Duke men’s basketball guard Jared McCain was drafted with the 16th pick to the Philadelphia 76ers

Duke’s first player has been removed from the board.

Jared McCain was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The one-and-done product had a fruitful freshman campaign, starting all 36 games last season. He had some of his best performances in the Blue Devils’ Elite Eight run, scoring more than 30 points twice in March Madness. McCain made a freshman-record eight triples against James Madison in the Round of 32.

McCain averaged 14.3 points per game and, despite being 6 feet tall, five rebounds per game. He had four double-doubles this season, demonstrating his knack for the ball on the glass. The Sacramento, California native’s efforts have been steady regardless of his offensive performance.

It took McCain some time to adjust to the college game, but his confidence remained high and he consistently improved throughout the season. When Duke dealt with several backcourt injuries, McCain stepped up in games with high minutes. He scored a career-high 35 points against Florida State in the absence of Tyrese Proctor, tying Zion Williamson for the Blue Devil freshman scoring record. That game showed that McCain is more than a catch-and-shoot scorer, and can be successful at breaking down defenses.

In addition to his productive on-the-court acumen, McCain’s daily meditation and mindfulness routine will suit him well with the rigors of the NBA season. McCain brings a deadly jumper and tireless intensity to the 76ers schedule.

McCain hopes to advance Philadelphia out of the Eastern Conference semifinals and should join Tyrese Maxey in strengthening the backcourt.

Ranjan Jindal
| Sports editor

Ranjan Jindal is a Trinity junior and sports editor of The Chronicle’s 120th volume.