MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – NCAA college basketball writer Andy Katz caught up with West Virginia guard Miles "Deuce" McBride at the NBA Draft Combine taking place this week in Chicago.
McBride is one of 60 participants in the NBA-sponsored event to get feedback on where he sits in the 2021 NBA Draft, which will take place on Thursday, July 29. The Detroit Pistons recently won the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery held at the NBA office in Secaucus, New Jersey.
McBride made several 3-point shots in a row during one workout and his measurables are favorable for a 6-1 point guard. He had a nearly 6-foot-9-inch wingspan, and his hand measurements were the largest among point guards in this year's draft.
If McBride remains in the draft and is taken in the first round, he will join a select group of West Virginia University players.
The last Mountaineer to be taken in the first round was forward Joe Alexander, who went No. 8 to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2008. Prior to that, point guard Ron "Fritz" Williams was the No. 9 overall choice in the 1968 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
West Virginia's other first-round picks were a Who's Who of Mountaineer men's basketball history: guard Rod Thorn (No. 2 overall pick in 1963 draft), guard Jerry West (No. 2 overall pick in 1960 draft), guard Hot Rod Hundley (No. 1 overall pick in 1957 draft) and center Mark Workman (No. 1 overall pick in 1952 draft).
Katz asked McBride about the tough decision he's got to make in a couple of weeks.
"I'm just continuing to get feedback from NBA teams as well as talking to my family and coaches about getting the most information I can gather and then making a great decision," he said.
As for the improved skillset McBride is going to showcase next year, regardless of the uniform he's wearing, he answered "improving his pick-and-roll play."
McBride was asked to give his best argument for coach
Bob Huggins getting voted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
"Nine hundred wins. That says it all," he said. "He's been doing it with the best for as long as any of the best and he deserves it."
And finally, Deuce was asked to describe what it's like playing in the WVU Coliseum.
"Best atmosphere in America. They are always rowdy and always behind their guys and we love it," he said.
The NBA Draft Combine continues until Sunday.
