Recruiting Report: Briggs McClain (2020)
Versatility is a hot commodity in the modern game, and it's something that high school prospects will need to develop as they transition to the next level. Briggs McClain, a class of 2020 guard from St. Maria Goretti, is applying this lesson over the summer as he prepares to play on the ball more frequently.
"I'd say I'm a combo guard. As you know we lost Rahsaan (Edwards) so right now i'm stepping in as the point guard," he began. "That's not my main position. I normally run the 2, but when coach needs me to I run the 1."
McClain's head coach at Goretti, Sid McCray, has been an instrumental figure in his development. Despite being a lefty, McClain is comfortable attacking off the bounce with either hand. It's quite rare to see a southpaw be able to go both ways at the high school level, and its something he's benefited from.
"A lot of guys aren't used to guarding lefties. They expect me to go left a lot. So, I give them a jab to the left, go right," McClain stated. "That's something Coach Sid helps me out with a lot in the gym. Every thing right hand. That helps me a lot. To be in the gym with Coach Sid."
While McClain describes himself as a shooter, his overall game is not predicated solely on making shots from long range. On a night when his shot might not be falling, he not only will have the confidence to keep shooting, but also get to the rim and finish or make plays for others.
"I'm working on defense, and definitely ball-handling," he said. "I have to run the 1, so it's going to help me a lot."
Since receiving his first offer from Hartford this summer, McClain has heard from Campbell and Youngstown state. He mentioned previously hearing from the likes of Air Force, Army, UMBC, and Towson. What factors will McClain, a 3.2 student, consider when determining the right school for him?
"Definitely academics. Someone that can get me a good job after college. Definitely basketball. I want to go somewhere where I feel welcome, and that's about it."
