Inside the powerful family legacy shaping Pacers guard T.J. McConnell and sister Megan’s pro basketball journey
T.J. McConnell is making waves in the NBA, especially this season for the Indiana Pacers. His bench performances have been crucial in lifting the Pacers when the starters slowed down. The guard performed on high level for his side in the NBA Finals.
McConnell went on to score 10 points and added 5 assists in the crucial NBA Finals game 3 between the Indiana Pacers and the OKC Thunder. All this came within just 15 minutes of on-court action. His efficient contribution played a major role in the Pacers eventual 116-107 victory against the Thunder. In Game 7, T. J. chipped in 16 points off the bench to help Pacers fighting against the Thunder.
Reggie supports an emotional T.J. McConnell.
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025
Pacers fam through the ups and downs. pic.twitter.com/yn8BcQWUmK
Let’s explore some personal connections involving T.J. McConnell.
T.J. McConnell has had a major basketball influence from his family from his beginning days. It wouldn’t be wrong in suggesting that basketball actually runs strong in the McConnell family. His father, Tim McConnell, has been the strongest mind behind the Pacers’ guard’s development.
Tim McConnell, a successful high school coach, played a big role in shaping his son’s basketball future. While his mom, Shelly McConnell, has been a strong emotional support raising two basketball children. Both T.J. and Megan McConnell are now carving their own paths as professional basketball players.
Megan McConnell is the younger sister of T.J. McConnell and has made her name in college basketball. She recently also signed a WNBA contract with the Phoenix Mercury, setting off her professional basketball career. Despite standing at just 5-foot-7, Megan built an impressive career at Duquesne University.
Basketball runs in the family 🧡💛@Pacers guard T.J. McConnell talks about his support for his sister, Megan of the @PhoenixMercury! pic.twitter.com/7SpmSBsUHZ
— NBA (@NBA) June 11, 2025
In fact, in her time there, she also earned the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year. Despite a standout college run, Megan McConnell went undrafted but kept pushing for her spot in the WNBA. She went on to showcase her skills better in training camp, and eventually earned a season-long contract this year.
T.J. McConnell’s aunts, Kathy and Suzie, both played professionally and left lasting legacies in women’s basketball. Suzie McConnell won an Olympic gold medal and is also a Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
His uncle, Tom McConnell, is also a highly respected college basketball coach having almost two decades of experience. Tom also played college basketball for Davidson before moving into coaching.
Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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