Duke’s first player is off the board.
Jared McCain was selected with the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The one-and-done product had a prolific freshman campaign, starting in all 36 games last season. He had some of his best performances in the Blue Devils’ Elite Eight run, scoring 30-plus points twice in March Madness. McCain connected on a freshman record eight triples against James Madison in the Round of 32.
McCain averaged 14.3 points per game and, despite standing at 6-foot-3, five rebounds per game. He had four double-doubles on the season, demonstrating his knack for the ball on the glass. The Sacramento, Calif., native’s effort is steady no matter his offensive output.
It took some time for McCain to adjust to the college game, but his confidence stayed high and he constantly improved throughout the season. When Duke dealt with various injuries to the backcourt, McCain stepped up in heavy-minute games. He scored a career-high 35 points against Florida State in Tyrese Proctor’s absence, tying Zion Williamson for the Blue Devil freshman scoring record. That contest demonstrated how McCain is more than a catch-and-shoot scorer, and can be successful at breaking down defenses.
On top of his prolific on-the-court acumen, McCain’s daily meditation and mindfulness routine will suit him well for the rigors of the NBA season. McCain brings a lethal jumper and indefatigable intensity to the 76ers roster.
McCain will hope to bring Philadelphia out of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and should bolster its backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey.
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| Sports Editor
Ranjan Jindal is a Trinity junior and sports editor of The Chronicle’s 120th volume.
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