Is Jared McCain a freshman? Exploring the Duke's guard collegiate basketball career
Jared McCain was impressive for Duke in the 2023-24 college basketball season. The guard played a crucial role in the Blue Devils’ regular and postseason campaign amid the injuries battled by the team throughout the season. We take a look at the current class of McCain.
Is Jared McCain a freshman?
Jared McCain is currently a freshman at Duke University. The guard enrolled at the university in June 2023 as a highly-rated five-star recruit. He committed to the Blue Devils in March 2022 ahead of several offers from reputable programs, including Gonzaga, Kansas, and Houston.
McCain is an alumnus of Centennial High School, where he made a significant impact as a player. He earned recognition as the California Gatorade Player of the Year in his junior and senior years. He was also chosen to participate in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game.
His freshman season with the Blue Devils has been noteworthy, with the guard appearing in 36 games, in which he started all of them. He averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists with 46.2% field goal percentage as the Blue Devils made it to the Elite Eight.
McCain's performance in the 2023-24 season earned him the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Rookie team, and he was named the conference Rookie of the Week on multiple occasions during the regular season. In February, his career-high 35 points against Florida State saw him tie with Zion Williamson for Duke's freshman record.
Will Jared McCain enter the 2024 NBA Draft?
Jared McCain has not disclosed whether or not he intends to declare for the NBA Draft following the conclusion of Duke's season on Sunday against NC State in the Elite Eight. It remains unclear if the ambition to win a championship would influence his decision in any way.
The guard is obviously in a good position ahead of the upcoming draft. His stellar performance throughout this season has propelled him into a fringe lottery pick in a host of mock drafts. This suggests he could take his chances rather than risk the uncertainties that come with a sophomore season in college basketball.
Nonetheless, McCain's popularity on social media has driven up his NIL valuation as a freshman, and this could place him in no rush to become a pro. He could improve his draft stock in the next college basketball season, playing alongside the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2024, Cooper Flagg.