McDonald’s Game Standouts
The McDonald’s High School All-American Game on Wednesday night was the culmination of a week worth of practices, scrimmage, and other events. PrepHoops Network was in the house again for the big night! See who shined in the game right here in our McDonald’s All-American Game Standouts.
SF Michael Porter (Nathan Hale, WA – Missouri)
When you have the target one your back the true measure of a superstar is when they rise to the occasion. With his #1 ranking on the line and the whole country watching on national TV after last week’s flip from Washington to Mizzou, Porter had all eyes on him. The 6’10” small forward produced. Struggled shooting it from deep as he was 0-4 from beyond the arc. Porter got out in transition throughout the game where he finished well. The game’s MVP has a smooth game with long strides along with explosive ability around the hoop. He has a knack for putting himself in positions to score. Cuts well to get open. Scores with ease. Has the size, skill, and athleticism to be an NBA star. He has gotten the mentality to match that over the last year. Porter recorded 17 points and 8 rebounds. Odds on favorite to go #1 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
SF Kevin Knox (Tampa Catholic, FL)
Knox had a strong week of practices and backed it up with a solid performance in the game. One of the top undecided prospects in the nation showed why he is such a coveted recruit. His strength is shooting the ball from the perimeter. Knocked down one from deep, but like many with the backdrop of the United Center he struggled to shoot it throughout the contest. Shoots a good ball with sound mechanics. Silky smooth in transition and was extremely efficient with his takes to the hoop. Got most of his points off the bounce or in transition. Finished with 15 points on 7-11 from the field. Has a definite chance to be a lottery pick in 2018.
G Collin Sexton (Pebblebrook, GA – Alabama)
Sexton was the star of the first half. The explosive scoring guard showed he is much more than just a scorer this week. His passing was on point in the practices and he showed it off during the game as he was looking to set others up rather than score himself. Sexton had the play of the night with an alley oop that he threw between his legs. Crisp dishes as he was more than willing to make the pass to a teammate for an easier or sometimes more spectacular look. Sexton had a couple athletic finishes at the rim. Also got after it on the defensive end. If he continues to progress his lead guard skills like we saw this week there is a chance Sexton could hear his name called in the first round next season. He had 8 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals.
C Mitchell Robinson (Chalmette, LA – Western Kentucky)
Robinson is a man of few words off the court, but on it the 7’0” center makes major noise. He has a long and athletic frame. Runs the floor great and finishes around the hoop with tremendous power! Finished with his tremendous size and length. Mobility around the hoop and shot a high percentage from the field. Skill level needs improvement, but can’t deny his power and upside. Swats shots including one where he blocked a three. Robinson had 14 points (7-9 FG). Potential first round draft choice in 2018.
C DeAndre Ayton (Hillcrest, CA – Arizona)
Ayton absolutely dominated the glass especially on the offensive end. He snatched nine offensive rebounds in the game. Feel for where the ball is coming off the rim and has a knack for grabbing them in traffic. Love his physical tools with his strong body and broad shoulders. Ayton has the potential to be a dominant rebounder at the college level and beyond. He is a solid scorer that showed this week when he focuses on playing inside and not drifting to the perimeter he can be a game changer. Made a couple nice passes inside. Ayton had 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals. Top 3 2018 NBA Draft choice.
SG Troy Brown (Centennial, NV – Oregon)
Brown has great size and length on the perimeter. He can play the 1 through 3 at the next level for the Oregon Ducks. Brown plays well when the game is free flowing like in an all-star type setting. He pushes it in transition and makes plays as a finisher. Hit one three. His versatility and ability to play all over the floor are his best assets. He had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. Potential mid-first round pick in 2018.
PG Jaylen Hands (Foothills Christian, CA – UCLA)
Hands really impressed us this week. We had not previously seen him on the circuit and he more than lived up to the honor of playing in this game. Athletic and quick guard that has tremendous speed in the open floor. Finishes with acrobatics at the rim. He even tried to posterize Nick Richards once. Not afraid despite his slight build. Gets to the free throw line. Vision in the half court. Competes on the defensive end. He had 14 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. With a couple years of seasoning at UCLA he could be a first round NBA choice in 2019.
C Brandon McCoy (Cathedral Catholic, CA)
McCoy had a really good week of practices and continued that into the game. In his hometown that he grew up in McCoy made his presence felt. He was extremely active on the offensive glass grabbing six offensive rebounds. Got several of his buckets in that manner. Also got to the foul line where he his 7-8. Was a force on the defensive end protecting the rim all night. High ceiling on that end of the floor. McCoy posted a stat line of 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 4 steals. Put himself in position to be a lottery pick after one season.
C Mohamed Bamba (Westtown, PA)
Bamba might be my favorite player in the national 2017 class to watch. The 6’11” center has an insane wingspan and he knows how to use it. The big man needs to add weight and continue to refine his skill set, but that will come in time. He shoots a high percentage from the field, because he is smart about the shots that he takes. He is so athletic and mobile around the hoop as a finisher. Finishes with explosion off the floor. Runs the court in transition. As a defensive player he is a complete beast swatting shots. Has elite tools as a rim protector. Bamba finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Top 3 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
C Wendell Carter (Pace, GA – Duke)
It wasn’t an eye popping night for the Duke commit, but he was effective with his touches. Carter powered home a few slams and had a nice right handed hook shot. The wide bodied post will utilize his skill level in the ACC next season. Good area rebounder that gets on the offensive glass for second chance opportunities. Was impressed with his passing on the interior. Carter went for 10 points (5-6 FG), 5 rebounds, and 3 dimes. Lottery pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
SF Billy Preston (Oak Hill Academy, VA – Kansas)
Preston didn’t have a great week of practice, but got into the flow of things in the game. The Kansas commit has elite size and strength for the forward position. He looks physically like a young LeBron. At times his concentration and basketball IQ can lapse, but when he is just playing off his raw physical abilities like he did in this game he excels. Preston was smooth in the open floor handling it, got on the offensive glass for a put back, and actually shot the ball well. Drilled a pull up jumper and a pair of triples. Preston had 10 points in the game. First round potential in 2018, but would probably be best served going back for a second year at KU.
PG Quade Green (Neumann Goretti, PA – Kentucky)
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsGreen shot it poor from the field as he was only 1-6 from beyond the arc, but made some plays in the lane. Pushes it in transition with speed, but always seems to be under control and looking for teammates. Liked the feel and vision he showed throughout the week. Has a tendency to force a few which led to 7 turnovers. Green had 9 points and 7 dimes. Potential mid to late first round pick in 2018.