Amid NBA Draft uncertainty, prospect Mac McClung has one goal in mind

“It’s going to happen, I’m going to find a way.” Mac McClung remains focused on being the first Georgetown player drafted into the NBA since 2013.

With all of professional basketball on hold both in the NBA and around the world, 20-year-old Mac McClung is wasting no time in training, rehabbing, and preparing for whatever is next.

“We don’t really know what’s going to happen,” McClung said. “But I have resources here in Gate City that I am very grateful for, and a workout plan that is keeping me in top-notch shape.”

A Gate City, Virginia native, McClung has been a public figure long before declaring for the NBA draft on March 29th, or before leading Georgetown University in points and steals per game in his sophomore season.

McClung was a high school basketball phenom at Gate City High School, breaking the Virginia single-season scoring record his senior year, held by NBA legend Allen Iverson. McClung averaged 38.4 points per game that season, including a 47 point game in the state title victory.

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The connection between McClung and Iverson runs deeper than the single-season points record, McClung attended the Allen Iverson Classic as a senior, and ultimately decided to play college basketball at Georgetown University. McClung is fond of the time he’s spent with the NBA Hall of Famer.

“AI is someone that’s been really good to me,” McClung said. “He made sure I got to the Allen Iverson classic game, and there he looked out for me, and we spoke about the record and other things. He’s given me good advice and is someone that I admire.”

McClung made his decision to play at Georgetown in October of 2017, de-committing from Rutgers University in the process. Georgetown Hoyas coach Patrick Ewing, newly introduced at the time, held a large role in McClung’s decision. Over his two years at school, McClung and Ewing developed a tight bond.

“Coach is someone I’ve built a relationship with very closely throughout these years,” McClung said. “He always pushes me, that’s my favorite thing about him. I can have a great game and the next practice he’ll act like I had zero points. He expects so much out of me all the time and it really brings out my best.”

McClung had a successful two years at Georgetown, making the Big East All-Rookie team as a freshman, and averaging 15.7 points per game as a sophomore. McClung played a big part in Georgetown’s success through a large chunk of the season, The Hoyas started off 15-10, but following a foot injury McClung suffered in February, Georgetown finished the season with a 15-16 record.

McClung took the late-season struggles personally, even though he was sidelined for the last six games, and it remains on his mind as he contemplates the next steps of his journey.

“I’m the type of guy who gets fully invested in the things I do,” McClung said. “And I believe without Coronavirus and the injuries we had late in we had the chance to make a tournament run. Unfortunately, a few things held us back.”

It’s been over six years since Georgetown last had a player selected in the NBA Draft, Otto Porter Jr in 2013, and it’s something McClung thinks about as he weighs all of his options.

“Coach and I talk a lot about my goals, and it’d be amazing if I was the first since Otto to get drafted. Georgetown has put so many guys in the league and it’d mean a lot to me to be the next one.”

McClung signed with Daniel Hazan of the Hazan Sports Management Group and is testing the waters of the NBA draft process while maintaining his two years left of eligibility.

“This is a great opportunity for Mac, and we are all very excited for him,” Hazan said, “He has such a big brand and because of his size and appearance he draws an audience that connects to him on a different level. I’m excited to be a part of the journey and to continue in building his brand on and off the court.”

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The Coronavirus pandemic has created a cloud of uncertainty over the NBA draft process, leaving analysts believing that the NBA combine and draft may be pushed back to later times. McClung, however, hasn’t skipped a beat in his preparation, working out alone in Gate City gyms, maintaining a healthy diet regimen, and focusing on improving the “little things”.

“Each offseason in training, you find your weaknesses and attack them. I’m working on fixing the little things in every drill I do and putting myself in game-like situations. My decision making and shot selection specifically are things I’ve been working on that I think will bring me to the next level.” McClung said.

Another area of improvement for McClung is his 3-point shot. McClung improved his 3-point shooting in his sophomore season, his percentage jumped from 27.7 percent to 32.3 and he remains confident that the tools are there to keep improving with more reps.

“My 3-pointer is something I have to get more consistent with, which I’m going to make happen,” McClung said. “My percentage will boost as I develop my shot selection which is a part of growing. I know I have the form and confidence to become a really good shooter.”

McClung, 6’2”, has drawn comparisons to Allen Iverson and Donte DiVincenzo for his combination of scrappy style of play and athletic scoring ability, but if you ask him he’d have to disagree.

“I wouldn’t compare myself to anybody. I wanna be Mac.”

While McClung views himself as a different player, there is one former all-star who McClung looks up to.

“Someone I do admire is Isaiah Thomas,” McClung said. “I feel like I can relate to him with his size and his story. He went from the underdog to the top dog, and that’s something I find cool.”

McClung knows the process ahead of him won’t be easy, but that doesn’t change his mindset or his end goal, getting to the NBA.

“It’s only a matter of time,” McClung said. “I’m gonna find a way no matter how long it takes, I am going to demand it to happen.”

McClung knows what he brings to the table. Being a talented scorer and constant highlight reel on Instagram doesn’t give anyone free admission into the league, and he knows the value he brings exceeds on-court performance.

“I’m a good locker room guy, I’m going to push everyone else in the locker room while bringing everyone together. A big thing I’ve noticed is that everyone has to be on the same page, and I’ve brought that everywhere I’ve been, and I know I can bring it wherever I go.”

“Mac’s got the right skill set, he has great athleticism and can create shots for himself,” Hazan said. “Mac’s also a great leader, and I think his overall package gives him the necessary tools to make it to the NBA, the ultimate goal.”