Just got off the phone with San Ramon Valley basketball standout Chris McNealy, who told me that he has signed a scholarship offer to attend UC Irvine in the fall.

McNealy said his decision came down to UC Irvine or Saint Mary’s. He said that the Gaels would have had to free up a scholarship to offer McNealy and that when he took a trip to Irvine, which came into the process late, he loved everything about the school.

“Irvine popped up and I took a visit and loved everything about it,” McNealy said.

McNealy, who was a Bay Area News Group-East Bay first team selection after being named the East Bay Athletic League’s co-MVP, said he will look to compete for minutes at both backcourt spots and possibly small forward as a freshman. At 6-foot-4, McNealy’s long arms and athletic ability should translate well to the college game.

“They see me as versatile, coming in as a freshman and playing big minutes,” McNealy said.

Here’s the quote from Irvine coach Russell Turner that came with the release.

“I am excited to announce the signing of Chris McNealy,” Turner said. “He is a winner both on and off the court and is the type of player I hope to attract to UCI. He is versatile and smart and plays at a high level on both ends of the court. I really like the fact that Chris comes from a basketball family, and I think he is a perfect fit for the up-tempo style of play I want to implement.”