Jamel McLean, a 6-foot-8 and 225-pound power forward from Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, and a November signee with the University of Tulsa, recently told InsideTulsaSports.com he was already thinking about how he could help the Tulsa program next fall. After his nationally-ranked Bethel team suffered their only loss of the season to end his high school career, McLean wants redemption and hopes to get it next year at Tulsa.

"It was tough to lose and not have a chance to go to the state tournament," McLean stated. "I want to redeem myself and take the hurt of that loss to the next level. I've already set some personal and team goals for next year at Tulsa. For our team, I want to help us get to the NCAA Tournament. As for myself, I have a goal of making the All-Rookie Team in Conference-USA."

Although the Virginia All-State teams have not been announced, McLean has already garnered a couple of honors, being named to the All-Region and All-Peninsula District teams. He completed a stellar senior season by averaging 14.5 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks per game.

Although his primary responsibilities last season were to rebound, play defense and score inside the paint, McLean does possess a mid-range jumper and stated that he will be asked to use that jumper for the Golden Hurricane next fall.

"(Head) Coach (Doug) Wojcik has told me that he wants me to step out and shoot the jumper some next year," McLean explained. "I didn't do that much last year because our game plan in high school was for me to score inside. That was my job and I did it with a variety of moves. I got a lot of dunks and scored by posting up, then facing up and taking my man off the dribble to score."

"Coach Wojcik has also told me that my primary role next year at Tulsa will be to rebound and play defense. He feels that I can make an impact by helping in those areas. But he also wants me to use my mid-range jumper as a part of my offensive game to be more of an inside-outside threat. I imagine I'll be playing both at the center and power forward positions."

With his season completed, McLean has been concentrating on his studies and working out to improve his skills and conditioning.

"I've been working hard on my school work," added McLean. "And I've been working out in the gym shooting jump shots and lifting weights. I'm trying to get ready for this summer."

"I'm going to enroll in summer school at Tulsa in June to get a head start on my studies. I also want to be in shape and be ready to play with the guys when I arrive there."

As would be expected, McLean is going to follow the upcoming NCAA Tournament closely. Tulsa won a tough recruiting battle for McLean over Pittsburgh and Boston College, both of whom are expected to do some damage in the tournament, but McLean is going to root for one particular team.

"I'll be pulling for Pittsburgh," he concluded. "I've always liked them. But next year, I'll be doing all I can to help Tulsa get there (the tournament)."