Though Jack McClinton had only 22 points in his effort against Boston College, he has proven, yet again, that he is one of the best players in college basketball. Lighting the fire for the Canes as they struggled down the stretch against a great BC team, McClinton was able to hit from three point land, and drive to the basket scoring from impossible angles. Just a year ago, McClinton was a spot-up three-point shooter with little threat to create for himself. Now, McClinton can create off the dribble with ease and he has taken a partial role as the point guard with the drop in performance of Lance Hurdle.
More importantly for the Canes, who must-win their last three games (at Virginia, at GT, and NC State) to assure a trip back to March Madness, McClinton was aided by stellar play from fellow guard James Dews. Dews was relegated to the bench mid-season to increase the depth at the guard position. Specifically, the 6′5” Junior from Ohio was given the task of helping Dequan Jones, the five-star freshman, improve his game. Though Jones experienced a quick maturation with an exceptional game against North Carolina, his lack of experience has hurt the Canes’ and it is unlikely we will see much of him for the rest of the season.
Despite the effortless victory against a high-quality opponent such as BC, the Canes’ have not played well against weaker opponents. Frank Haith and the Canes’ cannot underestimate the next three games against teams they should certainly beat.
Posted by Chris Brochyus
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