Five-star junior Jared McCain talks recruitment, new Duke offer
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 took off, obviously, since he was able to reel in two titles in two months and showcase his elite skill at the guard spot.
The recruitment of McCain has taken drastic leaps, including visits to Louisville, Houston, USC, and now a new scholarship offer from Duke’s staff. He discussed all of that and more with Stockrisers.com.
Who would you say is heavily involved in your recruitment?
“Houston, Louisville, Duke, Texas Tech, USC, UCLA, Kansas, Gonzaga are the ones that hit me the most I would say.”
Who are the newest schools?
“Duke and UCLA.”
Discuss your Duke offer, your thoughts, and their pitch?
“They were super cool, and I loved how three of the coaches got involved with me. Coach Scheyer FaceTimed me and he was just telling me about Duke and how he feels it would fit perfectly for me. He was saying how he’s going to be upfront and honest with me about everything and he wants me to do the same with him, which was great because that’s what I want in a coach. But they all were just excited about me and talked about me and Caleb Foster being the backcourt for the 2023 class.”
How about UCLA?
“UCLA is just saying we want to get you out on a visit. And talking about how staying in LA can benefit me and talk about their team and how they run things. Which is super cool.”
Staying in heavy contact with Houston and Louisville?
“Yes, I loved both visits. The way the fans are in Louisville and the success of Houston these past years and for both, the style of play matches me very well so that makes the very intriguing.”
Visits, where would you like to go next?
“I plan on going to Gonzaga next semester and Duke whenever I find time as soon as possible.”
What’s next for your recruitment?
“I do want to cut down my list soon but I need to sit down and really evaluate these schools and what is best for me.”
How about your game, what areas have seen improvement?
“I feel defensively I’ve improved a lot and first lateral quickness and just working on my first step. Offensively I feel I’ve improved my mid-range shot and ball handling. Always just trying to get better at shooting.”
Any guys you’ve discussed a team-up with?
“Me and Caleb Foster have been talking about Duke recently. Dusty and I have mostly the same offers (laughs) so teaming up with him anywhere would be elite. Loved playing with him and Kylan this summer. But just Caleb, Dusty, and Kylan would be the main I’ve had convos with about that.”