2018 McDonald’s All American Top 5 Standouts
The 41st Annual McDonald’s All American Game was played last night here in Georgia’s own Phillip’s Arena in Atlanta, GA. If you do not know, the MCDAAG’s features the top nationally ranked senior prospects in high school. This game is basically an all star game of the top players in the country going head to head. East verses West. This year’s showcase featured players such as RJ Barrett (Montverde), Zion Williamson (Spartanburg Day), Cam Reddish (Westtown), Romeo Langford (New Albany), Darius Garlend (Brentwood), Nassir Litte (Orlando Christian), and more. The West squad defeated the East squad in last night’s showcase with a score of 131-128. Here I have chosen the top 5 guys who’s skills stood out the entire game. Check Below.
6’7 forward Nassir Little – Orlando Christian Prep (Signed with UNC)
Nassir Little out of Orlando, FL received the MVP honors in last night’s game after going off for 28 points on 12 for 17 shooting. The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill got a sneak peek of what they will be witnessing next season. Little showed his athleticism in front of NBA scouts and proved he has developed a consistent jump shot. He was able to knocked his shots from beyond the arc and inside the arc. The kid has major upside and the sky is the limit. A very versatile forward who can get to the basket with one or two dribbles. Nassir will be able to play the 3, 4, or maybe in some cases even the 5 positions. Nassir is what we call an elite athlete and who can potentially be a top 10 lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
6’7 forward RJ Barrett – Montverde Academy (Signed with Duke)
RJ Barrett certainly showed me why he is the #1 player in the country for the class of 2018. The future Duke star is something special and should expect him to be a one and done as well after one season in Durham. Barrett’s ability to get to the basket stoodout to me the most. He makes it look extremely easy when taking his man to the rim. He is left handed as well, which makes it hard for his defenders to actually guard him. He has amazing footwork and ball handling skills which makes him very effecient on offense. RJ is projected to be the #1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. RJ will be looking forward now to leading his Montverde squad to a national championship as they face Lone Peak (UT) later today at 6pm ET in the 2018 Geico Dick’s Nationals.
6’10 forward Nazreon Reid – Roselle Catholic (Signed with LSU)
“Man Child” is the two words I have when explaining this kid Naz Reid out of New Jersey. He showed his dominance and presents in last night’s showcase. Naz was able to show all of his potentials and skills, well maybe not all. He has a very big body for a kid his size and I believe that will help him at the next level. Nazreon is an elite finisher at the rim, whether he is taking his defenders off the dribble, catch, or just down low inside the paint. He showed scouts that he can also hit a few jump shots as well. He does not have great ball handling skills for a big but they are way better than most 6’10 guys. LSU fans should be excited about this one coming to campus next fall along with the other star studded talent. Naz should make his case next season that he can certainly be a 1st round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
6’6 shooting guard Romeo Langford – New Albany (Undecided)
Romeo Langford might be the most underrated player in the class of 2018. This kid is special and his upside is off the roof. The 6’6 wing finished with 19 points in last night’s showcase. Langford is arguably the best shooter in the class of 2018. What is going to make Langford so effecient in his career, is that he has the ability to stretch the defense with his consistent jumper. Romeo is pure perimeter threat and can also be known as a pure scorer. He can take you off the dribble and create his shot with ease. Once defenders bite and respect his jumper and over contest, he is capable of taking his opponents off the dribble and getting to the cup. Romeo has yet to decide where he will attend next fall but his final 3 schools are Vanderbilt, Indiana, and Kansas, who is competing in the final four this weekend.
6’4 point guard Darius Garland – Brentwood Academy (Signed with Vanderbilt)
Darius did not standout stats wise during last night’s showcase but his speed, IQ, and quickness is what really catches my eye every time watching Mr. Garland. Darius is a very quick guard with dynamic speed. He can change speeds in a blink of an eye when the ball is in his hands. He has a great feel for the game and his size at the point guard position puts him in a very good spot. His IQ is at an elite level with his decision making and play making abilities. Darius is capable of creating his own shot off the dribble and has a tremondous floater game. Coach Byrce Drew, HC of Vanderbilt, will be bringing in one of the top prospects we should expect in the country next season.