Former YouTube HS sensation commits to NBA Dunk Contest
The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that former YouTube star and current G-Leaguer Mac McClung will participate in the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.
McClung, a member of the Delaware Blue Coats, will be the first G-League player to compete in the contest. He was the 2021-22 NBA G-League Rookie of the Year.
He became a viral sensation starring at Gate City High School in Virginia, regularly featured on Ballislife and Overtime's Youtube channels. His senior-year mixtape has amassed a whopping 2.9 million views.
Next month's dunk contest won't be unfamiliar territory for McClung, who participated in numerous events in high school. McClung won the 2018 Ballislife All American Dunk Contest, which garnered 3.5 million views on YouTube.
Despite having a solid college career at Georgetown and Texas Tech, he couldn't generate the same buzz as his prep days.
Undrafted in 2021, McClung joined the Lakers for Summer League, eventually earning a deal with the team. Last season, he played primarily with the Lakers and Bulls' G-League affiliates, but he made one NBA appearance with each team.
He signed with Golden State this past offseason but was cut in October and later signed with Philadelphia on an Exhibit 10 contract. He's averaging 17.6 points per game for Delaware this season.
With McClung on board, one spot remains in the dunk contest field. Other participants include Portland's Shaedon Sharpe and Houston's KJ Martin, who will provide stiff competition.
An NBA contract might be on the table for McClung if he steals the show during All-Star Weekend.
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