Mac McClung on Making History, Winning G League MVP, Skrewball Whiskey Partnership and What's Next for the Dunk Legend (Exclusive)

One year after becoming the first NBA player in history to win three straight Slam Dunk Contests, Chicago Bulls guard Mac McClung took his game to another level in the G League.

McClung flashed his all-around game in his first season with the Windy City Bulls, Chicago's G League affiliate. He won his second NBA G League Most Valuable Player Award in three years this season, averaging 31.8 points and 7.9 assists per game.

The Texas Tech product appeared in eight games for Chicago in 2025-26, averaging 6.0 points per game.

In an exclusive interview with Men's Journal, McClung discussed his career year in the G League, increased expectations and his new partnership with Skrewball Whiskey.

Asked what continues to motivate him after two G League MVP Awards and three straight Slam Dunk Contest titles over a three-year stretch, McClung cited the inspiration from those closest to him.

"When it comes to dunk contests, I really just wanted to be creative and original," McClung said. "That drove me a lot. My friends were a part of the whole process. They inspired me when. If something wasn't good enough, they would let me know.

"They really pushed me to break the boundary and do something that hasn't been done. I give a lot of credit to my friends and fam."

McClung reflected on the new opportunities that opened up after a historic three-peat in the Slam Dunk contest, and how it's allowed him to connect with more people around the globe.

"This dunk contest has really changed my life in a lot of ways, with opportunities," McClung said. "I got to do a China tour last year...it's hard to comprehend being from the small town (Gate City, Virginia), that I am (from).

"People know you for something...so I'm very grateful for that. It's opened up so many opportunities for me to get to know people I would have never gotten to meet and go places I would have never gotten to go."

Reflecting on his second G League MVP season, McClung was asked if he approached the 2025-26 season any differently than previous years.

"I work out with my guy (professional basketball trainer) Danny Cooper," McClung said. "Every summer, I work out with him. We have the same game plan. We are very creative in that sense...we think we can add this or add that. It wasn't anything different in my routine. I had a great staff, great coaching staff, great GM.

"Everyone really pushed me and believed in me. I wouldn't have gotten there without my teammates....That (MVP) award is just a product of making the most of your opportunity. That was my opportunity. There's something about that. Everywhere I'm at."

As part of his deal with Skrewball Whiskey, McClung performed multiple dunks over his friend, as well as 5-foot and 7-foot stacks of 100ml Skrewball cans. For McClung, it was a no-brainer to partner up with Skrewball after they approached him with the opportunity.

"We got to know them as people and their idea, and I knew it was gonna be very challenging," McClung said. "The big thing that stuck out with Skrewball for me was the staff they had, how they were treating each other, how they treated me. That meant a lot to me...as well as their product being enjoyable. It was really a fun day on set, we had a great time. And it was very challenging."

"I'm a lucky person to be able to choose what partnerships I do," McClung said. "Just getting to know them and their idea and how they look at their brand. It was very similar to how I look at my brand, just wanting to break boundaries, really challenge themselves, and that inspired me.

"The interesting thing was, we had this meeting and everything sounded good. I had a workout, so I'm like, 'Yeah, let's do this.' And then I got there and I saw how high it was and I was like., 'Okay, maybe I should have thought this through a little more.' But we found a way to get it done. If you were there on set that day, the energy was great, the people were great. It was almost like a party on there."

Mac McClung on What Comes Next and Future Slam Dunks

McClung was asked whether we might see him try a slam dunk similar to the Skrewball Whiskey stunt at a future contest.

"You never know, "McClung said. I keep my cards very close to my chest. I don't reveal anything, but you never know."

Does McClung have any other creative or never-before-seen slam dunks he's currently working on that we might see in the near future?

"Usually I don't do this, but I do have some that you will see," McClung said. "I have some I'm working on that haven't been done before that you'll see in due time."

And what's next for McClung after three straight Slam Dunk Contest victories and 2026 G League MVP honors?

"I'm just going to continue to relentlessly pursue the best version of me," McClung said. "I'm going to put in all the work, and whatever situation comes, I'll be ready for it."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM.