Mac McClung played college basketball for two distinct programs: the Georgetown Hoyas from 2018 to 2020, and the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the 2020–2021 season. Before becoming a viral high school phenomenon in Gate City, Virginia, and later an NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, McClung built his reputation as an explosive collegiate combo guard. Understanding his full collegiate journey reveals how he developed from a high-flying freshman into an elite NCAA scorer before transitioning to the professional ranks.
His path through major collegiate conferences involved a high-profile transfer, coaching changes, and a rapid transition to the NBA. Examining his time at both universities sheds light on his statistical output, playing style, and the motivations behind his career moves.
Georgetown Hoyas: Breakout Freshman and Big East Stardom (2018–2020)
Mac McClung committed to Georgetown University under head coach Patrick Ewing, choosing the Hoyas in the Big East Conference to showcase his scoring ability at the major conference level. Arriving on campus as a heavily followed YouTube sensation from Southwest Virginia, McClung immediately proved he belonged on the collegiate stage.
During his freshman season (2018–2019), he started 29 games, averaging 13.1 points per game and earning a spot on the Big East All-Freshman Team. One of the defining moments of his freshman campaign came against Little Rock in December 2018, where he exploded for a career-high 38 points, displaying deep shooting range and relentless driving ability.
His sophomore year (2019–2020) saw an uptick in production, as he averaged 15.7 points per contest through 21 games before a foot injury cut his season short. Despite missing the tail end of the year, his dynamic backcourt play made him a fan favorite in Washington, D.C.
Transfer to Texas Tech Red Raiders (2020–2021)
Following the conclusion of his sophomore season, uncertainty surrounding the Georgetown program and coaching staff changes prompted McClung to enter the NCAA transfer portal in May 2020. He initially tested the NBA draft waters while maintaining his college eligibility before committing to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
The NCAA granted McClung immediate eligibility for the 2020–2021 season, allowing him to step straight into head coach Chris Beard’s system. Operating primarily as the team's featured guard, McClung led the Red Raiders in scoring with 15.5 points per game.
Key highlights from his single season in Lubbock included:
- A season-high 30-point performance against West Virginia in January 2021.
- A clutch, game-winning jump shot with three seconds remaining to defeat Texas in Austin.
- Earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors and a selection to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
- Helping guide Texas Tech to the Round of 32 in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
After testing the NBA draft process a second time in the spring of 2021, McClung opted to keep his name in the draft pool rather than returning for another year of college basketball, officially ending his collegiate career.
Complete Collegiate Career Statistics
To evaluate McClung's overall impact across his three active college seasons, looking at his combined averages offers a clear picture of his offensive consistency.
| School | Seasons | Games Played | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game | Free Throw % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | 2018–2020 | 50 | 14.2 | 2.0 | 79.8% |
| Texas Tech | 2020–2021 | 29 | 15.5 | 2.1 | 79.3% |
| Career Total | 2018–2021 | 79 | 14.7 | 2.2 | 79.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mac McClung transfer from Georgetown to Texas Tech?
McClung entered the transfer portal following the departure of several key teammates and amid growing friction within the Georgetown basketball program regarding team direction and administration. He sought a fresh start in a defensive-minded, high-profile program under Chris Beard at Texas Tech.
Did Mac McClung graduate from college?
McClung left Texas Tech after his junior season to pursue a professional career, entering the 2021 NBA Draft and forgoing his final year of college eligibility.
Was Mac McClung drafted into the NBA?
No, McClung went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, he carved out a successful professional path through the NBA G League—winning multiple Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Slam Dunk Contest titles.
What is Mac McClung's height and position?
Standing at approximately 6 feet 2 inches and weighing around 185 pounds, McClung played primarily as a point guard and shooting guard throughout his college and professional career.
