Jared McCain dropped 34 points on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, his third straight NBA game with at least 20.
Former Duke basketball star [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag], the Philadelphia 76ers’ first-round pick earlier this year, continues to look better and better for his professional team.
McCain scored 34 points on Wednesday night, making 12 of his 26 shots from the floor and six of his 13 3-point attempts during a 114-106 loss to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers.
The production extends a streak of three straight games with at least 20 for McCain. He set his previous career high with 27 points against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday before tacking on 23 points against the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
McCain has connected on 42.5% of his looks from behind the 3-point line over his last four contests, something Duke fans knew he could do, but he added a new wrinkle against the Cavaliers with 10 assists for the first double-double of his NBA career.
On a Philadelphia roster with All-Star starters like Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, McCain wasn’t expected to play a large role in year one. However, with all three members of that trio dealing with injuries, the former Blue Devil is averaging 13.5 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds.
Former Duke basketball star Jared McCain dropped a career-high 27 points during the Philadelphia 76ers’ second win of the season on Sunday.
Former Duke basketball star [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] took the spotlight on Sunday night as he balled out in a winning effort for the Philadelphia Sixers against the Charlotte Hornets.
The 16th overall pick from this summer’s NBA dropped 27 points, setting a career-high, as the Sixers defeated the Hornets in overtime, 107-105. McCain tallied 23 of his points after halftime, shooting 10/18 from the floor and making three of his eight 3-point attempts.
Despite only playing 31 minutes off the bench, McCain led a Philadelphia team that included nine-time All-Star Paul George in scoring.
McCain hasn’t been able to crack the team’s starting five during his rookie season, but he clearly plays a crucial role off the bench. McCain dropped 18 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, and his previous career high came on November 2 when he dropped 19 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s averaging 10.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in his debut NBA season.
The Sixers improved to 2-7 on the season with the victory with another game against the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Former Duke basketball star Jared McCain flashed some familiar form on Saturday night with the best NBA game yet.
Former Duke basketball star [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] might only be five games into his rookie NBA season, but he looked right at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ first-round draft pick scored 19 points, seven more than his previous career high, in just 17 minutes after making two 3-pointers. McCain shot 8/16 (50.0%) from the floor and snagged four rebounds despite Philadelphia’s 124-107 loss.
The early emergence shouldn’t surprise Duke fans who kept up with McCain this offseason. The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported in October that the rookie was earning attention in training camp thanks to his performance, and with Philadelphia down several star players early on, he’s getting an early chance to prove himself.
After Saturday’s game and his 12-point performance against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, McCain is averaging 7.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists through his first five regular-season games. He’s shooting 45.5% from the floor and 20.0% from beyond the arc.
McCain averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 41.4% from 3-point range as a freshman with the Blue Devils, scoring at least 30 points in two of his four NCAA Tournament games.
Former Duke basketball star Jared McCain was one of four NBA rookies announced as Jordan Brand athletes on Saturday.
[autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag], the former Duke basketball player taken in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, announced his partnership with the Jordan Brand on Saturday.
Jordan, one of the most famous shoe companies in sports, revealed its rookie class of endorsement deals to start the weekend. McCain, now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, joined Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle, and Ja’Kobe Walter among the first-year players who signed with the brand.
McCain averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in his only year as a Blue Devil, but made his biggest impact as a 3-point weapon and an explosive scorer. He made 41.4% of his attempts from long range and scored at least 30 points in three different games, including twice in the NCAA Tournament.
He dropped 30 on James Madison in the second round before tying a school postseason record with 32 points against NC State in the Elite Eight. He made 16 of his 32 triples over the four-game tournament run.
Philadelphia took McCain with the 16th overall pick in June.
The newest members of flight. Introducing Jordan Brand’s 2024 Rookie Class.
McCain played eight total minutes in his first two regular-season games with the 76ers, scoring four points and pulling down two rebounds in his debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Former Duke basketball player Jared McCain reportedly has pulmonary contusions after a fall during Wednesday’s NBA preseason game.
Former Duke basketball star and Philadelphia 76ers rookie [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] needed to exit a Wednesday NBA preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets after he landed hard on his back during a rebound effort, an anxious scene that resulted in the team training staff helping him off the court.
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes on Thursday, McCain was diagnosed with pulmonary contusions (bruises on his lungs) but he was safely discharged from the hospital.
“Will be re-evaluated today for concussion but there’s optimism the rookie avoided a serious injury,” Haynes wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
McCain, a first-round pick in this summer’s NBA draft, had impressed the Philadelphia staff with his offseason performance thus far. While top names like former MVP Joel Embiid, former MVP finalist Paul George, and 2023-24 Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey would assuredly keep McCain out of the starting five, he was expected to get consistent minutes and still should if he makes an easy recovery.
According to a Friday report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Jared McCain has impressed the Philadelphia coaching staff thus far.
[autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] won’t play basketball at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season, but the former Blue Devil is still turning heads at the next level.
According to a Friday report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the first-round pick has impressed the Philadelphia 76ers staff and roster through the offseason.
“The rookie out of Duke has been the talk of training camp and the preseason so far,” Jones wrote. “Multiple team sources indicate McCain has played extremely well in camp, especially on offense. He’s played without fear, but most importantly, with patience and aplomb.”
While the former Blue Devil likely won’t work his way into the starting lineup on a team with stars like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George handling the ball, it sounds like McCain will make routine appearances.
“He’s a guy that can find himself space to get open, got a pretty decent drive game on top of it,” Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse said in Jones’ report. “Best thing is, I think he plays hard, he’s super engaged on both ends, but he provides a 3-point threat, quick release, all of that stuff, so it’s really important.”
The Sixers make their regular-season debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 23.
With the addition of the Boozer twins, Jon Scheyer has landed multiple five-star prospects in each of his four recruiting classes.
Duke basketball coach [autotag]Jon Scheyer[/autotag] did something on Friday that’s become a frequent occurrence since he took over the Blue Devils: he reeled in a commitment from a five-star prospect.
Cameron and Cayden Boozer, two of the top 25 prospects in the Class of 2025 recruiting rankings, announced their commitments to the Blue Devils on Friday, making them the first two members of Scheyer’s 2025 recruiting class.
Both brothers are five-star talents according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, meaning that 13 such players have now committed to Scheyer since the Class of 2022.
The 2024 recruiting class has obviously been the talk of the school this summer with top-ranked freshman [autotag]Cooper Flagg[/autotag] and 7-foot Olympian [autotag]Khaman Maluach[/autotag] leading a roster that looks like a preseason favorite to win the national championship.
Wisconsin native Kon Knueppel vaulted all the way to sixth on ESPN’s prospect ranking after analyst Jonathan Givony watched him in practice, and Isaiah Evans was named North Carolina Mr. Basketball in each of his last two seasons of high school.
[autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag], now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after his impressive freshman season, was one of two five-star prospects in the Class of 2023, and Scheyer’s first recruiting class was almost as loaded as this year’s. Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, two-time All-ACC forward Kyle Filipowski, and returning starter Tyrese Proctor highlighted a class with five five-star signees.
While the blue-chip talent hasn’t translated to a national championship yet, it’s still produced an ACC tournament title and a trip to the Elite Eight in Scheyer’s first two seasons. With Flagg and the Boozers both zeroed in on championships (and some 2024 signees likely to still be in Durham when the twins arrive in 2025), the odds of a sixth title only climb with each passing year.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie and TikTok star Jared McCain spoke to USA TODAY’s For The Win.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain will bring his infectious energy from Duke to the pros during his NBA career.
McCain, who was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is also widely known for his popular TikTok account. With more than 3 million followers on the social media platform, he often shares a fresh and candid perspective on his life as a professional basketball player.
“I think my social media persona displays a certain side of me,” McCain told USA TODAY’s For The Win. “But I’m a hard-working player doing what I need to do on the court to help my team win. So if that’s being a dog or however people see my game, I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
McCain isn’t yet sure how his TikTok presence will impact how other pros play against him.
But he is excited to find out when the regular-season begins and he is matched up against the elite of the elite.
“I don’t know how other NBA players view me,” McCain added. “But we will just see when we get out there and play.”
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What can you share about your offseason?
(Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
McCain: I had to get a place in Philly and get moved in and do all the little things I had to do to move into my own spot. I definitely had to work on my game. I was watching film with coaches and by myself and stayed in the gym. I was doing stuff I will be doing this season: Catch and shoot, a lot of stuff I’ve been doing my whole life, but perfecting it as much as I can to play this season. Coming into the NBA, there is so much unknown. So for me, it’s doing a little bit of everything but mostly focusing on my main role as a catch-and-shoot guy in the corners when they go and double Paul George or Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey. I’m going to be able to make that catch-and-shoot shot. I’m obviously always trying to be a primary ball handler so I’m trying to perfect that and come off ball screens and make the right reads. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and get that catch-and-shoot perfected.
How were your workouts with your new teammates?
McCain: The workouts were really cool. It was really cool getting to know them and see how they actually work and how they play. We had some training with the team separately and then we played at the Rico Hines runs. It was really cool to get to know them and talk to them because these are people I will spend a lot of time with in this long season. So it was really cool to see Paul George catch the ball in the mid-post and shoot a jumper. That was cool for me. One of my strengths is being able to adapt to any situation so I’m excited to learn my role, whatever it’s going to be. Obviously, there are things you think will happen and it may not be that. But I’ll be ready. I have a quick release. If my man leaves to go double one of them, I’m ready to knock that down.
How was it meeting Paul George as a guest on his podcast?
McCain: It’s pretty crazy that he’s my teammate considering I’ve watched him since I was in middle school. It was pretty surreal to meet him before the podcast was recorded. I’ve watched his podcast before, so going on it was amazing for me. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real that I’m in the NBA. I walk in the locker room and I see Joel Embiid’s locker or Paul George’s locker. It’s so crazy to me. But it’s obviously really fun getting to see them up close and learn from them. It will probably feel real when I’m in the locker room and putting on my Philadelphia 76ers jersey and getting ready for a regular-season game will be wild.
What are your expectations for Duke this season?
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
McCain: Oh yeah. I’m very excited to watch them. It’s so weird just being a fan now and not a player even though I was only there for a few months. But I’m really excited. The practices I’ve seen, they look good. I’m just super excited to watch them play this season. It’s basically like my second home. It’s not too far from Philly. Getting to know the other Duke players in the NBA when I was there, they would come back. Jayson Tatum would come play pickup with us. It’s so cool that there are so many Duke players in the NBA that I’m able to talk to and ask for advice.
Patrick Beverley gave you advice. What other advice have you received from pros?
(Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
McCain: A lot of stuff I’ve asked players, they say I need to continue to be myself. You don’t have to put on a show for anyone else. Always stay true to yourself. Have fun with it. That just reiterates what I always do for myself. I always try to have fun and joy on the court. So to have people who have been there and done that tell me that it’s exactly what I need to do gives me more confidence for sure.
Have you and Tyrese Maxey talked about bringing positivity to the backcourt?
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
McCain: We haven’t talked about that, specifically, but a lot of people have mentioned it to me throughout this facility being on the 76ers with him. It’s really cool to have someone positive like him who I can go to for any help and any advice I need. He has been through a situation like mine and he is someone who I am trying to emulate exactly, both with what he does and how he has done it.
What is something that inspires you about Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham?
McCain: Just watching somebody as young as he is dominate how he does, I always love that. He always does it with a smile on his face, too. The stuff he does off the pitch is really to see and something I’m trying to do as well. I love seeing young players thrive and have success early.
How have you liked your move to Philadelphia so far?
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
McCain: The city vibe is a little bit different. I haven’t had too much time to just explore yet but I’m excited to start doing that and see what Philly has to offer. I’ve tried some cheesesteaks. I’ve tried Angelo’s, which was really good. I tried a Chinese restaurant and I’ve probably already had it like five times. Once I get one place I like, I try to stick to it for a long time. I’m definitely willing to try some new things. I want to do more exploring.
If you could make a TikTok with anyone in the NBA, who would it be?
McCain: [Laughs] Probably Stephen Curry! It would be pretty cool to get Curry in a TikTok. Maybe I’ll see one day. I’d have to meet him and get to talk to him a little more about that.
You had a TikTok about journaling in Lyft cars. Do you actually do that?
McCain: It’s funny. Being in Philly, I’m not a big driver out there. It’s pretty easy being able to Lyft and journal in the car. I’m able to do that on the way back to my place or on the way to work. It’s my daily routine, which is journaling and meditation and breathing work and visualization. I also talk to a psychologist. I do all different types of things to help my mind and exercise my mind to get it in peak performance. I’ve said it many times: If my mental health is not right, I’m not going to play the best that I can. So I’m always trying to take care of my mental health, especially playing in the NBA. Everything you do is under a microscope.
Have you gotten recognized much around the city in a Lyft or otherwise?
McCain: That happens a bunch, actually. Especially when I’m going to the facility. It won’t say 76ers practice facility as a destination but it will say that once you get close. The drivers have sometimes said: “Wait, are you a player?” I’m like, uh, yeah. Then sometime they’ll know, like, exactly who I am. Then sometimes they’ll be like: “Oh my goodness!” and ask what number I am going to wear. It’s pretty funny when it happens but they’ve always been cool and it’s pretty easy and pretty nice.
Former Duke teammates Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski played each other in the NBA Summer League in July, a memory McCain called “weird.”
On July 10, former Duke basketball stars [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyle Filipowski[/autotag] did something they’d already done dozens of times together: play a basketball game.
This time, however, they took opposite sides of the floor. McCain played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Filipowski for the Utah Jazz in an NBA Summer League showdown as their professional careers got underway.
“To see him in warmups on the other side, we’re in the tunnel together walking out, he has on a different jersey, like, I only know him in a Duke jersey so it was weird.”
McCain remembered one defensive possession when he tried to box out Filipowski, who is nearly a full foot taller than him, in the paint.
“He was like, ‘Come on, Jared,'” McCain said. “He was like, ‘Come on, Jared, stop.'”
Filipowski and the Jazz ended up winning the game 93-85. Filipowski and McCain both scored two points with the Utah big man snagging five rebounds and McCain pulling down four.
Rachel DeMita, who boasts more than one million Instagram followers, will attend every Duke home game this year and create content with the team.
Blue Devils fans lost social media superstar [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] to the NBA earlier this summer, but there will be another internet celebrity in Durham this fall.
Rachel DeMita, a social media content creator who previously worked with the Big3 basketball league, announced on Thursday that she would attend every home game on the Duke football schedule this season. Her partnership with the team will also include social media content.
The newest member of the Blue Devils content team sports more than one million followers on Instagram. Demita might not match McCain’s millions of followers on TikTok, but she comfortably sits above 400,000 followers on that platform as well.
DeMita’s tenure with the Blue Devils begins on August 30 with the season opener against Elon. Watch her announcement below.
