Duke's Jared McCain Declares for 2024 NBA Draft; Projected 1st-Round Pick | News, Scores, Highlights

Publish date: 2024-03-12
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Jared McCain #0 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a three-point basket during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)Lance King/Getty Images

Jared McCain, a projected lottery pick, has declared for the 2024 NBA draft after one season at Duke.

The freshman guard announced his decision on Friday.

Jared Mccain @J_mccain_24

Thank you Duke 💙💙 <a href="https://t.co/f37CYRlH7S">pic.twitter.com/f37CYRlH7S</a>

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman has McCain going to the Oklahoma City Thunder with the No. 12 pick in his most recent mock draft.

McCain is one of two projected 2024 lottery picks on Duke's roster. Kyle Filipowski, who also declared for the draft on Friday, is projected to go one spot after McCain to the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 13 overall.

Jared Mccain @J_mccain_24

Duke fans I can truly say this was the best year of my life, I can't stress that enough. I loved everything about this school. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me through everything this year. I know the TikToks and nail painting is different and hard to…

Wasserman described McCain as "one of the draft's most convincing shotmakers" with the ability to make up for his lack of size and athleticism thanks to "crafty ball-handling and pace, shooting versatility, touch shots in the lane and finishing adjustments."

Duke has McCain listed at 6'3" and 197 pounds. His pro comparison, according to Wasserman, is Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley.

Quickley was regarded as an undersized guard with excellent shooting potential coming out of Kentucky in 2020. He was selected No. 25 overall by the Thunder, who traded his draft rights to the New York Knicks.

McCain had a strong season for the Blue Devils that included being named to the ACC All-Rookie team. He finished second on the team with 14.3 points per game on 41.4 percent three-point shooting.

The NCAA tournament was a good showcase for McCain. He scored 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting in a second-round win over James Madison.

McCain did his best to keep Duke in the game against North Carolina State in the Elite Eight. He dropped a game-high 32 points on 5-of-11 three-point shooting in the 76-64 loss to the Wolfpack.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place from June 26-27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

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