Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Star Jared McCain Nabs Big-Time Honor

The Duke basketball one-and-done climbed all the way to the top of the NBA Rookie Ladder in November while earning some hardware.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball guard Jared McCain
Former Duke basketball guard Jared McCain / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Jared McCain didn't hear his name at the 2024 NBA Draft until the Philadelphia 76ers selected him No. 16 overall. Less than two months into his debut pro campaign, though, the beloved Duke basketball sharpshooter has already soared to No. 1 on the Kia Rookie Ladder.

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And on Tuesday afternoon, the season's first Kia NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month distinction went to the 20-year-old California native for his surge in November combined with his first four performances of the season in late October.

Through 18 games with the 76ers (4-14), McCain has tallied at least 20 points seven times. He's now averaging 16.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in only 25.2 minutes per contest, shooting 44.8 percent from the field, 36.4 percent beyond the arc, and 90.6 percent at the charity stripe.

Every time that Duke Blue Devils On SI left Cameron Indoor Stadium following Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer's postgame pressers last season, Jared McCain was either the lone Blue Devil or one of a couple on Coach K Court getting up shots with his notably disciplined approach.

In other words, at least for those who watched him shine in Durham last season, McCain's early NBA production should come as no surprise. Even so, his instant success is extremely impressive.

Meanwhile, further evidence of NBA Blue Devil excellence lies in the season's first Kia NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month honor belonging to another former Duke basketball one-and-done in defending NBA champion and eighth-year Boston Celtics centerpiece forward Jayson Tatum. He's averaging 28.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a career-high 5.6 assists across the Celtics' 17-4 start.

ALSO READ: Duke Players Lend Hand to Crazies Ahead of SEC/ACC Showdown

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more NBA Blue Devil updates and other Duke basketball news.

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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.

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