Former Corona Centennial star Jared McCain selected 16th overall by 76ers – Press Enterprise

Duke’s Jared McCain, a former Corona Centennial High standout, was selected 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of Wednesday night’s NBA draft. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Two years after leading Corona Centennial High to a CIF Open Division state title, Jared McCain is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers after the team selected him 16th overall in the first round of the NBA draft on Wednesday night.

After a standout career at Centennial, where he was named the Gatorade California Player of the Year following his junior and senior seasons, McCain played one season at Duke.

McCain averaged 14.3 points, 5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game for the Blue Devils, earning ACC All-Rookie, All-ACC honorable mention and being voted to the Kyle Macy Freshman All-American team.

McCain, 20, was considered one of the best shooters in the draft and shot 41.4 percent from 3-point range on 5.8 attempts per game and converted 88.5 percent of his free throws .

He thrived during March Madness, becoming the first Duke freshman to score 30 or more points twice in a single NCAA Tournament. He hit eight 3-pointers against James Madison on his way to 30 points in a second-round game, then scored 32 points in an Elite Eight loss to North Carolina State.

McCain also shot 8-for-11 from 3-point range as he set a Duke freshman record with 35 points in a 76-67 win over Florida State on Feb. 17. He started all 36 games for a Blue Devils team that fell one win short of making the Final Four.

While undersized for a shooting guard, McCain’s nearly 200-pound frame allowed him to fight for rebounds inside, and he quickly became the Blue Devils’ toughest competitor. He grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds in a game against Arkansas.

His greatest strength might be his intangibles. In a scouting report pre-drafted by The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, McCain “checks off each from a character and from the perspective of the character.”

“There is every reason to buy it to continue growing from this already strong starting point,” Vecenie said.

McCain’s Centennial coach Josh Giles told the Southern California News Group that people should be careful not to ignore McCain.

“The one thing I’ve learned about Jared is you better never bet against him,” Giles said.

How McCain fits in with the 76ers

Philadelphia has its core pieces in All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, but shooting remains a need and McCain provides that at a high level.

The 76ers had many established guards on their roster, such as Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Lowry. However, Philadelphia only has Two guaranteed salaries moving on: Embiid and Ricky Council IV.

The 76ers are almost certain to re-sign Maxey, but the rest of the roster is unclear after a first-round playoff exit against the New York Knicks.

McCain will have an opportunity to contribute immediately to a team that is trying to rebuild around its stars.