In the NBA’s deep pool of talent, few have the privilege of consistently standing out from the crowd. Achieving the feat as a newbie in the league is even more impressive, and that’s what the Sixers’ prized recruit has been doing. The Philadelphia 76ers’ promising rookie Jared McCain has proven his firepower with stellar performances on the court, averaging 11.5 points per game during the Emirates NBA Cup last year. McCain’s contributions to the team go beyond his skillful shot creation off the dribble, as his energy on the court is also crucial in setting the game’s tone.
McCain’s impressive score-making abilities are a much-needed asset to help push the Sixers to greater heights in the NBA, offering a glimpse of a promising career. With his collaboration with Ray-Ban, McCain has also shown why he is a rising star in his own right. Here’s a look into McCain’s rising career.
McCain’s Stellar College Career
Before making waves in the NBA, McCain was a five-star recruit and a freshman standout for Duke University. He averaged 14.3 points per game and had a career-high 35 points against Florida State University, making him the first Duke freshman to score 30 or more points twice in a single NCAA tournament. He also played at the 2022 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship, where he helped Team USA win a gold medal. These impressive credentials made him a highly sought-after recruit in the NBA, where he was selected 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the first round of the league’s 2024 draft.
Beyond Basketball
Aside from his firepower on the court, McCain’s influence and star power at his young age have been highlighted by collaborations with big brands like Ray-Ban, a leading eyewear designer brand. Ray-Ban hosts a range of men’s eyeglasses that feature enduring designs like the Aviator and Clubmaster Optics. It also offers game-changing eyewear, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses McCain featured in the collaboration. In April 2024, before taking his talents to the NBA. McCain collaborated with Ray-Ban and tech giant Meta to showcase the new Meta AI virtual assistant of the smart glasses. Discussing how the tech helps McCain in his everyday life as an athlete. By being tapped by big brands, McCain has shown that his influence extends beyond the sport, solidifying his status as a rising star.
NBA Star on The Rise
McCain averages 15.3 points per game in the NBA, making him a leading scorer among all rookies. When the Sixers’ big three – Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey – were sidelined in a few games, McCain stepped up big time. For instance, during the Sixers’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in November, McCain erupted for a career-high 34 points on 12-of-26 shooting and 10 assists. However, his team lost that night. McCain’s stellar performance as a rookie shows a bright future ahead for the Sixers fans. However, McCain’s rookie season has halted due to injury, particularly a left lateral meniscus tear following the Sixers’ loss to the Indiana Pacers in December. The rookie underwent successful surgery but will be out indefinitely, according to the Sixers.
Despite this setback, there’s no denying McCain’s impressive rookie performance. His star power extends beyond basketball, with his Ray-Ban collaboration showcasing a bright career ahead. With everything he has achieved, the rookie is poised to become one of the biggest names in the NBA.
Article Credit: Elliot Peters
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