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Jared McCain highlights NBA skill set ahead of draft

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery06/26/24
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© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Former Duke star Jared McCain was one of the most explosive shooters in all of college basketball. The sharpshooter erupted for historic numbers during the Blue Devils’ 2024 NCAA Tournament run, turning heads among many on the big stage. And on Wednesday night, he and many other players will have their NBA dreams come true at the 2024 NBA Draft.

He took a few minutes to sit down with the ESPN broadcast crew and talk about what NBA teams will be getting if they draft him on Wednesday evening.

“I feel like they’re getting the hardest worker in the draft, someone who’s just going to try to find any way to get on the court, any opportunity, whether that’s playing defense, knowing the team rotations. Just getting the chance to get on the court.

“Obviously, my shooting I feel like is the most translatable skill to the NBA, and I’ll use that as well to create space and create space for others.”

Against JMU in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, McCain erupted for 30 points, draining eight three-pointers and making history in the process. The Blue Devils rode his impressive showing to a 93-55 beatdown of the Dukes in their Round of 32 matchup.

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According to ESPN Stats & Info, McCain became the first freshman with 30 points and no turnovers in an NCAA Tournament game since the field expanded in 1985. His eight three-pointers are also tied for the second-most by a freshman in an NCAA Tournament game. The eight threes are a Duke program record for any player in an NCAA Tournament game.

His 22 points in the first half were the most by any player in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. He also connected on 10 of his 15 shots in a performance that won’t soon be forgotten.

In the final mock draft from On3’s James Fletcher, McCain is projected to go No. 16 overall to the Philadelphia 76ers, missing out on the lottery by one spot. McCain getting picked would mean Duke has had a first-round pick for four consecutive seasons, split down the middle between Mike Krzyzewski and Jon Scheyer leading the program.

Teammate Kyle Filiposwski is expected to hear his name called on Wednesday too.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh and Thomas Goldkamp also contributed to this article.