The McDonald’s All-American Game, scheduled for March 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston, the most celebrated post-season high school All-American game, is ready for 46th. On Tuesday afternoon, the 24 participants in the game were announced on ESPN.
Before we look at who made the game, here are some numbers to consider.
Of the 15 players rated five-star in the 2023 class by 247Sports, 13 made the list. The only five stars that don’t count are point guard from Kentucky. Rob Dillingham who was ruled ineligible for the game, and the Texas-bound quarterback AJ Johnson. While there will always be debate over who should or shouldn’t have made the game, all but two of the players included on the team are in the top 35 in their senior class, with the “drop outs” at No. 44. Reed Sheppard (30th place in the industry Composite ranking) and Brandon Garrison who ranks 52nd overall (42nd overall) but is a top 5 center in his class.
Like last year, only one player will appear at the McDonald’s celebration in indecision, and he is quite famous. No. 34 Bronnie James.
Only four programs brought multiple players into the game. Kentucky has the No. 1 class and the most entrants in the game is four. Claiming for 2nd place in the recruiting class rankings, Herzog came in second in the number of nominees, three. Michigan State and Oregon are other programs that have multiple players.
From a conference standpoint, the SEC leads with six nominations, while the Big 12 and Pac-12 each have five.
Now that you know the numbers, take a look at the East and West teams.
EAST TEAM
Matas Buzelis(Photo: courtesy of Dan Fritz/@DFritzphotos)
Xavier BookerC, Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral
Recruitment: Signed with the State of Michigan.
247Sports rating: 10.
skinny: Despite the ups and downs in his senior season, the 6-foot-10 Booker was too talented to be left out of the team. A long and slender striker who can play facing the rim, Booker has risen in value over the summer playing with George Hill All indies. Booker can really run around the court, shoots with some range and is one of the best rim defenders in his class when he plays defensively.
Aaron BradshawC, Camden (NJ) High
Recruitment: Signed with Kentucky.
247Sports rating: 2.
skinny: In terms of sheer talent and potential, Bradshaw has the same long-term potential as any other player in the game. At seven feet tall, he can actually run around the court, has contact with mid-distance jumpers, and can influence the game with his size and promising skills. Bradshaw really needs to put on weight and is at his best when playing with activity as a blocker and rebounder.
Matas BuzelisSan Francisco, Bel Air (KS) Sunrise Christian
Recruitment: G League Ignite.
247Sports rating: five.
skinny: Already signed to the G League Ignite program, Buzelis is the first player to join the G League prior to the start of the game. Buselis, at 6’10”, with a ball handling, long-range shooting and perimeter ability, had a strong senior season. His game should tune in well for the All-Star Game.
Stephon CastleCG, Covington (GA) Newton
Recruitment: Signed with UConn.
247Sports rating: nine.
skinny: A big and strong combo defender, Castle was always able to use his strength and 6’6″ height to intimidate defenders as they approached the rim. As he matured, he learned to rely less on sweeping defenders and more on changing speed and direction to get where he needs to be. It will be interesting to see how far his jump shot goes during practice, but he should be able to make an instant impact in Storrs.
Kwame “KJ” Evans Jr. (Photo: Mike Pegram, Peegs.com)
Justin EdwardsSan Francisco, Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep
Recruitment: Signed with Kentucky.
247Sports rating: 3.
skinny: A smooth winger, open-floor slasher, Edwards is also an effective half-court operator. Long and angular, he approaches the rim most comfortably, but has greatly improved as a jump shot and is starting to get the recognition as the playmaker for others that his game deserves.
Kwame Evans Jr.PF, Monverde Academy (Florida)
Recruitment: Signed with Oregon.
247Sports rating: eleven.
skinny: It will be very interesting to see how Evans behaves in an environment like McDonald’s. Physically, he has the overall length, athleticism, and positional size to play the game at the highest level, and the way he can glide with ease is pretty impressive for a guy his size. He can be a defensive dynamo and is also capable of making multiple shots. On the days when his motor is running at full power, he becomes a problem.
Aden HollowayPG, Napa (CA) Prolific Prep
Recruitment: Signed with Auburn
247Sports rating: 24.
skinny: Holloway, one of the top shooters in the class of 2023, has steadily climbed up the charts and his efforts have been rewarded with a game nomination. While his shooting is his calling card, Holloway has improved a lot as a playmaker and looks set to become a full-time general by then. Bruce Pearl gets it on campus.
Elmarco JacksonPG, South Kent School (Connecticut)
Recruitment: Signed with Kansas.
247Sports rating: 23.
skinny: A year ago, an invitation to a McDonald’s game might have seemed like a pipe dream to Jackson. A big, fit, and athletic general, Jackson was an active player during the summer, and he kept up with him in his senior year of high school. Bill Self He could probably use his size in the backcourt tomorrow if Jackson could check in earlier.
DJ Wagner (Photo: Eric Bossy, 247Sports)
Mackenzie ConferencePF, Roselle (NJ) Catholic
Recruitment: Signed with Duke.
247Sports rating: 7.
skinny: A combination hitter, Mgbako has the type of inside/outside game that most college programs seek out as they try to get as many all-around athletes on the floor as possible. When he is at his best, Mgbako uses his power to attack the ring and then comes out to make jumps.
Sean StewartC, Monverde Academy (Florida)
Recruitment: Signed with Duke.
247Sports rating: 12.
skinny: The son of an NBA player, Stewart is arguably the most explosive athlete of all inside players in the class of 2023. He’s a bit undersized as a center, but his athleticism combined with toughness and intelligence make him an elite defender who’s capable of defending the rim, covering in space, or switching and recovering.
DJ WagnerCG, Camden (NJ) High
Recruitment: Signed with Kentucky.
247Sports rating: four.
skinny: In terms of a game played in the family, Wagner is a third-generation All-American after his father Dajuan and grandfather Milt played the game. A brilliant scorer, Wagner likes to hit with his left (left) hand to create a lead. His fast first step and pull-ups are dynamic, and he finishes the game skillfully near the rim.
Cody WilliamsS.F., Gilbert (Arizona) Perry
Recruitment: Signed with Colorado.
247Sports rating: 8.
skinny: A long and experienced winger at 6’8″, Williams is the highest ranked player signed with Colorado during the 247Sports era and gives Tad Boyle real weapon. Williams is playing well enough to play a point for his high school team, has three-point range in his jumper and is really starting to develop athletically. As good as he is, he has one of the biggest improvement ceilings of any player in the game.
WESTERN TEAM
Isaiah Collier
bible omahaPF, Wokie (Iowa) High
Recruitment: Signed with the State of Iowa.
247Sports rating: fourteen.
skinnyA: Sent to play in nearby Ames, Billew is one of the most athletic hitters in all of America. A key member of the MoKan Elite team that won the Peach Jam this summer, the 6-foot-8 forward is among the most versatile and dangerous defensemen in the class and is in the top 10 of the class that will travel to Ames next season.
Isaiah CollierPG, Marietta (GA) Wheeler
Recruitment: Signed with USC.
247Sports rating: 1.
skinny: Collier is currently considered the best player in his senior year. He is a big and strong point guard who can really get others involved. He is the most instinctive playmaker in the class but has also shown he can score when needed. Collier already has MVP credentials from Elite 24 and would like to add the same from McDonald’s game.
Muki CookSan Francisco, Phoenix (AZ) Compass Prep
Recruitment: Signed with Oregon.
247Sports rating: 22.
skinny: A native of Portland who played the last two seasons in Compass Prep, Cook is a big hitter, a jack of all trades. He finishes with athleticism around the ring, can defend in multiple positions and shows potential as a point guard and playmaker at the next level. He is one of two Ducks who made the game.
The Baye AffairC, Denver (CO) Fast Track
Recruitment: Signed with Arkansas.
247Sports rating: 20.
skinny: Skinny with Fall in that he is exactly that, thin. His lack of bulk can be a problem against more physical, bigger men, but his ability to move up and down the court, a bouncy finish near the rim and potential as a blocker help make up for his lack of strength. After a summer at the gym and polish, he should fit in…