Revised McDonald's All-American Game Projections
by Alex Schwartz
About two and a half months ago, in mid-September, I posted my first 2008 McDonald's All-American Game Projections and said that I'd update the list occasionally. Using rankings from Scout, Rivals, ESPNU, and Hoop Scoop for some assistance, I composed an updated version of Northstar Basketball's projections for the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game. I followed the criteria used in the Selection Process as listed on the official website for the McDonald's All-American Game. Thus, I picked no fifth year players or post grads (i.e. John Wall and Rashanti Harris), there are four players per position, and all players are expected to play least half their senior season (Daniel Orton is ineligible for this reason, as he is likely out for the season). This time I'll also be giving some analysis into my picks, an overview of the selections, as well as those that just missed. Have a look:
Name, Position, High School, College
Kenny Boynton, SG, American Heritage (FL), Florida
Avery Bradley, SG, Findlay College Prep (NV), Texas
Dominic Cheek, SF, St. Anthony's (NJ), Uncommitted
DeMarcus Cousins, C, LeFlore (AL), UAB
Derrick Favors, C, South Atlanta (GA), Uncommitted
Abdul Gaddy, PG, Bellarmine Prep (WA), Washington
Keith "Tiny" Gallon, C, Oak Hill Academy (VA), Oklahoma
Xavier Henry, SG, Putnam City (OK), Memphis
John Henson, PF, Sickles (FL), North Carolina
Tyler Honeycutt, SF, Sylmar (CA), UCLA
Elijah Johnson, PG, Cheyenne (NV), Kansas
Wally Judge, PF, Arlington Country Day School (FL), Kansas State
Ryan Kelly, PF, Ravenscroft (NC), Duke
Aaric Murray, C, Glen Mills (PA), La Salle
Mason Plumlee, PF, Christ School (NC), Duke
Thomas Robinson, PF, Brewster Academy (NH), Kansas
Durand Scott, SG, Rice (NY), Miami
Renardo Sidney, PF, Fairfax (CA), Uncommitted
Michael Snaer, SG, Rancho Verde (CA), Florida State
Lance Stephenson, SG, Lincoln (NY), Uncommitted
Dexter Strickland, PG, St. Patrick's (NJ), North Carolina
Maalik Wayns, PG, Roman Catholic (PG), Villanova
Royce White, SF, Hopkins (MN), Minnesota
Shawn Williams, SF, Duncanville (TX), Texas
Last Four In/Extras (See Analysis/Reasoning on Snaer)
Wally Judge, PF, Arlington Country Day School (FL), Kansas State
Mason Plumlee, PF, Christ School (NC), Duke
Durand Scott, SG, Rice (NY), Miami
Michael Snaer, SG, Rancho Verde (CA), Florida State
Last Cuts
Milton Jennings, PF, Pinewood Prep (SC), Clemson
Hollis Thompson, SF, De La Salle (CA), Georgetown
Close Calls
Christian Watford, SF, Shades Valley (AL), Indiana
Mouphtaou Yarou, PF, Montrose Christian (MD), Villanova
Other Players Seriously Considered
Lorenzo Brown, PG, Centennial (GA), North Carolina State
Maurice Creek, SG, Hargrave Military Academy (VA), Indiana
Roger Franklin, SF, Duncanville (TX), Oklahoma State
Noel Johnson, SF, Fayette County (GA), USC
Zeke Marshall, C, McKeesport (PA), Akron
Tommy Mason-Griffin, PG, Madison (TX), Oklahoma
Peyton Siva, PG, Franklin (WA), Louisvile
Mfon Udofia, PG, Miller Grove (GA), Georgia Tech
Jamil Wilson, SF, Horlick (WI), Uncommitted
Notes
- This is not my opinion of who should be in the game, but rather who I think actually will be in it.
- A number of the nation's top players are ineligible for the game, including Alex Oriakhi (UConn), Chris Braswell (Charlotte), Daniel Orton (Kentucky), Dante Taylor (Pitt), John Wall (Uncommitted), Jordan Hamilton (Texas), Latavious Williams (Uncommitted), and Rashanti Harris (Georgia State).
- I had projected 17 of these players as participants in the game in my first go-around.
- There are four uncommitted players as well as one, Cousins, who has not signed his NLI and may end up going elsewhere.
- Three players, including Cousins, are heading to a school in a non-BCS conference (2 C-USA, 1 A-10).
- The Big 12 and the ACC each have six representatives.
- The Pac 10 and Big East each have two incoming players in my projections.
- The SEC has just one player on the list.
- None of the players listed are committed to a Big Ten school.
- Four schools have two future players on the list: Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, and Texas.
Player-by-Player Analysis/Reasoning
- Kenny Boynton: The game is in Florida and Boynton plays in Florida and is staying in the Sunshine State for his college ball, so he is a 100% lock. Even if the game was elsewhere, Kenny would still be a sure thing.
- Avery Bradley: One of the nation's top players, Bradley plays on the one of the best teams in America, Findlay College Prep (NV), and is the best player on the squad. Avery is a lock for the game.
- Dominic Cheek: Being easily the best player on arguably the most prestigious high school basketball team in the nation, while playing for maybe the best high school coach ever certainly can't hurt. Regardless of where he played and who it's for, Dominic is a lock. I've him listed as a SF for the game's purposes, as he can play the 2 or the 3 and there is much more talent at the SG spot.
- DeMarcus Cousins: Cousins is a consensus top two center. There is no way DeMarcus does not make the game, unless of course he misses too many games/is injured, which is the case with all the locks, sure things, guarantees, etc.
- Derrick Favors: The other consensus top two center, Favors is a guaranteed participant in the event regardless of what college he chooses or when he decides.
- Abdul Gaddy: Overall, most people seem to think that Gaddy is the best point guard in the nation (John Wall not included as he is ineligible). When you are considered the best at what you do, it's tough to not be honored for it. Abdul is a lock for this one.
- Keith "Tiny" Gallon: Because Daniel Orton is not eligible for the game due to his injury, Gallon becomes a near-lock to make it, as he was likely in it anyway. For "Tiny", it will be key that he is in good academic standing, as that is a requirement of participants.
- Xavier Henry: Unless Henry misses much more time that expected due to the injuries he sustained in a car crash recently, it's a guarantee that he is in the game.
- John Henson: North Carolina is the consensus number one recruiting class in America, and Henson has become the top player in the class according to many. In addition, he plays ball in Florida. John is a lock, wherever the game is being held.
- Tyler Honeycutt: In a watered down pool of small forwards, Honeycutt has a very good chance of making it to Miami for the game, though he is not a guarantee. The fact that Tyler is headed to UCLA, a prestigious school, may help him.
- Elijah Johnson: It's really tough to pick between Johnson and a handful of other point guards (see Other Players Seriously Considered). In the end, Elijah is probably the most highly touted and is heading the defending national champions, so he gets the nod.
- Wally Judge: It was so difficult for me to decide between Judge and Milton Jennings for the last spot that I literally had someone pick a name out of a hat to decide between the two. It really is that close. Wally is by no means a sure thing, as the power forward spot is the most stacked position in the class of 2009.
- Ryan Kelly: Duke seems to have a McDonald's All-American every year, and of their two commitments, Kelly is closest to being a lock, though not one of the power forwards is a guarantee besides Henson. Not only a top-notch baller, Ryan is an amazing student, a trait the Selection Committee will not forget.
- Aaric Murray: In all likelihood, Murray would be the odd man out amongst centers if not for Orton's injury. As a result of Orton not being eligible though, Murray may well sneak into the game, though Zeke Marshall has a good shot too, as do some other centers such as DaShonte Riley.
- Mason Plumlee: Yes, of the future Blue Devils, Kelly does have a better shot at getting in, but I do see Plumlee in it as well. If he was left out I would not be surprised though, as the 4 spot has so much talent this year.
- Thomas Robinson: The fact that Robinson is going to Kansas, a prestigious school that happens to be the defending national champion, will only help his standing amongst the eight power forwards vying for a spot. Thomas is by no means a lock, but I do expect to see him in Miami when the big game rolls around.
- Durand Scott: As the best player committed to the school hosting the event, Scott definitely has a bit of an advantage. As well, playing in New York City helps (i.e. Sylvan Landesberg last year). Scott would be a borderline player regardless of where the game is, but I think that it will be tough to shut out the host school when it has a legit nominee, though he is not a lock.
- Renardo Sidney: Besides Henson, Sidney is the closest there comes to being a guarantee amongst power forwards, but I still don't that he is a 100% guarantee. Renardo is inconsistent and many people have many different views on him. Nonetheless, the big man will likely wind up playing in the game.
- Michael Snaer: The first 20 players in will be four at each position, leaving four others, assuming 24 are selected, which I would expect. Snaer is likely not going to be one of the four shooting guards, but he has a very good shot at being one of the other four. I had a tough time picking between him, Judge, and Milton Jennings for the last two spots. Snaer is a maybe.
- Lance Stephenson: Lance is close to a sure thing to be in the game, but I would not call him a lock just yet. There is an outside chance that questions about his character will hold him out of the game, but it's highly unlikely. Stephenson will almost definitely be in Miami for the event.
- Dexter Strickland: As the best player on St. Patrick's (NJ) for two years now, it will be very hard for Strickland to not make the game, as he is also a consensus top two point guard (again, not including Wall). Add in the fact that he is bound for North Carolina, and you've got yourself a surefire participant.
- Maalik Wayns: Along with Gaddy and Strickland, Wayns is a consensus top three point guard (once again, Wall not included). Philadelphia has a lot of power in the hoops world, as Maalik is no doubt the best player from the City of Brotherly Love in the class of 2009. While I wouldn't call him a guarantee, expect to see Wayns in the game.
- Royce White: The small forward spot is really lacking star power in this year's senior class. White is battling with a number of others (see Last Cuts, Close Calls, and Other Players Seriously Considered) for a spot. I think he and Hollis Thompson may be fighting for the last SF spot, and thus Thompson—who I at first had in over White before a change of heart—is one of the Last Cuts. White is certainly not a lock.
- Shawn Williams: Once again, the three position is not that strong this year, and Williams will take a advantage of that. I think he will get in, as he is probably the best senior on Duncanville (TX), who was basically everyone's preseason number one team in the country (think Mike Rosario last year). Roger Franklin of Duncanville has a shot too, and there's also a chance neither make it. Williams is no guarantee.
Name, Position, High School, College
Kenny Boynton, SG, American Heritage (FL), Florida
Avery Bradley, SG, Findlay College Prep (NV), Texas
Dominic Cheek, SF, St. Anthony's (NJ), Uncommitted
DeMarcus Cousins, C, LeFlore (AL), UAB
Derrick Favors, C, South Atlanta (GA), Uncommitted
Abdul Gaddy, PG, Bellarmine Prep (WA), Washington
Keith "Tiny" Gallon, C, Oak Hill Academy (VA), Oklahoma
Xavier Henry, SG, Putnam City (OK), Memphis
John Henson, PF, Sickles (FL), North Carolina
Tyler Honeycutt, SF, Sylmar (CA), UCLA
Elijah Johnson, PG, Cheyenne (NV), Kansas
Wally Judge, PF, Arlington Country Day School (FL), Kansas State
Ryan Kelly, PF, Ravenscroft (NC), Duke
Aaric Murray, C, Glen Mills (PA), La Salle
Mason Plumlee, PF, Christ School (NC), Duke
Thomas Robinson, PF, Brewster Academy (NH), Kansas
Durand Scott, SG, Rice (NY), Miami
Renardo Sidney, PF, Fairfax (CA), Uncommitted
Michael Snaer, SG, Rancho Verde (CA), Florida State
Lance Stephenson, SG, Lincoln (NY), Uncommitted
Dexter Strickland, PG, St. Patrick's (NJ), North Carolina
Maalik Wayns, PG, Roman Catholic (PG), Villanova
Royce White, SF, Hopkins (MN), Minnesota
Shawn Williams, SF, Duncanville (TX), Texas
Last Four In/Extras (See Analysis/Reasoning on Snaer)
Wally Judge, PF, Arlington Country Day School (FL), Kansas State
Mason Plumlee, PF, Christ School (NC), Duke
Durand Scott, SG, Rice (NY), Miami
Michael Snaer, SG, Rancho Verde (CA), Florida State
Last Cuts
Milton Jennings, PF, Pinewood Prep (SC), Clemson
Hollis Thompson, SF, De La Salle (CA), Georgetown
Close Calls
Christian Watford, SF, Shades Valley (AL), Indiana
Mouphtaou Yarou, PF, Montrose Christian (MD), Villanova
Other Players Seriously Considered
Lorenzo Brown, PG, Centennial (GA), North Carolina State
Maurice Creek, SG, Hargrave Military Academy (VA), Indiana
Roger Franklin, SF, Duncanville (TX), Oklahoma State
Noel Johnson, SF, Fayette County (GA), USC
Zeke Marshall, C, McKeesport (PA), Akron
Tommy Mason-Griffin, PG, Madison (TX), Oklahoma
Peyton Siva, PG, Franklin (WA), Louisvile
Mfon Udofia, PG, Miller Grove (GA), Georgia Tech
Jamil Wilson, SF, Horlick (WI), Uncommitted
Notes
- This is not my opinion of who should be in the game, but rather who I think actually will be in it.
- A number of the nation's top players are ineligible for the game, including Alex Oriakhi (UConn), Chris Braswell (Charlotte), Daniel Orton (Kentucky), Dante Taylor (Pitt), John Wall (Uncommitted), Jordan Hamilton (Texas), Latavious Williams (Uncommitted), and Rashanti Harris (Georgia State).
- I had projected 17 of these players as participants in the game in my first go-around.
- There are four uncommitted players as well as one, Cousins, who has not signed his NLI and may end up going elsewhere.
- Three players, including Cousins, are heading to a school in a non-BCS conference (2 C-USA, 1 A-10).
- The Big 12 and the ACC each have six representatives.
- The Pac 10 and Big East each have two incoming players in my projections.
- The SEC has just one player on the list.
- None of the players listed are committed to a Big Ten school.
- Four schools have two future players on the list: Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, and Texas.
Player-by-Player Analysis/Reasoning
- Kenny Boynton: The game is in Florida and Boynton plays in Florida and is staying in the Sunshine State for his college ball, so he is a 100% lock. Even if the game was elsewhere, Kenny would still be a sure thing.
- Avery Bradley: One of the nation's top players, Bradley plays on the one of the best teams in America, Findlay College Prep (NV), and is the best player on the squad. Avery is a lock for the game.
- Dominic Cheek: Being easily the best player on arguably the most prestigious high school basketball team in the nation, while playing for maybe the best high school coach ever certainly can't hurt. Regardless of where he played and who it's for, Dominic is a lock. I've him listed as a SF for the game's purposes, as he can play the 2 or the 3 and there is much more talent at the SG spot.
- DeMarcus Cousins: Cousins is a consensus top two center. There is no way DeMarcus does not make the game, unless of course he misses too many games/is injured, which is the case with all the locks, sure things, guarantees, etc.
- Derrick Favors: The other consensus top two center, Favors is a guaranteed participant in the event regardless of what college he chooses or when he decides.
- Abdul Gaddy: Overall, most people seem to think that Gaddy is the best point guard in the nation (John Wall not included as he is ineligible). When you are considered the best at what you do, it's tough to not be honored for it. Abdul is a lock for this one.
- Keith "Tiny" Gallon: Because Daniel Orton is not eligible for the game due to his injury, Gallon becomes a near-lock to make it, as he was likely in it anyway. For "Tiny", it will be key that he is in good academic standing, as that is a requirement of participants.
- Xavier Henry: Unless Henry misses much more time that expected due to the injuries he sustained in a car crash recently, it's a guarantee that he is in the game.
- John Henson: North Carolina is the consensus number one recruiting class in America, and Henson has become the top player in the class according to many. In addition, he plays ball in Florida. John is a lock, wherever the game is being held.
- Tyler Honeycutt: In a watered down pool of small forwards, Honeycutt has a very good chance of making it to Miami for the game, though he is not a guarantee. The fact that Tyler is headed to UCLA, a prestigious school, may help him.
- Elijah Johnson: It's really tough to pick between Johnson and a handful of other point guards (see Other Players Seriously Considered). In the end, Elijah is probably the most highly touted and is heading the defending national champions, so he gets the nod.
- Wally Judge: It was so difficult for me to decide between Judge and Milton Jennings for the last spot that I literally had someone pick a name out of a hat to decide between the two. It really is that close. Wally is by no means a sure thing, as the power forward spot is the most stacked position in the class of 2009.
- Ryan Kelly: Duke seems to have a McDonald's All-American every year, and of their two commitments, Kelly is closest to being a lock, though not one of the power forwards is a guarantee besides Henson. Not only a top-notch baller, Ryan is an amazing student, a trait the Selection Committee will not forget.
- Aaric Murray: In all likelihood, Murray would be the odd man out amongst centers if not for Orton's injury. As a result of Orton not being eligible though, Murray may well sneak into the game, though Zeke Marshall has a good shot too, as do some other centers such as DaShonte Riley.
- Mason Plumlee: Yes, of the future Blue Devils, Kelly does have a better shot at getting in, but I do see Plumlee in it as well. If he was left out I would not be surprised though, as the 4 spot has so much talent this year.
- Thomas Robinson: The fact that Robinson is going to Kansas, a prestigious school that happens to be the defending national champion, will only help his standing amongst the eight power forwards vying for a spot. Thomas is by no means a lock, but I do expect to see him in Miami when the big game rolls around.
- Durand Scott: As the best player committed to the school hosting the event, Scott definitely has a bit of an advantage. As well, playing in New York City helps (i.e. Sylvan Landesberg last year). Scott would be a borderline player regardless of where the game is, but I think that it will be tough to shut out the host school when it has a legit nominee, though he is not a lock.
- Renardo Sidney: Besides Henson, Sidney is the closest there comes to being a guarantee amongst power forwards, but I still don't that he is a 100% guarantee. Renardo is inconsistent and many people have many different views on him. Nonetheless, the big man will likely wind up playing in the game.
- Michael Snaer: The first 20 players in will be four at each position, leaving four others, assuming 24 are selected, which I would expect. Snaer is likely not going to be one of the four shooting guards, but he has a very good shot at being one of the other four. I had a tough time picking between him, Judge, and Milton Jennings for the last two spots. Snaer is a maybe.
- Lance Stephenson: Lance is close to a sure thing to be in the game, but I would not call him a lock just yet. There is an outside chance that questions about his character will hold him out of the game, but it's highly unlikely. Stephenson will almost definitely be in Miami for the event.
- Dexter Strickland: As the best player on St. Patrick's (NJ) for two years now, it will be very hard for Strickland to not make the game, as he is also a consensus top two point guard (again, not including Wall). Add in the fact that he is bound for North Carolina, and you've got yourself a surefire participant.
- Maalik Wayns: Along with Gaddy and Strickland, Wayns is a consensus top three point guard (once again, Wall not included). Philadelphia has a lot of power in the hoops world, as Maalik is no doubt the best player from the City of Brotherly Love in the class of 2009. While I wouldn't call him a guarantee, expect to see Wayns in the game.
- Royce White: The small forward spot is really lacking star power in this year's senior class. White is battling with a number of others (see Last Cuts, Close Calls, and Other Players Seriously Considered) for a spot. I think he and Hollis Thompson may be fighting for the last SF spot, and thus Thompson—who I at first had in over White before a change of heart—is one of the Last Cuts. White is certainly not a lock.
- Shawn Williams: Once again, the three position is not that strong this year, and Williams will take a advantage of that. I think he will get in, as he is probably the best senior on Duncanville (TX), who was basically everyone's preseason number one team in the country (think Mike Rosario last year). Roger Franklin of Duncanville has a shot too, and there's also a chance neither make it. Williams is no guarantee.
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