Mr. Basketball Preseason Candidate: Miles “Deuce” McBride
Coming off of a 28-1 season with four Division I prospects in the starting lineup, Archbishop Moeller and Miles “Deuce” McBride enter the season as one of the top teams in Ohio. As mentioned, they only lost once last season, in a 39-38 loss to Massillon Jackson in the State Championship. McBride had 28 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in the Final Four weekend. Over the entire season, he averaged 10.9 points, 2.4 boards, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Despite not earning any All State honors a season ago, we believe McBride could break-out as a junior with a Mr. Basketball-like season.
First of all, Ohio’s Mr. Basketball must have elite talent. Since 2001, only LeBron James (#1 NBA Draft pick) and Justin Fritts (Wheeling Jesuit) didn’t play Division I basketball.
Next, we considered projected team success. Again since 2001, 10 of the 17 Mr. Basketball winners led their high school team to the State Final Four that season.
Then, the most important piece of the formula considered is production. We’re considering the player’s projected role on their team to predict if they have the opportunity to fill up the scorer’s book. It’s especially imperative that you put up points, as the only Mr. Basketball to average under 20 points since 2001 was Jared Sullinger at 19.9 points per game in 2009. But, Sullinger made up for that tenth of a point by averaging 14.8 rebounds, being the #2 player in the country, and winning the Division I State Championship.
Now, let’s check out how McBride projects in every metric this season.
Talent: B+
McBride is a midrange guard who shoots it very well off the step-back. This summer, McBride showed a couple flashes of being a 3-point threat off-the-dribble too. McBride might also be the top defender in the junior class. His absurd wingspan and athleticism makes his matchup extremely uncomfortable.
McBride currently holds 10 scholarship offers.
Team Success: A+
Moeller could go undefeated in the regular season in back to back years. After losing two All State wing/forwards, Moeller replaces them in the starting lineup with Jaxson Hayes, Jeremiah Davenport, and Alec Pfriem. But, more than anything, they bring back their system.
Their competition in the Greater Catholic League and in Southwest Ohio in general isn’t too stiff. Expect the Crusaders to be right back in Columbus this season.
Production: C+
We expect McBride to be the leading scorer on this team, but last season that was 12.9 points per game for Keegna McDowell. It’s just tough to score a lot of points for this team, especially when he’s surrounded by four capable teammates. McBride should be up around 2 steals this season and his rebounding numbers should be up. But, unless things go rather unexpectedly, it’ll be hard for McBride to put up Mr. Basketball worthy scoring numbers.
McBride’s chances:
In McBride wins this award, he’d probably become just the second Mr. Basketball since 2001 to average under 20 points per game. McBride would have to compensate by compiling ridiculous numbers in the rebound, assist, and steal categories.
With so many quality contenders this season, McBride will probably have a much better shot next season. But after another 20+ win season for Moeller, expect McBride to be First or Second Team All State as a junior.