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“You’re going to Georgetown to sit.”
“He’s undersized. His skillset is not where it needs to be yet.”
“He may never be able to adjust to the Big East level of competition.”
Despite his reputation on YouTube for his sensational dunking ability and physics-defying athleticism, Mac McClung faced his fair share of preseason doubt. The 6-foot-2 freshman from Gate City, Virginia dominated the local high school basketball scene with his explosive offensive play. However, basketball pundits (including opposing coaches) questioned McClung’s ability to adjust to the increased competition that Division 1 ball offered.
Let’s just say McClung has resoundingly shut down all preseason skepticism. Mac’s rapid development on the offensive end has helped carry Georgetown to third place in the Big East to this point. McClung has averaged 18.8 points per game in Big East games on 50% shooting from the field. For anyone keeping track at home, that mark puts McClung as the Big East’s 7th leading scorer for in-conference games, ahead of Myles Powell of Seton Hall and Sam Hauser of Marquette.
This is a remarkable change from McClung’s rocky start to his freshman campaign. Mac only averaged 6.2 points per game throughout his first 6 starts while shooting 33% from the field. This development prompts Hoya fans to ask themselves how Mac transformed himself from a struggling freshman to Georgetown’s primary scoring threat on the perimeter.
Three-Point Efficiency
This is a huge reason why McClung has become successful scoring in the Big East. McClung has rapidly extended his range to deep beyond the college three-point arc, as St. John’s learned this past weekend.
McClung struggled to develop a rhythm from three at the beginning of the season. Mac entered his fifth game as a Hoya 0-14 from deep before finally knocking one down against South Florida in Jamaica. Even after that, McClung had difficulty finding consistency with his outside shot throughout nonconference play, averaging about 24% from deep.
One of the biggest adjustments Mac has made is high-pointing his release on his shot. McClung utilizes his leaping ability to rise above defenders to get clean looks from outside.
This is imperative as McClung is only 6-foot-2 inches and often faces bigger defenders with long wingspans. McClung has also done a nice job of utilizing high ball screens to create immediate separation to pull up, as seen in the clip below.
High-pointing his release not only allows him to shoot over longer defenders, but it also transfers most of the work to his legs. The more Mac uses his legs in his shot, the more he can focus on maintaining proper shooting form which enhances accuracy. The results have shown there is a method to his madness as Mac has shot 41.4% from deep during Big East play.
Slowing Things Down
It was apparent that McClung felt overwhelmed at times during the early part of Georgetown’s nonconference schedule. That is not a bad thing as every freshman in the country experiences growing pains of some sort in college. But everyone expected Mac to suffer a prolonged adjustment period due to the significant leap in the competition he would face. And for most of nonconference play, Mac struggled with recognition and decision-making such as whether to attack the basket or pull up from three.
However, the game appeared to slow down for McClung in his breakout performance against Arkansas Little-Rock back in December. Mac rained twos and threes all over the court as he scored 38 points on 47.6% shooting and 44.4% from three. McClung flashed an improved three-point shot and enhanced decision-making. He also effectively penetrated the defense and finished through contact at the rim using his athleticism.
Hoya fans feared that a high ankle sprain suffered in practice would stem McClung’s progress, but it seemingly helped prepare McClung for Big East play. By sitting on the bench for Georgetown’s first three Big East games, McClung was able to take in the increased intensity and speed of the game while making mental notes during each match. Sometimes for young players in any sport, sitting for a few games can significantly increase confidence and mental preparedness. That seemed to be the case for Mac.
Alpha Mentality
Patrick Ewing has a type. What do Mac McClung, James Akinjo, Josh LeBlanc, and Grayson Carter all have in common? They are all incredibly self-motivated athletes with an endless desire to improve. This was apparent when the Big East’s very own John Fanta brought Mac and James to the Big Apple for pizza and an interview.
When asked about his and James’s relationship, Mac said that both players motivate and push each other (they even compete to see who gets to the gym earlier!).
McClung plays with an undying fire and a significant chip on his shoulder. That is what drew Ewing to the Gate City freshman (although his 42 points per game certainly played a role too!). A player without a strong motivation to compete, learn from his mistakes, and adapt to competition would have no chance to develop at the rapid speed at which McClung has.
This alpha mentality that McClung brings has already had a positive effect on the Hoya locker-room. McClung’s strong four-game stretch is a big reason Georgetown finds itself in third place in Big East standings despite struggling to close out close games. McClung helped solve that issue against St. John’s with his 25-point performance in front of a mobbed Madison Square Garden.
It would be remiss to not give Ewing credit for ignoring the critics and seeing the potential for greatness in McClung during the recruiting process. Ewing found a possible diamond in the rough in Mac and now has the responsibility to continue to guide him to reach the greatness he is capable. Enjoy what you’re seeing Hoya fans. This is only the beginning.
Be sure to like Thompson’s Towel on Facebook for more articles about Mac and the other freshmen, as well as following us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with Mac and the Hoyas!
