McDonald's All American Game 2012: 5 Things to Watch for on Thursday

The McDonald's All-American Game has been a showcase for nearly every great prep player since its inception. No McDonald's All-American MVP has failed to have an NBA career since Ronald Curry won in 1998, and he went on to play in the NFL.

This is the premier high school basketball showcase in the nation, and it all happens on March 28 (9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN) at the United Center in Chicago.

Here are five things to watch for in this year's game:

1. Shabazz Muhammad

The unquestioned top player in the country is still undecided on his college choice. It appears he will make his decision public on April 10, per scouthoops.com. That should be nearly two weeks after he dazzles the crowd with his superior offensive game.

This left-handed, physical and athletic swing-man can flat out fill it up. He has already put his athleticism on display by winning the event's Slam Dunk championship.

Check this video out:

2. The Big Men

The big men always take center stage in prep all-star games and this one will be no different. Baylor bound Isaiah Austin tops the list, and he has the physical ability to surpass Muhammad as the top NBA prospect from the 2012 class.

He is a full 7', he blocks shots, handles like a swing-man and makes threes. He weighs only 215 pounds, so he needs to gain weight, but he is an amazing talent.

Syracuse bound DaJuan Coleman does not need to gain weight. He is already a mountain at 6'9" 275 pounds, and scores with ease on the block. Watching him against Austin will be interesting.

The McDonald's game is not without its omissions as well. Big time prospects Nerlens Noel and Steven Adams are both premier big men in their age group. Noel is undecided, but Adams is headed to Pittsburgh. Neither of them will be in action at the McDonald's game.

You may not see them here, but prepare to hear a lot about them this upcoming season.

3. The Undecided Players

The players that haven't committed will be on full display for one last high profile look by college recruiters.

Muhammad certainly heads this group, but there is also Amile Jefferson, Tony Parker, Anthony Bennett and Devonta Pollard.

All of these players will have college coaches drooling over them and pining for their signatures on a letter of intent.

4. The Final Four Teams' Commitments

Four teams are prepared to battle it out for the national championship, and at least two of them will have commitments in action.

Ohio State and Louisville have an opportunity to still commit the undecided players, but as of now, only Kentucky and Kansas have players in action.

The Kentucky bound players are Archie Goodwin and Alex Poythress, while the Jayhawks are awaiting the arrival of Perry Ellis.

These recruits should ensure that no matter what the draft does to these teams, they have reinforcements on the way.

5. Wolfpack on the Rise

You think the Sweet 16 appearance from NC State was impressive? As of now, before the final undecided players announce their intentions, no team has more players in the McDonald's game.

NC State has already signed PG Tyler Lewis, SG Rodney Purvis and SF T.J. Warren. If C.J. Leslie elects to give it one more year of school, the Wolfpack will be among the best teams in college basketball next season.