By Andy Jasner

There are feel-good stories each season in the NBA.

Put T.J. McConnell right at the top of the list.

An undrafted point guard from the University of Arizona, McConnell signed with the 76ers with a chance to compete in training camp.

Between injuries, his persistence and several other factors, the 6-foot-2 McConnell earned a roster spot on opening night. From there, he has continued to thrive.

With Tony Wroten and Kendall Marshall sidelined, McConnell keep playing big minutes. More than that, he’s playing extremely well.

It’s a story to keep watching. And a feel-good one for sure.

“It was a dream of mine to play in the NBA since the time I was a really little kid,” McConnell said. “I kept the dream alive by working as hard as I possibly could. You just never know. I always believed and here I am. I hope it keeps going because I don’t want to wake up.”

McConnell opened the season in a huge way with at least 12 assists in two of his first four career games. How many other players in NBA history have accomplished that feat? Zero.

McConnell scored a career-high 13 points in a 92-86 loss to the Dallas Mavericks Monday night. He added seven rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes and never backed down against the veteran Mavericks.

McConnell is the only rookie this season to record at least 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the same game.

This is all from an undrafted player. Feel-good indeed.

“Did I expect to play this much so early in the season?,” McConnell asked. “I would have to say, ‘no.’ Like I’ve said, weird things have gone on. My number has been called and I’m going in to compete and fight for minutes. It’s every day that you have to compete and play hard and learn. To keep this dream going, it’s keeping that work ethic going and continuing to play well. I just want to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.”

Nothing is impossible if you capitalize on an opportunity.

Sixers coach Brett Brown pointed to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova, who alongside LeBron James was competing in the NBA Finals last June. Dellavedova was far from a highly-touted prospect coming out of college, but he has carved a niche with the Cavaliers.

“I told (McConnell) about a country Victorian who nobody ever gave a chance,” Brown said of Dellavedova. “I think their stories are similar. There is a difference to their bodies: Dellavedova is four inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, but T.J. is more of an A-to-B guy and more of a water bug. But their stories are similar.”

Despite the ongoing struggles as a team – the Sixers have started 0-11 – McConnell keeps impressing his coach.

“He’s a spark and he plays with great pace and great heart,” Brown said. “We have to run with him because he forces the tempo of the game.”

McConnell is keenly aware that the future is murky. He has no idea what might happen next week, next month or the new year. All he can do is improve and show the organization that he’s worth keeping for the long run.

“I hope so,” McConnell said. “I’ve already had such a great experience here. The coaches and my teammates are amazing to be around every day. My teammates are always encouraging me and the coaches are teaching all the time. I’m here to learn and get better. I don’t ever want to look down the road. Sure, I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t think about it. But my job is to stay in the moment and improve as much as possible.”

So far, so good. McConnell is clearly one of the top feel-good stories of the season. Stay tuned.