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Will McClendon is an American basketball player who was committed to playing for the UCLA Bruins. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, was rated as a four-star recruit and an SI All-American candidate. Unfortunately, McClendon tore his left ACL during a team workout in September 2021, forcing him to miss the entire 2021-2022 season. This injury marked the second time in three years that the Bruins lost a top guard recruit before his freshman season.
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What You'll Learn
Will McClendon's 2021-2022 season absence
Will McClendon, a UCLA men's basketball freshman guard, tore his left ACL during a team workout on September 17, 2021, and subsequently missed the entire 2021-2022 season. McClendon was a highly rated recruit out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, committing to UCLA in January 2020. However, he never got the chance to suit up for the Bruins before his injury.
The injury to McClendon's left knee marked the second time in three years that the Bruins lost a top guard recruit before his freshman season due to a torn ACL. Redshirt junior guard Tyger Campbell also missed his entire true freshman campaign in 2018-19 due to a torn ACL in his left knee.
McClendon's absence left the Bruins short-handed less than 50 days before their season opener. As of October 31, 2021, he had not returned to practice, and no timetable was provided for his return. It is important to note that the Bruins had depth and experience in the backcourt, so there was no rush for McClendon's comeback.
The 6-foot-2 combo guard was known for his gritty defence, shooting ability, and team-first mentality. He had previously stated that winning was his priority, even if it meant sacrificing personal statistics. McClendon's toughness and versatility drew comparisons to former Bruins guard Jrue Holiday, an NBA champion and Olympic gold medallist.
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Will McClendon's athletic abilities
Will McClendon is a talented basketball player known for his athletic abilities. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 202 pounds, McClendon has a strong, muscular frame with room to develop further muscle. His athleticism is characterised by an unrelenting motor, speed, and quickness, which enable him to make an impact on both offence and defence.
As a shooting guard, McClendon is an efficient scorer and rebounder, demonstrating the ability to guard multiple positions effectively. His skill set and toughness were expected to make an immediate contribution to his college team, UCLA, where he was a highly-rated recruit.
McClendon's defensive capabilities are notable, as he displays a relentless approach, hounding the ball and utilising his length to cover significant ground. This, coupled with his offensive prowess, positions him as a well-rounded player.
Prior to committing to UCLA, McClendon played high school basketball at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. During his time there, he showcased his abilities, earning recognition as an SI All-American Candidate and a four-star recruit by various outlets, including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. Rivals ranked him highly, placing him as the 41st or 44th best player in his class.
Unfortunately, McClendon suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during a preseason workout in September 2021, causing him to miss the entire 2021-2022 season with UCLA. Despite this setback, his athletic abilities and potential are evident, and a full recovery will allow him to showcase his talents in future seasons.
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Will McClendon's high school career
Will McClendon, the 6-foot-2-inch shooting guard from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, had an impressive high school career. He was ranked as the No. 41 player in his class by Rivals.com and was also a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. McClendon was known for his gritty defensive style and knockdown shooting, always putting his team's success first. His high motor, speed, and quickness allowed him to impact the game on both ends of the floor, and he was a strong, quick guard who could easily get into the lane and create opportunities for his teammates.
McClendon's instincts and mentality on the court were also notable. He displayed the mindset of an elite scorer and defender, and his defensive motor was relentless, allowing him to hound the ball and use his length to cover extensive ground. His toughness and skillset suggested he would be able to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.
McClendon's high school career culminated in his commitment to UCLA, where he was set to join the Bruins for the 2021-2022 season as one of only two new recruits. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL tear during preseason workouts, forcing him to miss his entire freshman season. This setback delayed his collegiate debut, but with his strong high school career as a foundation, McClendon is expected to make a full recovery and be a valuable contributor to the UCLA Bruins when he returns to the court.
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Will McClendon's ranking and recruitment
Will McClendon, a freshman guard for the UCLA men's basketball team, was a highly touted recruit out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. Rated as a four-star recruit, McClendon was considered one of the top players in the 2021 recruiting class. He was ranked as the 41st best prospect in the class and the eighth-best shooting guard nationally.
McClendon's decision to commit to UCLA was a significant boost to the program's 2021 recruiting class. He chose the Bruins over several other prominent programs, including Cal, Ole Miss, Texas, and Washington. McClendon cited the brand, education, and relationship he developed with Coach Mick Cronin as key factors in his decision.
Prior to committing, McClendon took official visits to UCLA, Ole Miss, and UW during his junior year. His commitment gave UCLA a much-needed boost, as they had lost a top guard recruit, Tyger Campbell, to an ACL tear before his freshman season in 2018.
McClendon's ranking as a top-50 recruit and one of the best shooting guards in the nation made him a highly sought-after prospect. Unfortunately, he tore his left ACL during a team workout in September 2021, causing him to miss the entire 2021-2022 season. Despite this setback, McClendon's talent and potential are undeniable, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
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Will McClendon's recovery and rehabilitation
Will McClendon, the UCLA freshman guard, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a team preseason workout on September 17, 2021. This injury caused McClendon to miss the entire 2021-2022 basketball season.
McClendon's recovery and rehabilitation process is expected to be similar to that of redshirt junior Tyger Campbell, who suffered the same injury in 2018 and sat out the entire 2018-2019 season. During this time, Campbell focused on physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and mobility in his knee. He also worked on maintaining his overall fitness and conditioning to ensure he was ready to return to the court the following season.
As for McClendon, his rehabilitation process will likely involve a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) in the initial stages of his recovery. This will help reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. Once the acute phase of recovery is complete, McClendon will probably begin a program of physical therapy exercises to improve his range of motion, strength, and stability in the knee. This may include exercises such as leg raises, squats, lunges, and balance exercises.
In addition to physical therapy, McClendon may also undergo hydrotherapy or swimming as a form of low-impact exercise to aid in his recovery. As he progresses, he can incorporate more sport-specific drills and exercises to improve his agility, speed, and jumping ability. This may include sprinting drills, cutting and pivoting exercises, and jumping and landing drills.
The mental aspect of recovery is also important, and it is common for athletes to experience a range of emotions during their rehabilitation journey. McClendon may benefit from sports psychology support to help him stay motivated, manage any anxiety or frustration, and maintain a positive mindset throughout his recovery.
Overall, McClendon's recovery and rehabilitation process is likely to be a lengthy and challenging journey, but with dedication and the right support, he can make a full recovery and return to the court stronger and more determined.
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Frequently asked questions
Will McClendon is a 6-foot-2-inch, 202-pound shooting guard from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is known for his athleticism, scoring and rebounding abilities, and defensive skills. McClendon was committed to playing for UCLA.
Will McClendon tore his left ACL during a team workout on September 17, 2021, and had to sit out the entire 2021-2022 season.
Will McClendon is an efficient scorer and rebounder with strong defensive skills. He has great instincts and athleticism, and his speed and quickness allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
