How Good Can Jack McClinton Be?

Miami's come from behind 64-58 win in Starkville against Mississippi State Thursday Night was a rare display of a top player willing a team that was otherwise totally off its game to victory. I have over the past year been at times very critical of Jack McClinton. For a player so talented, and so committed to improving his game by working longer and harder in the gym than almost anyone in the ACC he seemingly makes so many poor decisions on both ends of the court. But tonight that all changed. McClinton after being frustrated his team mates inability to finish chances in the paint after McClinton had set them up in the motion offense, he took matters into his own hands. McClinton hit three 3 pointers down the stretch to bring the Canes back from a five point deficit at the under four timeout to the victory.

McClinton's decisions handling the ball Thursday and in his shot selection were outstanding. In addition the leadership he showed when the Hurricanes went several consecutive possessions without scoring was critical. Good teams find a way to win games like this: Miami shot 34% from the field but McClinton's leadership willed Miami's defensive effort when it could have collapsed on the road when Miami had gone about seven minutes with just one field goal.

Also critical in the victory was the fine adjustment Frank Haith made at the under four timeout moving Brian Asbury a 6'6'' to guard Jamon Gordon, the best point guard in the SEC who to that point had absolutely dominated the game. To that point Mississippi State looked a far superior team to Miami, but yet the Bulldogs at home with a big man who blocked 10 shots were still only leading by five.

That's when McClinton took over. For all of Miami's problems today, which included missed layups and dunks and a very very poor performance from Anthony King on both ends of the court, the team hung in there, dug deep and never gave up. Miami this year is the type of team that we have seen other programs produce in the past: a team that never seems to shoot well or control the pace offensively but is athletic enough and disciplined enough on defense to find a way to get something out games they have no business winning.

But back to the initial question. How good can Jack McClinton be? No doubt exists that McClinton is one the best pure shooters in the ACC, if not the best. He's also improved his passing and decision making this season and is shooting over 90% from the charity stripe. However, his ball handling and ability to drive the lane is still suspect. In addition, he forces up bad quick shots early in games but seems to be much more measured in the second half in his shot selection and decision making. McClinton can be one of the best players in the ACC. If Thursday Night was any indication he is well on his way.