'23's Jared McCain discusses Peach Jam title, updates his recruitment
Jared McCain is a winner.
To cap off, a long year, dealing with COVID-19, late start to the season, etc, McCain along with everyone else, had a lot of adversity to overcome. He did just that. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Corona, CA, had one of the more successful two-month spans in basketball.
He won the CIF championship with Centennial and just two months later, the buzzer in Augusta rung up, making him a Peach Jam champion as well. So, in a matter of two months, he was not only a champion in his high school’s title race, but he also won arguably the most loaded high school basketball tournament there is.
Don’t get it twisted, McCain is a lethal prospect. The word sniper would best describe his ability to shoot the three-ball, and even at Peach Jam, McCain always feels as if he could improve his shooting ability. But he’s more than just a shooter, as he impacts the game in so many ways and it’s exactly why he will leap recruiting rankings all year round.
McCain has so much skill but combines it with high basketball IQ. Has great court vision, can get his teammates involved and make them more successful, overall, he does all of the important things you want out of your floor general.
His recruitment has taken off over the last two months and that’s something that is continuing as Peach Jam is now over. So, who all is recruiting McCain? He answered those hard-hitting questions for Stockrisers.com prior to his arrival at NBAPA Top-100 camp.
First off, how does it feel to be a Peach Jam champion?
“It feels unreal. To know that I ended off my summer as a CIF champ and a peach jam champ is insane.”
How do you feel you played and where did you feel like you excelled?
“It’s crazy because I had written down goals before peach and I checked off everyone. I feel I played pretty well. My shot wasn’t falling too much during the tournament, but, I was able to show I’m not just a shooter and can do other things when my shot isn’t falling, like finishing at the rim, being able to pass out of pick and roll, and able to lead a team to win a championship. But overall I feel I played well. And showed what I can do.”
Recruitment-wise, which schools would you say you hear from most?
“Louisville, Texas Tech, Gonzaga, Kansas, USC, Houston, San Diego State, Stanford, Texas A&M, and Washington.”
Any new schools since Peach Jam?
“I just got off the phone with Villanova. Virginia, Oklahoma, and then the schools that offered since are Houston, Oklahoma, and Stanford.”
What’s Louisville’s pitch and do you expect to visit campus?
“Talking to Kahil, Ross, and Coach Mack. They all just know what I can do and believe it will transfer right into their program. I’ve been talking to Kahil for a while and he’s confident in me and my abilities. I will for sure be visiting, just got to find a time. It’s so busy with everything going on but I will be visiting soon.”
Gonzaga? Your thoughts on their program and how do you feel about their guards?
“The same thing, they are very high on my abilities and believe it will be able to work at the next level. Jalen and Corey are such elite guards. Corey’s ability to shoot the ball is amazing to watch and Jalen’s IQ and ability to affect the game in multiple ways is wild to watch.”
How about a newer program, Villanova, what did they say?
“Yeah, I just got the call today that they wanna start the recruiting process with me. And they were saying they love how tough I am and my energy in the game. And the way I can lead a team. Also Just talking about my family and getting to know me.”
Who do you emulate your game after and why?
“I feel I model my game after Jalen Bruson and Kyle Lowry. Like a strong guard that can really shoot it and make plays for others. I feel I’m one the best shooters in the country.”