Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain has quickly become a household name, but not just for his skills on the basketball court. The 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft recently shared the story behind his meteoric rise to social media stardom, thanks to a viral TikTok video with none other than Bronny James. McCain, who boasts over 3.7 million followers on TikTok, sat down with his new teammate Paul George on the “Podcast P with Paul George” to discuss the moment that catapulted him into the digital spotlight.
McCain revealed that his foray into TikTok began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people turned to social media for entertainment and connection. “I saw people who I could dance better than. I felt like I looked better than them. And I feel like I dance better than them. So I was like, I’m already confident in this, and I’m just doing it. Luckily I did it during COVID, so it was like home school,” McCain explained.
His confidence paid off, as his TikTok account quickly gained traction, amassing around 250,000 followers in a short span. However, the video that truly put McCain on the map was a collaboration with Bronny James at the McDonald’s All-American game. “I had already set it up. He knew the dance. It was just simple,” Jared McCain said, recounting the ease with which the video came together. The clip, featuring the two young basketball stars, went viral, further solidifying McCain’s status as a social media influencer.
“I feel like I look better than them and I feel like I dance better than them.”
Jared McCain saw an opportunity to make his mark on TikTok and it’s been up ever since 📈 pic.twitter.com/S2wcMkorTf
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) August 26, 2024
McCain’s journey from TikTok sensation to NBA rookie is a testament to the power of social media in shaping modern sports careers. His success on platforms like TikTok has not only garnered him a massive following but has also translated into increased visibility and marketability as he enters the professional basketball scene. In an era where athletes are expected to be more than just players, Jared McCain has already mastered the art of self-promotion, leveraging his online presence to build a personal brand that extends far beyond the basketball court.
But while McCain’s social media prowess is undeniable, the real question remains: Can he live up to the hype on the hardwood? His performance in the Summer League offers a glimpse of his potential. Jared McCain averaged 14.3 points per game, a solid showing that mirrored his college stats at Duke, where he posted similar numbers. His ability to score, combined with his strong 200-pound frame and elite work ethic, has many analysts, including The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, optimistic about his future in the NBA.
“McCain has all the attributes needed to shape up into a reliable NBA player in the future,” Vecenie noted. “He ticks every single box from a character perspective and is known to be excellent in terms of work ethic — both in the gym and in the weight room. There’s every reason to buy into him continuing to grow from this already strong starting point.”
However, as Jared McCain prepares for his rookie season with the 76ers, he’ll need to prove that he’s more than just a viral sensation. The transition from college basketball to the NBA is notoriously challenging, and McCain will need to demonstrate that his skills can translate to the professional level. While his off-court success is impressive, it’s his on-court performance that will ultimately determine his legacy in the league.
McCain’s ability to balance his burgeoning social media career with the demands of being an NBA player will be crucial as he navigates this next chapter. The pressure is on for the young rookie to show that he’s not just another flash-in-the-pan internet star, but a legitimate basketball talent who can contribute to the 76ers’ success.
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