Don MacLean: A UCLA Legacy and Beyond
Don MacLean is a name synonymous with UCLA Bruins basketball. From his record-breaking collegiate career to his brief stint in the NBA and subsequent broadcasting role, MacLean has left an indelible mark on the sport. This article explores his journey, from his high school days to his current involvement with the game, and also touches upon the legacy he is passing on to the next generation.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on March 4, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, Don MacLean's passion for basketball ignited early. Before his legendary UCLA career, MacLean honed his skills at Simi Valley High School, where he earned three basketball letters. He was a three-time All-League and All-C.I.F. selection, leading his high school to three Marmonte League Championships and the finals of the C.I.F. Tournament in 1987.
Collegiate Stardom at UCLA (1988-1992)
Maclean played college basketball at UCLA from 1988 to 1992, under coaches Jim Harrick and Gary Cunningham. He was a four-year starter for the Bruins from 1989 to 1992, becoming the Pac-12's all-time leading scorer with 2,608 career points. Arguably one of the best players to ever grace the program, MacLean consistently improved his statistics throughout his college career, maintaining a field goal percentage above 50% each year.
In his freshman year, he scored a career-high 41 points against North Texas and finished the season with freshman records in scoring average (18.6 ppg) and rebounds (7.5 rpg). During his Bruin career, he was a three-time team MVP and three-time all-conference selection. He led the team in scoring three times, twice in rebounds, and twice in field goal percentage.
His UCLA records include:
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- Most career points (2,608)
- Career field goals scored (943 - tied with Lew Alcindor)
- Career attempts (1,776)
- Most career 20-point games (68)
- Career games scoring in double figures (123 including 68 straight)
He also ranks second in career free throw percentage at 86.0%. MacLean remains a respected figure in UCLA basketball lore.
Brief NBA Career and International Play
Don MacLean was selected 28th overall in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). He was then traded to the Clippers. He played one season in the NBA with the Washington Bullets during 1992-1993. He was the 19th overall pick in the First Round of the NBA draft in 1992, where he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons traded to the Clippers and traded to Washington. In 1995 he went to Denver and in 1996 to Philadelphia.
After his NBA stint, MacLean played professionally in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Japan. He had a long and successful international playing career, primarily in Europe and Asia.
Broadcasting Career
After his playing days concluded, Don became a color analyst for the UCLA Basketball Radio Network and is currently in that same role with Big Ten Network.
Legacy Continues: Trent MacLean Commits to West Virginia
The UCLA Bruins' all-time leading scorer will see his legacy continue on the collegiate stage as the son of former Bruins basketball legend Don Maclean, Trent MacLean, announced his commitment on Tuesday afternoon. Four-star power forward Trent Maclean has committed to West Virginia, per 247Sports. He is the 142nd overall recruit in the 2025 class and the 15th-ranked player in the Golden State. He received several Division I offers from schools such as Rutgers, Arizona State and Saint Mary's, deciding on the Mountaineers. Trent might not be attending his father's alma mater but that is an ode to his determination to pave his own road as a college basketball player. Some individuals want to follow their legacy while others find a better fit at a different school and want to create something new. The Mountaineers are getting one heck of a ball player with a wealth of basketball knowledge that Trent has learned over his entire lifetime from his father. The Maclean dynasty will be very prevalent in the coming years of college basketball.
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The Bruins have not released their schedule for next season, but do not be surprised if the Mountaineers are on it early in the year.
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