team that they would need to respect him and it gives other other big bangers on his team more room to swing away.

[Mac]

Thanks. If he can contribute I don't see Stanford redshirting a good player considering what they need to compete.

[wang pu]

roy said:

McLachlin is a very typical "Hawaii" player. His game reminds me of the Wongs. Skill wise, he has a good all around game, however he may be a year away from starting. I think he will need to get used to the pace of college volleyball. I wouldn't be surprised to see him redshirt his freshman year. He is a fairly decent passer, but a better defender. I would say for college level, he would have an average serve. His blocking may need some work, but I think that is the biggest issue for all freshman, as many are not used to seeing huge players against them. His hitting is overall very good. He has a great volleyball IQ. He understands the game, not a huge surprise considering who is parents are.

He has the potential to be a great volleyball player. I am not quite sure exactly how good he can be. I personally think he would be one of those key role players for a national title team. I don't think he will be the kill leader (hey, he could prove me wrong), but I think he would be a player that can cause enough trouble for the opposing team that they would need to respect him and it gives other other big bangers on his team more room to swing away.

How does he compare versus Shoji? I only ask cause Shoji seems to be doing well at Stanford, setting and hitting.

[bunnywailer]

I guess the REAL question is if Chris McLachlin will continue to do color commentary when Stanford visits UH during men's season.

Leahy: "McLachlin from Stanford shanks one into the 3rd row here in the SSC. Definetely not a good play..."

C. McLachlin: "Awww...shaddup Jim! *SMACK*


LOL.

[cbrown1709]

Since you guys know about these hs guys from Hawaii, how about the other guy who commited to Stanford, Brandon Infaku(sp?). Give us the skinney on him.

[StuffU]

cbrown1709 said:

Since you guys know about these hs guys from Hawaii, how about the other guy who commited to Stanford, Brandon Infaku(sp?). Give us the skinney on him.

Jordan Inafuku out of Kamehameha is a passing and defensive whiz. He was the JR National Team libero, I believe.

I think what is most important with Shoji, Mclachlin, and Inafuku is that these boys have been on the same teams for years at the Club level and for the YNT and JNT ... all as starters. You have to like the potential built-in chemistry from Libero (Inafuku) to Setter (Shoji) to OH (Mclachlin)...

[baywatcher]

Good to hear. Stanford can use some of that Island magic.

[sexy]

i cannot wait to see stanford play when spencer joins the team - him playing with shoji!! ;D

[kalena12]

i happen to know these guys. ive seen them play quite a bit. and being that im a major stanford fan, im pleased with their decision to join the card. too bad we couldnt get mckibben to join them too.

mclachlin will be the big stick for the farm when he gets there. inafuku is also expected to come rite in and play. so redshirting would be a suprise for either. since both were heavily recruited, i dont think they plan to redshirt. you never know tho.

mclachlin's hit against very very big blocks. cuba, brazil, italy. inafuku's received against very, very big serves. same teams. i think both are ready for the college game. but i think inafuku's got the bigger adjustment to make.

go stanford.

[hwy101]

kalena12 said:

i happen to know these guys. ive seen them play quite a bit. and being that im a major stanford fan, im pleased with their decision to join the card. too bad we couldnt get mckibben to join them too.
quote]

Riley McKibbin is going to USC. I heard though that he already is regretting his decision!

[cbrown1709]

Why would he already be regretting his decision?

[golddigger]

Maybe cause he wants to be with his Hawaiin boys or Altamura is ahead of him with the coaches. Even though, it should be settled in the practices before the season. McKibbin is far ahead of Altamura in my book though.

[ooreo46]

You folks are right. Spence will have to adjust to the pace of college ball. Very fast tempo and more power. I think Spence will do fine - give him a year to adjust and get his reps.

[kalena12]

spence and jordan will have to adjust, but both will have to adjust quickly in my opinion cuz both need to contribute right away. amazing how the cardinal can get three great recruits (mclachlin, inafuku, connelly) and yet they arent even ranked in the preseason poll.