Coming into the St. John’s game, the Hoyas was tied for last place in the muddled Big East conference. Entered freshman spark plug, Mac McClung. In what most characterized as a ‘must win’ game, McClung would go off for 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Gate City, VA YouTube sensation is more than just dunks. His confidence pops off the TV screen every time you watch him. He’s never discouraged by a missed shot or two or three. He’s out there to make plays and, yes, make the Hoyas exciting again. When was the last time Georgetown had a player with a national appeal? Allen Iverson? Iverson hasn’t been on the Hilltop since 1996.
McClung’s game is your classic “right place, right time” scenario. When Georgetown legend, Patrick Ewing, returned to coach he pledged a pro style offense. This was despite having players that were more suited for John Thompson III’s Princeton based offense. One can only imagine how much of a basketball-based culture shock that was for the returning players. It was imperative that Ewing bring in player who fit his vision and he got it.
James Akinjo has had the up and downs of a typical freshman point guard. McClung had to learn what was a good shot and what was a bad shot. Early in the season, he was guilty of predetermining his moves prior to getting the ball. Inevitably, he looked like he was forcing shots and getting out of the scheme of the offense. But something clicked for the freshman after returning from an ankle injury. His shot selection improved dramatically. Now his aggressive nature was being rewarded with highlight style stop and pops along with his signature hard drives to the basket. Defenses now have to truly prepare for him as he’s become the most dependable scoring option behind Jessie Govan.
McClung’s dual threat ability along with Ewing’s patience has paid off for the Hoyas. That’s something that isn’t being talked about enough. Ewing has given all his freshmen enough rope to make mistakes. No one has benefited more from this than McClung. Not only has his shot selection improved but because he isn’t predetermining his moves, he’s setting up his teammates off the pass a lot better. Since conference play has begun, McClung has seen improvement in ORtg, eFG%, and ARate (courtesy KenPom).
But perhaps his biggest contribution has been the excitement he’s generated among the fan base. Home games at the spacious Capital One Arena now have the buzz of “what will McClung do tonight”. How many will he score? Will he have a highlight dunk? These are things fans haven’t said about a Georgetown player in quite some time.
The Hoyas are now tied for third place and will need to continue winning to stay in the top half of the Big East. We’re about a month away from the Big East tournament where stories are created and reputations are made. March has always been the home of some of the most incredible performances. Seems like the perfect setting for a kid from Gate City to bring even more exciting to a once great program.
