McDaniels played basketball for Federal WayHigh School in Federal Way, Washington. As a freshman, he was teammates with his older brother Jalen and helped Federal Way win its second straight Class 4A state championship. McDaniels averaged 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game on the varsity team and was forced to shoot with his left hand due to a right elbow injury. In his first two years, he helped his team win 63 consecutive games, the longest win streak in state history since 1977. As a junior, McDaniels guided Federal Way to a runner-up finish at the 4A state tournament. In the season, he averaged 21.3 points, 10 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.3 blocks per game and earned USA Today All-USA Washington first team honors. In May 2018, McDaniels saw breakout success at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League with Seattle Rotary, bolstering his position as a top recruit in the 2019 class. On January 25, 2019, as a senior, he recorded 51 points against Todd Beamer High School, breaking the school single-game scoring record held by NBA player Donny Marshall. McDaniels averaged 23.3 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game in his senior season, leading his team to third place at the 4A state tournament. He earned Class 4A Player of the Year and Washington Gatorade Player of the Year recognition. McDaniels played in the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.
Recruiting
By the end of his high school career, McDaniels was considered a consensus five-star recruit and the bestpower forward in the 2019 class. ESPN and Rivals.com ranked him among the top 10 players in his class. On May 22, 2019, McDaniels committed to play college basketball for Washington. He had also received strong interest from Kentucky during the recruiting process.
College career
In his collegiate debut, a 67–64 upset of Baylor, McDaniels had 18 points and seven rebounds. He had a season-high 22 points against Ball State. As a freshman, McDaniels averaged 13 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while starting 21 games but he began coming off the bench midway through conference play. Following the season he declared for the 2020 NBA draft.
Career statistics
College
Personal life
McDaniels' brother, Jalen McDaniels, played basketball for Federal Way High School, where he was a four-star recruit, before joining San Diego State at the college level. He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft. McDaniels is a cousin of former NBA player Juwan Howard. Both his father, Will McDaniels, and his mother, Angela Jackson, are originally from Chicago.
