Kicking off a vital offseason, Philadelphia stayed pat within the first spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, utilizing the sixteenth decide on Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain. The combo guard at Duke turned recognized for his 40% three-point share, the TikToks he posts, his painted fingernails, and the shared journey he’s gone on together with his brother.
Solely minutes after his choice, McCain spoke to Sixers reporters for the primary time. Spoiler alert: he talked about cheesesteaks in his first reply.
McCain, who comes with a fame of being a tough employee, thinks coming to Philadelphia must be a straightforward transition after enjoying off a giant man throughout his freshman yr at Duke.
“Clearly enjoying by way of [Kyle Filipowski], I realized to create area for him and simply have the ability to let him do his work and discover gaps and discover methods to get open,” he stated. “So I feel it’s a fantastic transition for me.”
Not solely does he imagine the on-court transition will go properly, however he thinks his expertise as a Duke Blue Satan and the fame that comes with that may assist his transition as a Philadelphian as properly.
“Clearly that comes with a variety of hate and a variety of scrutiny wherever you go,” he stated, “however I feel that’s making ready for the place I’m at, particularly with Philly, so I feel I’m prepared for it.”
He was already requested about his TikToks and fingernails, and isn’t nervous about how individuals will understand him in a hard-nosed metropolis.
“Yeah, you recognize I do the social media, the nail portray, I do all that stuff, however basketball is my primary focus and this has been my dream since I used to be 4 or 5 years outdated,” he stated. “So I’m going to do no matter I can simply to win and convey a optimistic perspective and simply have enjoyable, man. I’m joyful with life and I attempt to convey that in every single place I am going.”
McCain credit his household for his optimistic character. He repeatedly talked about that no matter hate he might face, he’s going to struggle it with positivity.
“It’s gotten me this far, so I gained’t cease now,” he stated. “And even when there’s a bunch of hate coming my manner, I attempt to be as optimistic as attainable and simply proceed to work and belief my work.”
He’s primarily seen the draft course of as a journey he’s gone on together with his brother. Jayce McCain needed to cease enjoying basketball as a consequence of blood clots, and went to Duke to grow to be a grad assistant to be on the identical faculty as his brother, Jared.
“It was our dream to get drafted, and so we each did it,” he stated.