In a major change that had a lasting impact on the NBA scene, the Philadelphia 76ers sent a strong message by selecting Jared McCain of Duke University with the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This acquisition garnered significant interest as the Sixers strategically included the highly praised rookie sensation on their team.
McCain comes with a lot of achievements and an impressive college career, characterized by his exceptional scoring skills and overall talent on the basketball court. His choice shows Philadelphia’s dedication to obtaining high-quality talent and also elevates McCain as a key figure in their pursuit of championship success.
McCain had an impressive stint at Duke, making it to the 2023-24 ACC All-Rookie Team and getting an All-ACC Honorable Mention for playing in every one of the Blue Devils’ 36 games. The player from California had notable numbers, with 14.3 points per game, making 41.4% of his shots from three-point range on 5.8 tries per game, as well as 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
In the first round of the #NBADraft, a team selected a player who paints his fingernails.
Sports. Have. Changed. #CourageIsContagioushttps://t.co/q8shTqsgKZ
— Cyd Zeigler (@CydZeigler) June 27, 2024
McCain’s exceptional performance went beyond just numbers, marked by an impressive accomplishment while he was at Duke. During a notable match versus Florida State on February 17, he made history by hitting eight three-point shots, establishing a new freshman record for the Blue Devils.
This impressive performance highlighted McCain’s skill in shooting and also made people think of legendary former Blue Devil Zion Williamson, matching his record for most points scored as a freshman at Duke. McCain’s exceptional performance confirmed his position as a promising talent, making a lasting impact on Duke’s renowned basketball history.
Apart from his personal achievements, McCain also made a significant contribution to Duke’s journey to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA Tournament by scoring 30 points in two games. He scored over 30 points in three games, making him the top freshman in the NCAA Division I last season.
