College Basketball

“From San Jose State to North Texas: How Will McClendon Strengthens the Mean Green Backcourt”

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

We’re now 147 days away from the tip-off of the 2025–26 college basketball season, and for NCAA Division I athletes, this stretch is where futures are shaped. The offseason is a critical window—where players evolve physically, tactically, and mentally in preparation for what’s next.

For those of us who cover the game, this is the moment we lock in—tracking college transfers, evaluating offseason growth, and identifying players who are poised for a breakout. Today’s spotlight shines on a name to watch in the American Athletic Conference: Will McClendon.

For the upcoming season, McClendon has committed to North Texas. His move gives the Mean Green a mature, versatile guard who has competed in multiple Division I systems—and now enters the AAC with valuable experience and purpose.

📌 Will McClendon – Player Profile

  • Height: 6′2″ – 6′3″
  • Weight: ~195–215 lb
  • Class: Redshirt Junior (Senior in 2025–26)
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Combo Guard
  • Previous Schools: UCLA ➡️ San Jose State (2024–25) ➡️ North Texas (2025-26)

🔎 What McClendon Brings to North Texas Basketball

Skill Set Breakdown:

Scoring & Shooting: Averaged 12.0 points per game this past season at San Jose State. Shot 35% from deep, showcasing a smooth release off the catch and off the dribble. Brings a reliable scoring option to North Texas.

Playmaking Ability: Posted 2.8 assists per game. Strong in secondary ball-handling duties and capable of reading defenses in pick-and-roll actions.

Perimeter Defense: Physical and disciplined defender who can guard 1–3 positions. His lateral quickness and basketball IQ make him a valuable asset on the defensive end.

Big-Game Maturity: Nearly 60 games of experience at UCLA, followed by a strong campaign at San Jose State. He arrives in Denton ready to lead and contribute.

Locker Room Impact: Coaches at both UCLA and SJSU praised his professionalism, leadership, and work ethic—traits that align perfectly with championship-level teams.

🔮 What to Expect in 2025–26

Expect McClendon to play a significant role for North Texas men’s basketball in the upcoming season:

  • Leading Scorer – With his skill set and confidence, McClendon is in position to become a top offensive weaponin the Mean Green backcourt.
  • Veteran Presence – With experience from both the Pac-12 and Mountain West, he brings a calming, mature presence to a team that already boasts a winning culture.
  • Defensive Anchor – His ability to defend multiple positions makes him a reliable option in closing lineups and pressure situations.
  • Clutch Contributor – Expect him to log heavy minutes and make big plays on both ends when it matters most.

⚠️ Areas of Growth to Watch

  • Three-Point Accuracy – If he boosts his current 35% mark closer to 40%, McClendon will become an even more dangerous perimeter threat.
  • Ball Security – Averaging just under two turnovers per game, he’ll aim to improve his decision-making under pressure.
  • Strength and Endurance – Continued development in his physical frame will help him absorb contact and stay effective through a long AAC season.

✅ Final Take: McClendon Is a Transfer to Know in the American Athletic Conference

In a college basketball era defined by the transfer portal, Will McClendon stands out as a guard who checks every box: scoring, playmaking, defensive IQ, and high-level experience. After a productive season at San Jose State, his move to North Texas could be the ideal situation for him to take the next leap.

Expect McClendon to be a 30+ minute-per-game player, a crunch-time go-to option, and a strong candidate for All-AAC honors if he sharpens his shooting and tightens up his playmaking.

This is just the start. As the season approaches, I’ll be highlighting more Las Vegas players like McClendon who are worth watching in 2025–26. Let’s stay locked in. Let’s get after it.

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