On his way to the NBA, one of Jared McCain's many stops in his robust journey featured a one-time MVP winner and a walking triple-double machine. In a recent social media video, he reflected on his brief mentorship from Russell Westbrook at the 2022 Peach Jam tournament.
In the summer before McCain played his sole collegiate season at Duke, he participated in the July 2022 Nike EYBL tournament. On Westbrook's 'Team Why Not?' AAU squad, he lit up the scoreboard against some of the top high school competition at the time. At one point, he dropped a sizzling 31 points in one of the exhibitions.
Fast forward to four years later, McCain recalled his time with Westbrook. The then-18-year-old was starstruck to meet one of the era-defining NBA superstars
of the 2010s. Even though he was at the tail end of his legendary career, his place in basketball lore surely had all of the participants overwhelmed by his greatness.
"It's pretty crazy. Playing for an NBA player's — an NBA superstar's — team, you never know or expect if they're going to be around much. They got busy lifestyles," McCain said. "But when he came to Peach Jam at the end of the season, he was out there coaching me. Really into it and helping me off the court."
It's funny how life works sometimes. When Westbrook tutored McCain, little did he know that he provided a confidence boost to somebody who'd eventually join the Oklahoma City Thunder. That's something both former/current NBA players have in common.
Despite popular belief and running online jokes, Westbrook has always been a plus in every way you can think of with his peers. Ask any of his former teammates over the years and they'll vouch for his support. Even if he had a polarizing playstyle and personality, the love he's had for his basketball teammates and colleagues has been undeniable.
I mean, just look at the reactions across the NBA world to Westbrook's retirement. When he announced it, about every current and former player tipped their cap at the future Hall-of-Famer. He's one of the most dynamic faces in league history. Even if he ultimately fell short of collecting a championship ring.
"I can hit him anytime and I know he'll respond," McCain said. "That relationship built from high school. That's pretty crazy that he was able to do that. It really helps me because that's what I want to do for the youth. Whatever I can to help players out. Help the youth out. Influence them in a positive way. He did that for me."
Jared McCain on his relationship with Russell Westbrook: “I can hit him anytime and I know he’ll respond.” pic.twitter.com/P01qsuKeQM
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 10, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Jared McCain recalls how Russell Westbrook gave him confidence boost
