Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Recruiting Prize Reacts to Jared McCain Mania

Cooper Flagg and Jared McCain could become the perfect Duke basketball duo.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

It's too early to properly speculate whether Jared McCain will become a Duke basketball sophomore or turn pro early. Even so, given his play of late, it's impossible to ignore the thought of the Californian TikTok sensation potentially starring alongside next season's top-ranked incoming freshman, Montverde (Fla.) forward Cooper Flagg.

RELATED: Duke Signee Darren Harris Excited to Play Alongside 'Generational' Talent

On that note, Flagg, a 6-foot-9, 200-pound phenom whose length and instincts stand out on both ends of the floor in any game he plays, chimed in on McCain's career-best stat line that propelled the No. 9 Blue Devils (20-5, 11-3 ACC) to an encouraging 76-67 road win over unranked Florida State (13-12, 7-7 ACC) on Saturday.

Needless to say, Flagg sounded impressed by McCain, who tied Zion Williamson's Duke rookie record with his 35 points while shooting 8-for-11 from three against the Seminoles.

Talking to League Ready after helping his top-ranked Montverde squad improve its record to 28-0, the 17-year-old used the word "underrated" when appreciating the 19-year-old McCain's feat of coming up only one 3-point make shy of the Duke basketball record (nine by Shane Battier in 2000, matched by JJ Redick in 2005):

"I mean, that really embodies who he is, I feel like, as a player. I feel like he was hunting his shot, and it was falling, you know, almost setting that record. Just crazy.

"He's a great player. I think he's kind of underrated. People kind of underestimate how good he really is. But he's a great player. And he came out on fire today."

NEXT DUKE BASKETBALL GAME: at unranked Miami (15-11, 6-9 ACC), 7 p.m. ET Wednesday (ESPN)

STREAM: fuboTV (start your free trial)

UNC Product Ridicules Top Duke Rookie Jared McCain

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more on Jared McCain, Cooper Flagg, and other Duke basketball news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball