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Jared McCain and Reed Sheppard had strong freshman seasons with the Duke Blue Devils and Kentucky Wildcats, respectively. Both prospects were among the 24 players invited to the 2024 NBA draft, where the former Duke guard praised the former Kentucky guard.
When McCain was asked about playing for the Blue Devils, he said:
"It means everything to me. I love Duke with literally all my heart. I can't wait to visit when I can. Even that short time I was there.'
He was interrupted by Sheppard, who praised the jewelry on his draft day suit leading McCain to respond:
"You got to love Reed, bro, he's just a good, good guy from Kentucky, man. I love that guy. But playing for Duke, I love Duke. IT was just a blessing to put on that jersey every night and to know the history that came before me. It meant everything to me."
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Check out the interaction between Jared McCain and Reed Sheppard below:
McCain and Sheppard are both expected to come off the board in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. McCain is projected to land in the latter portion of the lottery or just outside of it, while Sheppard is a potential top five pick.
McCain, a five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 46.2% from the field, 41.4% from 3-point range and 88.5% from the free-throw line.
Meanwhile, Sheppard, a four-star prospect, averaged 12.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.5 apg, and 2.5 spg while shooting 53.6% from the field, 52.1% from 3-point range and 83.1% from the free-throw line.
Jared McCain 'never had a bad day' with the Duke Blue Devils
Jared McCain was coached by Jon Scheyer in his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils. Ahead of the 2024 NBA draft, his coach said that McCain "never a bad a day" in his true freshman season:
"Jared is one of a kind. You know, his personality, the fact you get to coach a guy who brings incredible energy on a daily basis, but the thing is, as a coach, you love a guy that's consistent and dependable, where you know what you're gonna get every single day.
"And Jared McCain never had a bad day at Duke. Never had a bad day. He was always fully committed. He's true to himself."
Check out Jon Scheyer's comments on Jared McCain:
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