Video: Behind the scenes at the McDonald's All-American GameWatch several players, including boys' Player of the Year candidate Michael Porter, share their personality.
It's a good possibility that John Calipari will still be coaching his Kentucky Wildcats on March 29, three days before the Final Four.
But even if he is practicing with his squad, you can bet he'll still have his eyes on Chicago's United Center that night.
That's the time and site of the 40th annual McDonald's All-American Game, where at least four future Wildcats will be showcasing their skills for the East team.
Twenty-four of the nation's top seniors for the boys game were announced Sunday, including Kentucky commits Nick Richards, a 6-foot-11 post from The Patrick School, 6-1 point guard Quade Green of Neumann Goretti (Philadelphia), and 6-8 forwards P.J. Washington of Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and Jarred Vanderbilt of Victory Prep Academy (Houston).
With seven McDonald's All Americans undecided about their college plans, Calipari might secure others by game time.
Players from 13 states were selected, including three from Pennsylvania — Green, 6-11 post Mohammed Bamba of Westtown School (Westchester) and 6-4 shooting guard Lonnie Walker of Reading were also selected. Nevada, California and Georgia also will be represented with three players each.
The West is led by the nation's top two recruits, according to 247Sports: Seven-foot center DeAndre Ayton of Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix) and 6-10 small forward Michael Porter Jr. of Nathan Hale (Seattle).
This year's teams were selected from more than 750 nominees by the
McDonald's All-American Games selection committee, led by Morgan
Wootten, committee chairman and legendary Hall of Fame basketball coach. Past participants in the event include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Magic Johnson.
Kevin Knox, Tampa Catholic
File photo by Alik McIntosh
, 6-11, C,
Westtown (Pa.) — Undecided
Wendell Carter Jr, 6-9, PG,
Pace Academy (Atlanta) — Duke
Trevon Duval, 6-3, PG,
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) — Undecided
Quade Green, 6-1, PG,
Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) — Kentucky
Kevin Knox, 6-8, F,
Tampa Catholic (Fla.) — Undecided
Nick Richards, 6-11, C,
Patrick School (Elizabeth, N.J.) — Kentucky
Mitchell Robinson, 6-11,
Chalmette (La.) — Western Kentucky
Collin Sexton, 6-3, SG,
Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.) — Alabama
Lonnie Walker, 6-4, SG,
Reading (Pa.) — Miami
P.J. Washington, 6-8, F,
Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)— Kentucky
Kris Wilkes, 6-7, F,
North Central (Indianapolis) — UCLA
Jarred Vanderbilt 6-8, F,
Victory Prep (Houston) — Kentucky
WESTDeAndre Ayton, 7-0, C,
Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix) — Arizona
Brian Bowen, 6-7, F,
La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) — Undecided
Troy Brown Jr., 6-7, F,
Centennial (Las Vegas) — Oregon
Jaylen Hands, 6-3, PG,
Foothills Christian (El Cajon, Calif.) — UCLA
Jaren Jackson, 6-11, F,
La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) — Michigan State
Brandon McCoy, 6-11, C,
Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) — Undecided
Charles O'Bannon, 6-6, F,
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) — USC
Michael Porter Jr., 6-10, F,
Nathan Hale (Seattle)— Washington
Billy Preston, 6-10, F,
Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) — Kansas
Gary Trent Jr., 6-5, SG,
Prolific Prep Academy (Napa, Calif.) — Duke
M.J. Walker, 6-5, SG,
Jonesboro (Ga.) — Undecided
Trae Young, 6-2, PG,
Norman North (Okla.)— Undecided
