Makale Foreman has done everything "the right way" so far for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball team.
And he's reaped the rewards that come along with that.
The 6-foot-2 guard played a career-high 19 minutes in the Mocs' 96-85 win over Marshall on Dec. 6. He contributed only two points, scoring on a back cut, but has worked his way into the lineup rotation as a true freshman.
After an eight-day break between games so the players could focus on final exams, the Mocs (7-2) are back in action today with a game against NAIA member Tennessee Wesleyan at noon at McKenzie Arena.
Against Central Arkansas early in the season, Foreman played the last eight minutes of the first half, hitting a trio of 3-pointers to help turn a four-point game when he entered into a 16-point lead by the time his last 3 went through the net.
When foul trouble started to affect the Mocs early in the first half of the Marshall game, UTC coach Matt McCall had no problem putting Foreman in the game.
"He's been in great in practice, unbelievable with his energy," McCall said. "He really moves his feet laterally, so when we got in some foul trouble I felt comfortable putting him in the game. I thought he brought great energy in shootaround and felt he deserved the opportunity to play."
Energy was something that Foreman chooses to bring to every practice and every game. It's what's got him into the rotation, probably a year sooner than even he expected.
"It comes from where I've gained more confidence in myself in practice, and my teammates have as well," Foreman said. "I'm getting more playing time, so I'm able to help the team out some more.
"I'm getting more trust in my teammates and the coaching staff in what they want me to do, so I come to practice every day, play hard and do the right thing."
McLean honored
UTC senior Tre' McLean was named Southern Conference player of the week Tuesday for his 35-point, five-steal performance against Marshall.
McLean was 11-for-17 from the floor and 10-for-13 from the free-throw line, making three of his four 3-point attempts.
He was the Mocs' first player of the week since Casey Jones earned the honor on Feb. 17, 2014, so McLean became the first winner of the McCall era.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.