The 40th edition of the McDonald’s All-American Game took place at the United Center once again. The East led early but it became a back and forth game. Despite shooting 55.2% to the West’s 37.4%, the East couldn’t hold onto the early lead to pull out the win. Here’s a breakdown of the East.
Mohamed Bamba 6’11 210 C – Undecided
Bamba led the way with 17 points while shooting 70%. His length gives him an incredible edge as all his field goals came from dunks and he didn’t have to take any dribbles leading to those baskets. He tried his hand with two attempts from deep but couldn’t connect. He played disruptive defense, blocking four shots and grabbed five rebounds. Although his skillset is still raw, Bamba can impact the game on physical tools alone. With proper development and polished skills, the ceiling is the roof, (there is no limit) to his potential.
Kevin Knox 6’9 205 SF – Undecided
Knox can score in several ways; shooting, slashing, or battling in the paint. He finished with 15 points while shooting 7-11. He only shot 1-5 from three but a few just took a bad bounce. Knox can be a matchup nightmare as he displayed his size is too much for the perimeter and he’s too quick for opponents his size. He didn’t leave a big impact on the game until he went on a scoring flurry on a few plays late in the game.
Mitchell Robinson 6’11 225 C – Western Kentucky
Robinson lives off energy and activity. Although he isn’t the most fluid athlete, he can close out and get off the ground quickly as he showed blocking a three from [Player Jaren Jackson Jr]. He also brings intensity on a consistent basis. He had two stand out plays in the second half, catching a reverse oop right inside half court then catching one off the backboard from Lonnie Walker. Robinson earned 14 points and two blocks while shooting 7-9 in 13 minutes.
Wendell Carter 6’10 260 PF/C – Duke
Carter has shown in the past he can knock down jump shots but he kept it simple making five of his six shot attempts in close. He was one of the few players who didn’t try to do too much outside of explosive finishes underneath the basket. He showcased his versatility on one play dribbling the length of the court to finish with a jam. He also showed his half court ability scoring on a left-handed jump hook in the post. Carter ended with ten points, five rebounds (four offensive), and three assists.
Quade Green 6’0 175 PG – Kentucky
Green had his ups and downs but ended up with a solid stat line. Naturally a pass first guard, he scored nine points on 4-12 shooting and grabbed five rebounds. He only made one of his six three-pointers and rushed his shots a bit. He did give PSA Cardinals teammate, Mohamed Bamba a few points and passed out seven assists but also committed a game high seven turnovers. The future Kentucky Wildcat will take on a leadership role next year, trying to bring out the best of his talented teammates. He showed this week he has that ability and comes across as a likable teammate.
Collin Sexton 6’2 180 PG – Alabama
Sexton brought a very exciting style to the game and got the crowd involved early. He didn’t shoot or score as well as he’s been known to do but threw some fancy passes; between the legs and behind the back alley oops on a few plays. He had a few drives to the basket but only finished with eight points. His seven assists tied Quade Green for a game high and he also played intense defense as expected with four steals.
Trevon Duval 6’2 190 PG – Undecided
Duval was solid with eight points and three assists. He used his speed burst a few times, staying low in traffic to beat the defense to the rim. He had some strong drives finishing with a jam on one play reminding us why he’s the top point guard in the class. His jump shot, however, needs some work and is the biggest drawback to his game right now. Duval still hasn’t made his college decision but is expected to make a big impact wherever he lands.
Kris Wilkes 6’7 195 SF – UCLA
Wilkes didn’t give much in the first half, playing sparing minutes. He put together a string of plays in the second half knocking down a midrange jump shot and then finishing with a crowd pleasing dunk the next time down. Wilkes finished with eight points shooting 3-6 and one rebound.
PJ Washington 6’8 235 PF – Kentucky
Washington was very good around the basket with his length and explosive ability. In a class with many highly touted 4-men, he holds his own against some talent who have a size advantage on him. He brought his aggressive play to finish with seven points on limited touches and five rebounds. He also had three steals on the defensive end.
Lonnie Walker 6’4 205 SG – Miami
All seven of Walker’s points came in the first half. He hit a contested three off the dribble and threw down a jam on a break exploding off one foot. Although he didn’t get to display his full arsenal in the game, he had a very good week showing he’s one of the top perimeter scorers in the class. Walker also finished with two assists, a block, and a steal.
Jarred Vanderbilt 6’8 215 SF – Kentucky
Vanderbilt can pass and sees the floor well but tries to thread the needle too often which resulted in four turnovers. He didn’t have a great game and still appears to be recovering from injury as his only two points came on a fast break layup that would have usually been dunk. Vanderbilt ended with six rebounds, an assist, and a block.
Nick Richards 6’11 240 C – Kentucky
Richards only had two points in the game on an up and under jam showing his explosive athleticism. He also had four rebounds and two blocks in 14 minutes. Richards has the tools and talent to be a big-time player but he got lost in the shuffle and it was easy to forget he was on the floor.
