The foot injury really stripped McClung of an opportunity to demonstrate to Georgetown supporters and beyond that he is a true multifaceted college star. ![]() It’s hard to ignore that one of Patrick Ewing’s biggest wins as a coach, the game at Butler, lacked the Gate City legend and Omer Yurtseven. McClung can turn on assist generation quickly, but he’s still a score-first guard. Still, McClung has been a bit of a lightning rod for criticism during GU’s coldest shooting streaks and worst defensive troubles. In fact, at least one naysayer has said that fan-support of McClung may have contributed to Akinjo’s decision to transfer. Georgetown fans have, by and large, been incredibly supportive of Mac McClung as a Hoya. In some minds, Mac McClung leaving at this stage (and not seeing immediate pro success) could be considered as another black eye for Ewing and the program, even if it would open a fourth scholarship. Grayson Carter, James Akinjo, and Josh LeBlanc have all transferred for one reason or another. Losing McClung would mean that all of Ewing’s class of 2018 recruits are gone. If McClung is concerned that Georgetown would finish in the Big East basement again next year, perhaps turning pro is his best move. Never a man to back down from a challenge, McClung could expect heavy opposition focus next year. Risking injury, increased draft competition, and even lost time to taking classes may not be conducive to his perceived pathway to the pros. There are plenty of reasons to leave early. That said, there’s no guarantee McClung is coming back. This could all be calculated to keep him relevant and maximize his value as a junior or senior. McClung’s prior offseason workouts with private pro-level coaches, along with an oddly timed March profile on Bleacher Report, paints a picture that this decision may not have only been made this week. For instance, McClung’s declaration-while-maintaining-eligibility may have been part of the 3-year (or 4-year) plan. The optimistic fan might believe that McClung returning is still predetermined. ![]() Those who have followed his Big East career, including a former NBA assistant Who is his head coach, may have a list for McClung to work on, but hearing things from prospective employers may go a bit longer. McClung has plenty of game tape out there for consumption and dissection. Not only will McClung benefit from exposure, he will hopefully get valuable feedback from NBA coaches. Mac McClung has a reported 47-inch vertical! /vZeAl9Fifi- March 29, 2020 Teams would be stupid not to connect with him. With his southern manners and “yes sir” responses, Mac McClung likely interviews as well as anyone declaring. Front office executives and coaches will be FaceTiming athletes for weeks or longer if the season is further delayed with the quarantine schedule. There is plenty of speculation that McClung might be using this potentially prolonged period of time of NBA Draft preparations to get more exposure to teams. McClung’s potential is still notably high, but can anyone say he’s in a better position than all-conference scoring guards such as Markus Howard or Myles Powell (as juniors or seniors)? If their pro-prospects are in question, aren’t McClung’s? Most pundits and fans agree that McClung is not quite ready to be drafted to the NBA, especially given his recent injury. ![]() McClung generally played well in his sophomore campaign before sidelined with eye and foot issues, separately, during the conference portion of the schedule. He's been out with a foot injury since the beginning of February.- Ava Wallace March 12, 2020 ![]() Ewing said that McClung didn't travel with the team because he went home after having a procedure done.
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