McDAAG Week : My Favorites

I was given an amazing opportunity to cover the McDonald's All-American Events all week long in my very own city of Phoenix, Arizona. Obviously these are the best players in the nation that high school basketball has to offer. All these young men are going to the next level to play at high major programs and national power houses and most will be given the opportunity to play at the pro level in a couple years.   I was able to see these young men in action at highly competitive practices in front of NBA scouts and even some NBA executives. I was also able to ask them questions at the media day press conference, attended the sprite slam dunk contest and main event The McDonalds All-American Game.   Like i said all these young men are elite prospect's and have a bright future ahead of them so i will be highlighting my personal favorites and who impressed me the most during my time watching them compete all week long.    Toni impressed me the most out of all players. With his god given height, length, athletic ability and overall skill set he had me intrigued from the beginning. It screamed elite 3&D wing to me with potential to do more. HIs lateral quickness and defensive IQ at his size stood out immediately in practice. Toni was able to bump and cut off players dictating there movements. He is able to contest and block shots at a high level with his length and athleticism. Toni's offensive game shined from beyond the arc and playing off ball slashing to the rim. He is very much aware of spacings and makes him self available for kick outs and will hit the three at a high clip. He is a great slasher that finishes strong and above the rim.     Caleb is a strong athletic guard who can be a scorer and a play maker for others. Caleb already has a next level frame and takes advantage of smaller guards at the rim. He has a elite handle and uses to get where he wants on the floor. He is a plus athlete and takes advantage of his ability's on both ends of the floor. He is a super High IQ player who can pick things up quick. Caleb is a very good defender and will bump and cut players off with his elite feet on the defensive end. Caleb can be a very effective lead guard at UofA and in the pro's.     Bruce is another big wing with a smooth jump shot and elite defensive capabilities. Bruce has a pure outside shot with great shooting mechanics. He was the best spot up shooter i seen all weekend and is always in good spacing on the floor. He has sneaky athleticism and can rise above the rim for put back dunks. He is a great slasher and stays active off the ball. With his versatile ability on defense he can guard wings and guards. Bruce was one of the better off ball players that i seen all weekend and doesn't need to create his own shot to score.     Austin is a good size guard with high IQ and natural scoring ability. Austin was a surprise to me and many other players expressed that as well in the press conference. His game is very smooth and has a calmness to it. Austin doesn't get sped up and plays at his own pace. He had one of the best jumpers i seen at the whole event. He is a great space creator with his footwork and it allows him to get quality looks at the rim. He is a above average passer out of the pick and roll and can easily create for others. He is also sneaky athletic and will get high flying dunks or block every now and then.     Jordan was the best guard prospect i seen all week. He is an explosive down hill guard with elite athleticism and natural scoring ability. He has a elite handle and doesn't need to over dribble to get to his spots. Jordan can finish with power or finesse around the rim and is efficient from the inside despite his size. He has a certain intensity to him on defense and is capable of shutting down other guards with his speed and strength. He has a smooth looking jumper and doesn't force shots from the outside. He is a underrated passer and has great vision in the open court. Jordan seems to be the next great guard under legendary coach john Calipari.     Tyran is a overall elite prospect on the wing. He can score with the best of them from all three levels and is a athletic specimen. He has a smooth jump shot from the midrange and the three but he is at his best when he gets physical and takes it to the bucket. He already has a next level frame and often takes advantage's of weaker players. He plays above the rim and is not afraid to dunk on players. Tyran is a very capable defender and can guard multiple positions. Tyran lead the game in scoring and dominated in one on one's in practice.     Cameron is an elite shot maker at his size with incredible length and agility. He had one of the best shots at the event from outside the arc and the midrange area. With his size he can just rise above defenders and hit tough shots. His has a great handle and is able to get to the spots that make him effective. He makes his money on the defensive end with his versatility to guard almost every position. He moves quick laterally and uses his length to disrupt shots and even get multiple blocks a game. Cameron has elite wing potential at the next level and will be a force at duke.

I was given an amazing opportunity to cover the McDonald's All-American Events all week long in my very own city of Phoenix, Arizona. Obviously these are the best players in the nation that high school basketball has to offer. All these young men are going to the next level to play at high major programs and national power houses and most will be given the opportunity to play at the pro level in a couple years.