Deuce McBride Drawing First Round Buzz As 2021 NBA Draft Draws Near

The 2021 NBA Draft is only 10 days away, and for West Virginia guard Miles McBride, it appears that keeping his name in the draft consideration is working out well for him.

After working out with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers last week, McBride has seen his name projected as the 17th pick in the draft according to the latest CBS Sports mock draft.

WVU’s McBride Up to No. 17 on CBS Sports Mock Draft List https://t.co/qpyOxjPePJ

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) July 19, 2021

With workouts with the Lakers, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics in recent weeks, McBride’s strong sophomore season and excellent combine results have opened the door for NBA teams to come calling. He will work out for the Denver Nuggets today as well, joining fellow first-rounder Jeramiah Robinson-Earl, among others. With strong workouts for prospective NBA teams, his draft stock officially points toward first round status.

CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone projected McBride to the Memphis Grizzlies at 17 while USA Today’s Scott Gleeson mocked him to the Philadelphia 76ers at 28. A borderline first rounder after WVU’s March Madness loss to Syracuse, it’s looking like McBride has done enough to secure his spot as the second WVU player drafted in the first roubd under WVU coach Bob Huggins.

In 29 games for WVU last season, the Cincinnati native scored 15.9 points per game on 43/41/81 shooting splits. A well-rounded guard with nice vision (4.9 assists per game to just 1.9 turnovers) and the ability to impact the game defensively (1.9 steals per game), McBride really flashed his NBA potential in his breakout sophomore season.

While WVU fans certainly hoped for McBride’s return for his junior season, with fellow WVU teammates Sean McNeil, Taz Sherman and Gabe Osabuien all returning next season after considering the NBA Draft, McBride’s excellent season and offseason preparation has rightfully led to his chance to become the highest-drafted Mountaineer since Joe Alexander in 2008.

The second-team All-Big 12 honoree measured well at the NBA combine, coming in at 6-foot-2.5 in shoes, and his 6-foot-8.75 wingspan (and 9-inch hands) only add to his defensive versatility. With ideal size, strong shooting statistics, ball-hawk defense and excellent intangibles, McBride could be one of the steals of the draft this year.