McDonald had himself a strong season in which I was high on, but the way that he came out for summer ball — watch out. He looked locked in from the jump, and this was a matchup he seemed to be ready for. He hit multiple threes, attacked the rim, and created turnovers that led to easy transition buckets. The highlight of the day came on a powerful dunk through contact over one of the biggest players in the gym. His athleticism has been popping out in the last year, but the growth in his overall game stands out even more. He looked like Tru’s top option on Day 1, and we’re ready to see how that looks on Day 2.

McDonald continues to earn more minutes and the trust of his coaches and teammates, and he made the most of it with a breakout performance. He showcased tight handles and quick, elusive moves to slice through defenders and get to the rim at will. On the defensive end he competed hard and made things difficult. The highlight came when he rose up for a massive dunk, flashing his athleticism on his way to a 15 point night

Alphonso is a guard in the 2028 class who looks better every time we’ve seen him, and right now, he looks very comfortable. That’s led to some very solid games, especially since the new year has started. McDonald has elevated his game in January as he was named a starter, and from that moment, Denver South has been rolling. He offers versatility and reliability. He’s a two-way player who forces opposing guards to speed up; he plays the passing lanes and turns defense into offense. He averaged 2.1 steals in January, is running the offense, and finding the open man. He looks like a consistent scorer as well. South is a team to keep an eye on as we continue in league play. They are playing their best ball, and I feel as if his play is a big reason for the shift. 

McDonald has carved out a valuable role as a reliable bench piece for Denver South, bringing energy and length to the guard spot. He plays aggressively, has his nose in every play and consistently makes the extra effort that impacts winning. His length causes problems defensively, while offensively he’s a trustworthy shooter who makes teams pay when left open. Averaging 7.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, McDonald is proving he can be counted on in big moments and important stretches

McDonald has begun the season as arguably the most impactful underclassmen in the conference. He’s providing balance for South that they desperately need. He’s pushing pace, defending aggressively, and turning guards over. His 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3 steals per game show how complete he’s been. His work defensively has separated him from the pack and has allowed South to be multidimensional. The 13-point opener vs. North set the tone, and his poise stands out. He affects the game in multiple ways and looks like a rising underclassman to track closely.

McDonald was a player that we were curious about heading into the event, and I liked his approach to the event. He stood out as a gritty, two-way guard who plays with an edge. The game slows down for him as he makes smart reads as a point guard while challenging himself defensively. He showed strong vision, steady decision-making, and competitiveness that resembled a player for whom the game comes easily to. It was a very good showing, and I left wanting to see even more from him, especially as a playmaking guard.

McDonald’s stock has buzz, but now we need to see it live. He’s a versatile combo guard who can control both ends as he scores at will, creates for others, and locks in defensively. We’ve heard he’s capable of big things, and the expectations are high. This showcase is the spot for him to come in, play his game, and show that he’s not just one of the best in his class, but he’s a player who deserves to be ranked even higher.

Alphonso McDonald Alphonso McDonald 6'2" | CG/PG Denver South | 2028 State CO is a combo guard who thrives with the ball in his hands. He’s hard to contain as he’s an above-average shooter with great touch around the rim and the ability to score from all three levels. He attacks isos confidently, uses his length well, and always looks ready for the moment. When he got opportunities for Denver South, he made the most of them in his freshman season. His feel for the game and improvement this summer suggest he’s in for a major leap. Word is, he’s been one of the most consistent standouts in the class, and we expect that buzz to carry over.

McDonald has gotten some increased opportunity as of late, showcasing the smooth handle and quick decision making to be an offensive weapon in time. Showing upside as a spot-up shooter from distance alongside the soft touch around the basket, he could be a beneficial complementary scorer in the coming weeks.  

McDonald has been a formidable name within recent showcases in the fall, displaying a great handle and a bit of flare with the ball. Set to be one of the more exciting backcourt names to follow in due time, the guard is a capable creator out of ball screens for himself and others. His quick hands at the point of attack make him a serviceable defender, capable of generating multiple steals a game.