Is Mac McClung

[lucustookis]

The best guard to ever come out of VA? Not even close. If we move the discussion to SWVA, not even close. JJ Reddick comes to mind. One often missed in the state of VA and in SWVA is Michael Porter of Pulaski. He was a McDonalds All American and won the McDonalds All American Dunk Contest at 5'10 inches tall in 1985 in San Antonio. He played at St. John's and started 3 years and played in the CBA. He's one of the best in VA at the high school level I've ever seen. Don't forget about Bryan Stith at Brunswick. All ACC and All American at UVA and a long NBA career mostly with the Nuggets.

 

[lucustookis]

When it comes to highlight.

Speaking of vertical leaps, how many of you SWVA old-timers remember this guy:

View embedded media

I watched CT play at ETSU. I also watched him in person, win the NCAA Dunk Contest. He could jump out of the gym, but had long arms and some hops. I still think Porter from Pulaski was slightly a better dunker. Porter was 5'10, and had a legitimate 40 plus vertical. He was a stud. Kevin Madden, a Staunton product in the 80s who was a star at UNC was special. MaClung is great, but at this point in his career, he's nowhere close to Reddick. Reddick turned over much less, shot far better, and passed better and had better court vision. As for all around players, MacClung is one of the best in SWVA since Reddick, but Reddick, Michael Porter, Doug Day from Radford, who played at VT, were all better at the High School level regarding guards and all of them in the last 31 years from the SWVA area. I know CT played underneath-in the paint in High School at Castlewood. Porter and Reddick were legit McDonalds All Americans and were recruited by about everyone in America.

 

[bulldog1150]

The best guard to ever come out of VA? Not even close. If we move the discussion to SWVA, not even close. JJ Reddick comes to mind. One often missed in the state of VA and in SWVA is Michael Porter of Pulaski. He was a McDonalds All American and won the McDonalds All American Dunk Contest at 5'10 inches tall in 1985 in San Antonio. He played at St. John's and started 3 years and played in the CBA. He's one of the best in VA at the high school level I've ever seen. Don't forget about Bryan Stith at Brunswick. All ACC and All American at UVA and a long NBA career mostly with the Nuggets.

Good call on Porter. Originally signed with Tech but something went sideways and he ended up in the Big East in its glory days.

 

[85straight]

I watched CT play at ETSU. I also watched him in person, win the NCAA Dunk Contest. He could jump out of the gym, but had long arms and some hops. I still think Porter from Pulaski was slightly a better dunker. Porter was 5'10, and had a legitimate 40 plus vertical. He was a stud. Kevin Madden, a Staunton product in the 80s who was a star at UNC was special. MaClung is great, but at this point in his career, he's nowhere close to Reddick. Reddick turned over much less, shot far better, and passed better and had better court vision. As for all around players, MacClung is one of the best in SWVA since Reddick, but Reddick, Michael Porter, Doug Day from Radford, who played at VT, were all better at the High School level regarding guards and all of them in the last 31 years from the SWVA area. I know CT played underneath-in the paint in High School at Castlewood. Porter and Reddick were legit McDonalds All Americans and were recruited by about everyone in America.

Porter and Madden (Lee) faced each other twice as freshmen, each winning a game. Madden's dunk highlight video would be something to see. He was the first in a line of players to be the 'next Michael Jordan' at UNC. Virginia had 3 McDonald's all-americans on the I81 part of the state. Porter, Madden, and Walker Lambiotte (Central-Woodstock) in 1985.

The best point guard/guard I ever saw in person was Harrisonburg's PeeWee Barber. He averaged over 30 points per game in 1982-83, and there was no 3 point baskets then. He could do it all and finished his college career at Florida State. Drafted by Portland. In the book 'The Staunton Streak' Hatcher said this about Barber. 'But PeeWee. ..we went down there late in the year (1982-83) , we were something like 13-0 or something like that, and PeeWee got forty. We were only giving up like forty-two points a game and PeeWee got forty by himself.'

 

[PM-Blues05]

85 straight. I used to post by armchairquarterback way back Hosea Berkley was the real deal leaping. He was 6'1" and could grab the rim sock footed standing directly underneath of it. Against Orange County in the playoffs, he had a break away. His head was about 2-3 inches over the rim at eye level. The dunk was monster. His elbow was over the rim easy. The crowd basically was overwhelmed. He was more of a rebounder and defense specialist. Played football in college. The great thing about that team was every guy could dunk and was super athletic. Jones, Berkley, Lightfoot, both crawfords. They were all between 6'1" and 6'5" and super quick.

I had a the privilege of watching that Lee team and you are right by saying every player could dunk. Berkley was unreal, the dude was built like a brick house and could jump out the roof. That Lee team was a lot of fun to watch

 

[85straight]

I had a the privilege of watching that Lee team and you are right by saying every player could dunk. Berkley was unreal, the dude was built like a brick house and could jump out the roof. That Lee team was a lot of fun to watch

I really liked the 2005-06 Lee team. I remember Miller School thought they could go into Hatcher Gym and easily take care of public school Lee High. Lee crushed them and had something like a half dozen dunks in the first half alone. Berkley played 2 seasons at juco Potomac State, starting at center some games at 6'1/215. Eli Crawford joined him the the second season and they had a good postseason run.

 

[sharkfan83]

Actually i was just going off of what Coach Vermillion told me the other day before GCs game. I asked him about it and he told me they had checked Mac in practice several times and he had a 47 inch vert. I figured he meant 37" vert because 40" vert is outstanding....but then he made the same comments in the news write up and it seems to have went widespread now that he has a 47" vertical. Even though thats hard to fathom i took Scottie for his word and went with it. Very understandable if people dont believe it....id like to see it personally myself. Seeing is believing on something like this.

 

[AntGZee]

I'd have to see that for myself.

 

[OnceAKnight]

Well if he's going 47" he better be ducking under the rim, which he probably is. No matter what his vertical is, it's enough. As far as point/guards if it wasn't for social media, you tube, etc. this discussion likely wouldn't be going on because most or all of the players mentioned in this post are as good or better than Mac in their own way. Will be interesting to see what the future holds for him. Sure was nice to host the regions last year and get to watch all those games without driving far from home, guess i'll have to fill up the tank to see any of them this year.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

What kind of outside shot does McClung have ? All I have heard about are his dunks. I have not seen him play, but hope to , come tournament time.

 

[AntGZee]

HamptonRoads6, they have 5 miles of bad road to travel on just to make it out of the West. There are a bunch of tough teams they will have to mix it up with. I have seen highlights, I'm sure that he will put a show on if he and GC make it to Richmond.

 

[swva_havok_fan]

He developed a good outside game by the time he graduated on a team full of great outside shooters.

His skywalking around the rim is still legendary and that leads to my mentioning the point guard on that team.

Keith "Mister" Jennings from Culpepper County HS. Graduated in '87. At 5' 7" he could ball and handle the rock. He played for the Golden State Warriors for 4 years and had a long successful career in Europe.

He's the assistant basketball coach at Lees-McRae now.

Actually, I believe that he is the head women's coach at Lees-McRae now. I'll know for sure on Wednesday, as they play at King.

The best guard to ever come out of VA? Not even close. If we move the discussion to SWVA, not even close. JJ Reddick comes to mind. One often missed in the state of VA and in SWVA is Michael Porter of Pulaski. He was a McDonalds All American and won the McDonalds All American Dunk Contest at 5'10 inches tall in 1985 in San Antonio. He played at St. John's and started 3 years and played in the CBA. He's one of the best in VA at the high school level I've ever seen. Don't forget about Bryan Stith at Brunswick. All ACC and All American at UVA and a long NBA career mostly with the Nuggets.

Roanoke is NOT SWVA. Still 140 miles from there to the TN line. Oh wait, I forgot, you're one of those that thought the Tennessee line started at 118, didn't you? Lol.

 

[OnceAKnight]

What kind of outside shot does McClung have ? All I have heard about are his dunks. I have not seen him play, but hope to , come tournament time.

He can start shooting as soon as he crosses half court, he's a threat from anywhere, away from the rim or over the rim.

 

[sixcat]

Redick played for the USA Basketball from 2000-2007. That would be junior year of high school through first year in the NBA. He averaged nearly 20 points per game overseas against a who's-who of future NBA talent while a member of those teams and still holds several USA Basketball records. Look it up for yourself on USA Basketball website. McClung hasn't sniffed an opportunity such as that.

Redick also scored 26 in the McDonald's All-American game and was named MVP. Only 8 players in the history of the game have scored more. The fact is, Redick played against far superior competition on a more regular basis than McClung has up to this point.

I'm not trying to take anything away from McClung. He is an exceptional talent. But he isn't JJ Redick and Redick isn't Alan Iverson! Let's pump the brakes a bit on the hyperbole.

As for Calvin Talford, he dunked on me once and the video proof is on Youtube! I was in perfect position to take a charge and he sailed right over my head and I stand 6'-1" tall!

 

[AntGZee]

Darn 6cat, you came in flexin'!!!! I liked what ya had to say. Great points.

 

[lucustookis]

Certainly, Roanoke is SwVA and this is the perception of most people in Northern and Central Valley but wait, your one of those people in SWVA that doesn't believe SWVA starts until you go to the town closest West of you, LOL.......BUT Michael Porter played at Pulaski and he was a High School All American. Michael Porter was Better than McClung. He was from SWVA, wait what's the town closest West to Pulaski? Is it Giles Co or Bland Co? LMAO, I'm sure the folks in Pulaski would agree it starts just west, lol. In DC-NOVA, VA Beach, even Richmond, Roanoke is considered WEST and those folks in these 3 regions account for the states overwhelming population, aside from what the "Chilhowie" faithful think, lol.

 

[bulldog1150]

Actually i was just going off of what Coach Vermillion told me the other day before GCs game. I asked him about it and he told me they had checked Mac in practice several times and he had a 47 inch vert. I figured he meant 37" vert because 40" vert is outstanding....but then he made the same comments in the news write up and it seems to have went widespread now that he has a 47" vertical. Even though thats hard to fathom i took Scottie for his word and went with it. Very understandable if people dont believe it....id like to see it personally myself. Seeing is believing on something like this.

There a a lot of different ways to measure vertical jump. Standing? One step? Or running start? Football guys use standing and if you have 40+ then you are exceptional. Basketball coaches might use a different method

For me, vertical is like a 40 yard dash time. I don't lend much credence in what I don't see with my own eyes and even then I'm skeptical of most measurements.

 

[VaBlueDevil33]

I watched CT play at ETSU. I also watched him in person, win the NCAA Dunk Contest. He could jump out of the gym, but had long arms and some hops. I still think Porter from Pulaski was slightly a better dunker. Porter was 5'10, and had a legitimate 40 plus vertical. He was a stud. Kevin Madden, a Staunton product in the 80s who was a star at UNC was special. MaClung is great, but at this point in his career, he's nowhere close to Reddick. Reddick turned over much less, shot far better, and passed better and had better court vision. As for all around players, MacClung is one of the best in SWVA since Reddick, but Reddick, Michael Porter, Doug Day from Radford, who played at VT, were all better at the High School level regarding guards and all of them in the last 31 years from the SWVA area. I know CT played underneath-in the paint in High School at Castlewood. Porter and Reddick were legit McDonalds All Americans and were recruited by about everyone in America.

Doug Day didn't play for VT....he played for Radford university...and he is from Blacksburg....I think he is the head boys basketball coach there now

 

[lucustookis]

Doug Day didn't play for VT....he played for Radford university...and he is from Blacksburg....I think he is the head boys basketball coach there now

But Michael Porter did play for Pulaski and he was Better than McClung.

 

[swva_havok_fan]

Certainly, Roanoke is SwVA and this is the perception of most people in Northern and Central Valley but wait, your one of those people in SWVA that doesn't believe SWVA starts until you go to the town closest West of you, LOL.......BUT Michael Porter played at Pulaski and he was a High School All American. Michael Porter was Better than McClung. He was from SWVA, wait what's the town closest West to Pulaski? Is it Giles Co or Bland Co? LMAO, I'm sure the folks in Pulaski would agree it starts just west, lol. In DC-NOVA, VA Beach, even Richmond, Roanoke is considered WEST and those folks in these 3 regions account for the states overwhelming population, aside from what the "Chilhowie" faithful think, lol.

Sure! I know you folks consider Roanoke SWVA. Because to you guys, the state doesn't extend past there. Lol. I'm sure when a VHSL event is scheduled at UVa-Wise, you're probably like... "Why in the hell is this being played in Kentucky?"

Bristol Herald Courier considers SWVA from Wytheville to the southwest and the radius extending to the Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia line. I personally think SWVA ends right before Radford when you cross the New River bridge. Then from there to the other side of Botetourt county is the New River/Roanoke Valley.

I think I am going to start considering Poquoson the outer banks of North Carolina.

 

[pizzzzza]

I definitely remember Jennings. Lee took Culpeper down in the 1986
regional final pretty easy, but they met again the following season and it was a nail bitter. Lee won with Todd Dunnings scoring 40. Jennings had 27. Both were named first team All-state.

I was at that game - wow - heck of a game - Lee had to hold on to win that one - Dunnings played out of his mind in that game.

 

[toughy299]

Keep hyping McClung all you want. There a back to back state champion who on many occasions shut down scoring machine Caleb Tanner and that would be the Radford Bobcats. I will bet Rick Cormany and crew will have a plan when they match up with GC.

 

[AntGZee]

I think Radford may be the most well rounded team in 2A.

 

[OnceAKnight]

Keep hyping McClung all you want. There a back to back state champion who on many occasions shut down scoring machine Caleb Tanner and that would be the Radford Bobcats. I will bet Rick Cormany and crew will have a plan when they match up with GC.

I hope I don't have to travel to Wise to see it but it will b worth it if it happens there. McMclung will get his share, Cormamy will beat the rest of the team.

 

[VolNation85]

I remember that game vividly. JJ vs Antonio Fitzgerald. Kid was just a pure shooter. Anytime JJ went over half court he was a threat to score. But yeah AI was good but I’ll still give it to Frank Mason.

I'm a huge Frank Mason fan as much as the next man but, no way do you really believe he was a better PG than Iverson...LOL

 

[VolNation85]

We all gotta give Mac some credit.. He’s a kid from far SWVA that’s giving them something to be very proud of, he’s got French Montana and other celebs on his Instagram praising him, he’s selling out arenas, he’s dropping 40 like it’s nothing, he’s doing in game dunks that NBA dudes attempt in the slam dunk contests, kid doesn’t back down from anybody, and he’s going to be the best thing Georgetown has gotten in a while. Kid is doing pretty darn good. I’m on his bandwagon!

I'm gonna go on a limb as say most of the posters here have zero clue who French Montana is LOL. He also had Ezekiel Elliott give him a shout out too. That name might be more familiar to the average poster here LOL

 

[VolNation85]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Kenny Hunt from Altavista in this argument. Kenny wasn't the best ever from Va but I would think he has to be one of the 10 best true PGs to come through the state. The kid could do everything tremendously well! He didn't quite have the leaping ability of McClung but he could hold his own in leaping ability and he was only 5'11.

 

[swva_havok_fan]

I think Radford may be the most well rounded team in 2A.

Undefeated, yes. Beat George Wythe by 15 and Grayson County by 9. I would think Gate City beats both of those by more than that.

Definitely will probably be a heck of a semifinal at Wise or Salem.... or wherever it gets played.

 

[sixcat]

Undefeated, yes. Beat George Wythe by 15 and Grayson County by 9. I would think Gate City beats both of those by more than that.

Definitely will probably be a heck of a semifinal at Wise or Salem.... or wherever it gets played.

A lot of folks on this board are going to be in for a big surprise if they think McClung is all Gate City has! Ervin and Dean would start for any 2A program in Virginia. Ervin is getting plenty of D1 interest himself and is only a junior and Dean a sophomore.

Both would start for any 2A program in Virginia!

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

I'm a huge Frank Mason fan as much as the next man but, no way do you really believe he was a better PG than Iverson...LOL

I see you’re hip Vols! I knew you, Hoos, One Man, Mbonape and OC were probably the only ones in my age range (referring to the French Montana comment lol). Don’t know, I think that Frank Mason will end up having a better career than AI. AI did a lot of foolishness that blimished a lot. Frank is hungry. I’ve visited the housing projects in Petersburg that Frank came up in. Nobody looked out for Frank like AI got. As far as basketball wise, Frank gets more PT than their PG they drafted to lead their franchise and is doing well. Huge games against Steph and LeBron. I do believe he’ll get traded, his value is rising. Its a shame he has sorry George Hill in the way or else, he’d be starting.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Kenny Hunt from Altavista in this argument. Kenny wasn't the best ever from Va but I would think he has to be one of the 10 best true PGs to come through the state. The kid could do everything tremendously well! He didn't quite have the leaping ability of McClung but he could hold his own in leaping ability and he was only 5'11.

Saw Kenny Hunt back when Gretna was good in basketball. Them games used to sell out 2 hours before tip off. Hunt had the craziest range. Went to Chattanooga but I think he’s back on the Altavista staff now.

 

[VaBlueDevil33]

But Michael Porter did play for Pulaski and he was Better than McClung.

Yes he sure was....porter was flat out special

 

[sharkfan83]

There a a lot of different ways to measure vertical jump. Standing? One step? Or running start? Football guys use standing and if you have 40+ then you are exceptional. Basketball coaches might use a different method

For me, vertical is like a 40 yard dash time. I don't lend much credence in what I don't see with my own eyes and even then I'm skeptical of most measurements.

Im right there with you on seeing is believing. I never asked Coach how they measured it, i just assumed it was a flat footed vertical leap.

 

[pizzzzza]

Like I had said in another thread, we should all be celebrating and just reflect on the unbelievable talent we are seeing right now - McClung (Gate City), Mitchell (Union) are two talents who don't come around very often - I just feel blessed to experience them during their high school days.

And I agree about Zac Ervin from Gate City - he's very humble - he's letting Mac (deservedly so) get all the attention and headlines this year - but his senior year - next year - watch out!

 

[they call me tater salad]

I saw Talford play quite a bit, saw Reddick at the state tourney, and also watched a lot of b-ball late 90’s - mid 2000’s. I saw players like Stacy Ervin, Jason Bishop (rye cove), Doug Campbell, Duffy Gilmore, OJ Williams, Kenny Hunt, Nichols brothers at Radford, BA Walker, Nuckles, and Kenny Wilson from George mason. It’s hard to compare these players to McClung because they have different qualities. Talford was better athlete but not as good handling ball, Reddick best shooter I have ever watched but not a leaper Nuckles dominated paint and could shoot but not quick. Most of the guards played much better defense but that is part of McClungs scoring, flash for the steal and break for outlet pass to dunk. What impresses me the most is what he can do with his body and the ball after leaving the floor. Time will tell if he can adapt to playing at Gtown.