Rutgers Basketball: Mac McClung and the athleticism he brings to the Scarlet Knights
Rutgers basketball has struggled since joining the Big Ten. Mac McClung will hopefully help to turn the program around in the upcoming years.
Rutgers basketball has now played three seasons in the Big Ten. In each of those seasons, the Scarlet Knights have been unable to secure an overall winning record, finishing with a combined record of 22-65 (.253). In addition, their Big Ten record has not been any better. Over three seasons, Rutgers basketball is just 6-48 (.111).
Heading into this season, expectations are still low for the Scarlet Knights. The Big Ten is projected to be as strong as ever in 2017-18, but Rutgers is still looked at as a team likely to finish well under .500.
However, for the 2018-19 season, things are looking up for Scarlet Knights. They will likely return star guard Corey Sanders (who will then be a senior) and bring in one of the best recruiting classes in program history.
The Rutgers’ 2018 recruiting class is currently rated 17th in the entire country. This ranking is by far and away their best class since joining the Big Ten. This provides the team will several young talents, including athletic guard Mac McClung and several top recruits.
Rated as a three-star recruit out of Virginia, McClung will have plenty of opportunities to show his worth to the program right away. McClung is an elite athlete who can create for others as well as sky for highlight dunks. For example, good luck blocking this guy on his way to the basket:
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While playing with electric guard Corey Sanders, McClung should immediately find a role with Rutgers this upcoming season. He might not be an instant starter, but with his athletic ability, McClung can become a future lockdown defender as well as a dangerous finisher in transition.
McClung will bring a lot of athleticism and size to a team that has struggled to match the talent of other teams in the Big Ten in the last several years. McClung is a 6’2″ point guard and his ability to play both on and off the ball will be vital with the array of talented guards playing for the Scarlet Knights over the next couple of seasons.
This 2018 recruiting class for Rutgers also includes Montez Mathis and Mamadou Doucoure, who are both in the top-150 according to 247Sports.
Rutgers basketball might have been struggling in the past few seasons, but it seems like their rebuild is starting to get on track. Mac McClung might not be the top recruit in their class of 2018, but he sure is an exciting one with a bright future.