Mac McClung: ‘I kind of learned to let go of destinations and achievements’
The first G League player to win the Slam Dunk Contest, Mac McClung has yet to make his impact within NBA games, but he is hoping that changes soon.
The high-flying guard, who will be at Hersheypark amusement park to debut their new roller coaster, recently sat down with HoopsHype to discuss the dunk contest, his confidence level, patience, and more.
How has life been different since you won the Slam Dunk Contest?
Mac McClung: It’s been a lot different, to be honest. Just my days, the challenges, the way I live life, and just other things and people. Life has been a lot different in a good way, I believe overall. Super blessed, super fun time at the dunk contest, I really enjoyed it. So everything’s been good.
What was your favorite dunk during that night?
MM: My favorite dunk was the first one just because I felt like the first dunk is so important that I was so nervous. To get that first one down was a big sigh of relief like, thank God that went in and then you kind of mellow out a little bit. That first dunk… with the expectations in the crowd, you wanna get it on your side, so the first one.
What was it like winning that G League title for the Delaware Blue Coats?
MM: Oh, man, it was something I’m very proud of and grateful to be a part of with those guys. I feel like the G League, everybody’s trying to get to the NBA. So, everybody kind of put themselves aside and it was like a brotherhood, we all came together and enjoyed our time together. Man, there’s a lot of great players on that team that should be in the NBA, and hopefully, they will be soon. So, it was a ton of fun and something we’re all very proud of.
What was the biggest thing you learned during your season at Delaware?
MM: That was probably a season of the biggest highs and lows in my life. Just different roles and things going good, things going bad. But I think I really stayed true to myself and my craft and really just making the most of whatever moment. I’m in that part of my life not really getting distracted by other things. So I think just my focus was the biggest thing that year that I was probably proud of the most.
How tough has it been to be patient with getting the right opportunity?
MM: Yeah, I kind of learned to let go of destinations and achievements. I still have so many things that I want to happen that I manifest like this is where I believe I should be, this is what I should be doing, and this is what I can do. But at the same time, always say keep going, keep going. Like that’s all you can really do is just be the best where you’re at, at that moment. And if you keep just worrying about getting better each day and focus on that moment. [It’s] cliche, I know, but if you do that, then I feel like when your turn comes you’ll definitely be ready whenever that moment is.
Was there at any point you thought about going overseas rather than sticking with the G League?
MM: Yeah, at the beginning of the season. I don’t think there’s anything that’s wrong with overseas. We had two very nice offers overseas that were like, you got to think about this, at least. And not that I have anything against it, I just think for that year, it just wasn’t what I wanted to do, or I thought was best. It turned out that it was a good decision with the dunk contest and everything.
Which players have given you the most advice?
MM: I think probably two players that I think of. One is Andre Ingram, my first year in the G League. He would always just tell me, give it five days. I love that guy. He’s one of the best people ever. Just up or down, to just win these five days, which I really thought. And the [other] guy, George Niang, he just says it’s just being consistent and having that resiliency to keep going every day and be undeniable. So I really liked him as well. I think he’s a great player and a great person as well.
Which G League to NBA success stories do you look at now, and think their career trajectory is something you can replicate?
MM: I’m not trying to replicate anyone, but I think that even in my hardest times someone I look at a lot is Gary Payton II. We don’t have similar games, but just seeing his story, man, it’s so cool to be who he is to inspire guys like me and so many others in the G League. Just when everybody’s calling you out again, you found a way, he was just undeniable, and he was there for the G League for a while. So just seeing his story is probably one of the biggest things that I look at.
You use 'undeniable' a lot. Is that something you always tell yourself as you’ve been going about with your career?
MM: Yeah, definitely, I feel like there’s so many people that always want to say, well, this is why you’re not hearing this right here, so like, every time someone says something, I’m just trying to kill it. It’s like where they have nothing to say at this point, you know. Like, if they’re saying that they’re not really doing the research. Look at the stats, look at this, look at the winning. Really just trying to make it where there’s no excuses.
Confidence is key to succeeding in many things, especially basketball. How has it been maintaining that level of confidence you had in high school, and now at the pro level?
MM: I mean, it’s been pretty easy. My confidence has always been in my work and myself. Achievements don’t bring me confidence. Me being successful is not going to change who I think I am about myself. I don’t need any achievement. I know who I am as a person and the work I put in, the work I put in off the court. So it’s been pretty easy just being myself, I’ve always been kind of been a confident person. So I wouldn’t say the hard times in my life really broke that.
Can you talk about what you’re doing with STARRY?
MM: We’re partnering with STARRY, Wildcat’s Revenge, the opening of that ride. Super excited, scary as well. But yeah, there’s 10 winners that get to ride the ride. There will be meet and greets. There’ll be $100 Visa gift cards. So you can’t really go wrong. I’m super excited about it and excited to get to Hershey Park and be there.
I get scared [with rollercoasters]. It’s like a balance of being scared but also, I love being scared, but it’ll be a lot of fun.
