2013 McDonald’s All-American game roster; Kentucky Wildcats Dominate

April 3, 2013 By 2 Comments

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Looking at the 2013 McDonald’s All-American game roster reminds me of Elvis Presley’s “Kentucky Rain.” Although it would be spelled “Kentucky Reign.”

The 2013 McDonald’s All-American list will feature top ranked prep talent and Canadian-born Andrew Wiggins (Huntington Prep, W.Va.) playing alongside Chicago hometown hero and former #1 ranked player Jabari Parker of the south side Simeon Wolverines.

Aaron and Andrew Harrison (William B. Tavis – Richmond, Texas) mark the first set of twins since 2009 – the most recent pairs include David and Travis Wear (2009) and Brook and Robin Lopez (2006). So we’ve got Zellers, Plumlees, Wears, and now Harrisons to contend with in college basketball.

The Harrison twins, who will be attending Kentucky in the fall, account for two of the record five 2013 McDonald’s All-American that will be headed to Lexington. Including Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee and James Young.

The previous record of four was held by the Michigan Wolverines (1991), Duke Blue Devils (1999) and Kentucky Wildcats (2011). The Boys Game begins at 8:30 p.m. CDT tonight, live on ESPN.

The annual high school all-star event will again be played at Chicago’s United Center. As it will until 2015. Here’s the full roster.

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Bulls Derrick Rose named among best all-time McDonald’s All-Americans

February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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The McDonald’s All American Games unveiled its list of the 35 Greatest McDonald’s All Americans, released in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the McDonald’s All American High School Boys Game. The list is comprised of some of the top names in basketball history, a veritable basketball pantheon, including six players with Chicago connections (Isiah Thomas (1979), Glenn ‘Doc’ Rivers (1980), Michael Jordan (1981), Kevin Garnett (1995), Jay Williams (1999) and Derrick Rose (2007).

Rose, Williams and Jordan, obviously, have suited up for the Bulls. Chicago hosts the Boston Celtics tonight at the United Center, so there will be a special ceremony, as Celtics Coach Doc Rivers will be joined (in addition to Garnett) Paul Pierce who is on the list below.

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Prepare Yourself for Plumlee Overload at Duke

April 13, 2011 By 3 Comments

marshall plumlee

You know what I cannot wait for once the 2011-2012 college basketball season starts… all the feature stories that will be done on the Plumlee brothers since all three of them will be playing together at Duke.  That will not get old at all.  No, seriously… I am in no way hoping you are reading this opening paragraph with the heavy sarcasm that I am intending it to have.

McDonald’s All-American Marshall Plumlee will join his older brothers, Miles and Mason, next season at Duke and provide Coach K. with another athletic big man.  But will Marshall finally be able to provide the Blue Devils with a true inside presence; something his big bros have been unable do.

(This is a Paul M. Banks and David Kay collaboration.)

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NBA Draft Stock Report: McDonald’s All-American Game Edition

March 31, 2011 By 1 Comment

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Am I really doing a NBA Draft Stock Report on kids that have not even graduated from high school and will not be eligible for the draft for another year? Yup.

The McDonald’s All-American Game is like the Super Bowl for high school basketball players with NBA scouts flooding the United Center to get a look at some of the potential top prospects for the 2012 NBA Draft.  Even though it is a lot like the NBA All-Star Game– nothing more than a glorified pick-up game where defense is usually non-existent, it’s still a great venue to see how some of the top recruits stack up against equally talented players.

Besides, when I went to the 2008 game in Milwaukee, I fell love with Tyreke Evans’ game and started praising his pro potential.  And well, that turned out okay didn’t it?  Here are some players who really stood out and should be top prospects in the 2012 draft.

By: David Kay
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Are McDonald’s All-Americans Crucial to Advancing in NCAA Tournament?

March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Kyrie Irving NBA Draft

With fourth-round matchups set, eight of the 16 remaining teams have a McDonald’s All American on the roster. What does that mean? We don’t know who will end up in the championship game, but we have a pretty good idea how it will end:

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Louisville Recruit, McDonald’s All-American Wayne Blackshear Scored 56

February 18, 2011 By 1 Comment

wayne blackshear

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to interview three of the top high school players/incoming college basketball freshmen in the nation right before they had the opportunity to meet Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose, a McDonald’s All-American in 2007.

When I brought up Wayne Blackshear’s 56 points in one game, Blackshear’s fellow McDonald’s All-Americans Anthony Davis and Branden Dawson were in reverence and astonishment of his scoring achievement.

“My coach said I need a big performance this year, to try to put me up there,” Blackshear said about his 56 point outburst.

“So I was just working out that whole week putting a lot of shots up, and that game I played, I got to the free throw line a lot, and I couldn’t miss, so I was really focused.”

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