V.J. King accomplished a dream with McDonald’s AA nod. (Photo: McDonald’s All American Game)

Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) shooting guard V.J. King won’t go as far as to refer to it as unrealistic, but two years ago when he thought about the McDonald’s All American Game he viewed it as “more of a dream than anything.”

“It just didn’t seem like I would get that shot,” said King, a Louisville signee who is ranked No. 26 overall in the ESPN 100. “The only thing I focused on was working hard; I knew I could control that much.”

The “tunnel vision” approach worked, Wednesday King received his honorary McDonald’s All American Game jersey during a ceremony at his school as part of the McDonald’s All American Game Hometown Heroes presented by American Family Insurance.

King learned that he made the game last month when the rosters were announced.

“Man this feels so great to be able to put this jersey on,” King said. “I mean it almost feels unreal. I know that when I put the real one on next month it’s gonna feel even crazier. I’m just excited.”

King was equally excited last month when LeBron James reached out to congratulate him on making the game.

James won MVP of the McDonald’s All American Game in 2003. King has known James for years after running with James’ AAU team – King James Shooting Stars.

“That was cool, but he’s that kind of guy,” King said. “He’s always been very supportive.”

This season King is averaging 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists a game and, after falling in the state championship last year, he’s downright resolute about his goal for the rest of the season.

“We’re focused on winning states,” King said. “We got their last year and we didn’t get it done, but I’m confident that if we’re able to compete defensively that we can get it done this year. We’re not looking ahead, we’re taking it game-by-game, but we want that state title.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY