For most young basketball players, participating in the McDonald’s All American game is only a dream; but each year, for 48 very talented young men & women, that dream becomes reality!
The 2008 McDonald’s All American Week started with a visit to the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee WI. Here the players got to interact with the residents of the McDonalds House. From reading books to playing one on one basketball the All Americans were able to see what the McDonald’s All American Game is all about.
Next came the Powerade Jamfest.
Ashley Corral (West) would start things off by putting on a shooting clinic in the Girls 3-point shootout, as she narrowly defeated her future USC teammate Briana Gilbreath. Larry Drew II (UNC Commit) would follow suit with a likewise remarkable performance, winning the 3-point shootout for the boys West team. Gatorade players of the year Nnemkadi Ogwumike and Jrue Holiday represented for the West and scored an easy victory in the 2-Ball Competition. And to complete the Powerade Jamfest sweep, Demar Derozan (USC Commit) destroyed the competition as special guest judge, Julius “Dr.J” Erving, looked on in awe. Up to this point things were going great for the West. Read the rest of this entry »
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Whats up people? We are just getting back from the 2008 Jordan Brand Classic High School All American Game! The Jordan Classic, which is essentially a rematch from the McDonalds All American Game, is the event where the top high school basketball athletes come to lay it all on the line one last time before starting their collegiate careers. This year’s game featured the talents of Tyreke Evans (University of Memphis), Brandon Jennings (University of Arizona), Scotty Hopson (University of Tennessee), Jrue Holiday (UCLA), Samardo Samuels (University of Louisville), BJ Mullens (Ohio State University), and many more.
Played in the heart of Manhattan at the world renowned Madison Square Garden, the Jordan Classic has always drawn some of the biggest names in the Sports and Entertainment industries. Attendees of this year’s event included: Kevin Durant, Vince Carter, Rudy Gay, Ron Harper, singer Mya, and of course Michael Jordan.
This years game was seen by many as the last chance for the West to redeem itself after a surprising upset in the McDonald’s game; and the West would not disappoint. This year’s MVP honors went to Brandon Jennings (West) and Tyreke Evans (East). Brandon Jennings got things rolling by dishing out 5 of his 14 assists early in the first half on his way to breaking the all-time Jordan Classic assist record. The reining McDonald’s All American MVP Tyreke Evans finished with a game high 23 points and 4 assists; further solidifying his reputation as a big time, big game performer. Scotty Hopson, who recently commited to playing for Coach Bruce Pearl and the Tennessee Volunteers, also had a standout performance scoring 21 points in just 18 minutes of play. Future Ohio State teammates William Buford and BJ Mullens chimed in scoring 13 and 12 respectively. Devin Ebanks put on a show scoring 20 points. Wake Forest bound Al-Farouq Aminu put on a rebounding clinic, grabbing 12 boards (he also scored 13 points). Not to be outdone, Demar Derozan of Compton CA, bounced back from a mediocre performance at the McDonalds game and dropped 17. Of the 21 players who suited up for this game, 13 of them scored in the double digits!
This game definitely demonstrated why these guys are considered the best in the 2008 class, and it also gave us a reason to be excited about the 2009 NCAA season!
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