Tennessee’s coaches are hoping to land a point guard in their 2019 class so they can try and develop a point guard of the future once Jordan Bone and Lamonte Turner graduate after the 2019-20 season. The Vols’ top point guard target in the 2019 class, four-star Tre Mann, has thrown a curveball into his recruitment and is no longer close to a decision. Because of that, Tennessee has been putting out offers to other point guards in the 2019 cycle. And on Saturday, UT extended an offer to another point guard in this class.
Issac McBride, a three-star point guard out of Arkansas, received an offer from Tennessee on Saturday. He’s the sixth point guard and 13th overall guard the Vols have offered in the 2019 cycle.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Tennessee! ?⚪️ #AG2G pic.twitter.com/ELRG8O1gwN
— MCBUCKETS (@iwmcbride) August 4, 2018
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, McBride is just the No. 337 overall player and No. 46 point guard in the 2019 class. But he’s due for a bump in his ratings because he’s drawn a lot of attention this summer. Tennessee isn’t the only big time basketball school to offer him this summer. He’s also added offers from Kansas, Wichita State, TCU, Oklahoma State, SMU, and Loyola-Chicago over the last couple weeks.
And when you look at McBride’s highlight film, you can see why teams have become interested in his services.
McBride is a great athlete despite not having elite size at a guard position. He can score in a variety of ways, but his jump shot is where he makes his money. He has a great release and can shoot from anywhere on the court. But he doesn’t just settle for jumpshots; McBride can drive inside and finish at the rim too. He can handle the ball well and has some great passing skill as well. Overall, it’s hard to believe he’s just a low three-star on recruiting services.
According to WholeHogSports.com, McBride averaged 24.5 points, four rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals a game as a junior. He was also named to the All-Arkansas Prep first team following the season, and he helped lead Arkansas Baptist to their third straight state title.
McBride is just the latest point guard the Vols have offered in the 2019 cycle. They also recently sent out offers to three-star Tyrell Jones and three-star Caleb Mills (who just committed to Houston on Sunday). Tennessee is also targeting the aforementioned Tre Mann, five-star Josiah James, and five-star Jalen Lecque.
