McDonald's All-American Game: 10 Players We Can't Wait to See as Freshmen

The McDonald’s All-American Game has seen such talent as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James.

The East and West took to the floor once again last week to prove to the nation why we should get excited to watch them play next year.

As always, the game turned into more of a highlight reel than a legitimate competition; but one thing is for certain: the incoming recruiting class is going to be extremely fun to watch.

The following is a list of the 10 players that we cannot wait to see as freshmen next year.

Note: The statistics provided are from the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Grant Jerret, Power Forward

Commitment: Arizona

Minutes: 16

Rebounds: 2

Points: 8

Analysis: Grant Jerret is one of the incoming players that is giving Arizona a boost in the c recruiting rankings. He is a long power forward, standing at 6’10’’, but could add a little more strength as he grows into the college level.

What is most impressive about Jerret is his shot. He can sink the three-point shot with ease and plays at his best when he is facing the basket, rather than the traditional back-to-the-basket play.

What is going to be the most interest aspect of Jerret’s game is how he plays with a college-level point guard. If he can develop chemistry with a true guard, he can become one of the best forwards in the league.

The addition is Jerret is exciting for Arizona as it adds depth to the mid-range and paint game.

Tony Parker, Center

Commitment: Undecided (UCLA, Georgetown, Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, Georgia)

Minutes: 15

Rebounds: 7

Points: 10

Analysis: He may not be the longest center in this year’s class, standing at only 6’9’’, but at 270 lbs. Tony Parker is one of the biggest and strongest. His conditioning has been called into question in the past, but he has made it clear that he is on a mission to become the leanest player he can be.

In addition to his set of moves in the paint, Parker has a good array of shots, which are aided by his ability to dribble smoothly and stick to the ball.

Regardless of who gets this player, look for him to continue to improve throughout his career. 

T.J. Warren, Small Forward

Commitment: North Carolina State

Minutes: 16

Rebounds: 5

Points: 10

Analysis: One of the biggest upsides to T.J. Warren’s game is his ability to create his own shot. He runs around the court, freeing up himself off of screens and blown coverage, showing off his high basketball IQ.

In addition, Warren is one of those players that can draw fouls with ease, positioning himself nicely on the free throw line and catapulting his team into the bonus.

His defense has improved since last season, but could still look to get better. He will also need to mature, as he was recruited by Kentucky before some attitude issues turned the Wildcats off of this prospect.

What is going to be the biggest storyline with Warren is whether or not he can help lead the  Wolfpack back to the unexpected success that they had this season. 

Cameron Ridley, Center

Commitment: Texas

Minutes: 17

Rebounds: 9

Points: 12

Analysis: Cameron Ridley is a true center, but he could suffer at the position, because he is not as strong as others in the league. That weakness, however, is made up for with the energy that he plays with. Whenever he touches the ball he tries to make the most out of his possession, and can even do so with a graceful hook shot.

One of the biggest upsides for Ridley is his ability to grab the offensive rebound. In the All-American game, alone, Ridley fought for six offensive balls, giving both he and his teammates a second chance, something that is invaluable at the higher levels of basketball.

It will be interesting next year to see what Ridley can do with guard Myck Kabongo returning and senior center Clint Chapman leaving. 

DaJuan Coleman, Center

Commitment: Syracuse

Minutes: 20

Rebounds: 12

Points: 7

Analysis: DaJuan Coleman has improved drastically this season just in terms of physical conditioning. As a result, his recruiting stock has shot through the roof.

If he can continue to develop his body he will be a force to reckon with on the floor. He has great hands for rebounding and a good set of moves in the paint, which will put up points when given the opportunity.

On the defensive end, Coleman can be inconsistent, but has the ability to intimidate opponents when he is on task blocking shots and putting up good shot defense.

He is looking to replace Fab Melo for the Syracuse Orange and it will be interesting to see if he can live up to his predecessor. 

Archie Goodwin, Shooting Guard

Commitment: Kentucky

Minutes: 18

Steals: 3

Points: 14

Analysis: This year’s national champions will be getting a very well-rounded player with game-changing abilities.

With comparisons to Joe Johnson, Goodwin is a fantastic shooter than can sink the basket from anywhere on the court, including from beyond the arc.

That said, he should look get stronger in order to create his own plays at the college level. However, he has proven that he is a hard worker and is willing to better his game if given the opportunity.

Alex Poythress, Small Forward

Commitment: Kentucky

Minutes: 19

Rebounds: 2

Points: 19

Analysis: Chalk another one up for the Kentucky Wildcats.

With a good number of this year’s championship team packing their bags for the NBA, Poythress may have the chance to show his talent right from the start. He is a fantastic athlete that can score off the dribble and from anywhere on the court.

His biggest weakness is his set of post moves, which he will need to continue to hone in order to become a true forward. He is also a great defender, which we all know is one of the many aspects Kentucky style of basketball.

Poythress should fit into coach Calipari’s system well and will be an exciting prospect to watch, if only to see how he develops.

Kyle Anderson, Small Forward

Commitment: UCLA

Minutes: 24

Rebounds: 8

Points: 13

Analysis: Kyle Anderson is classified as a small forward, but the truth is that he can play both of the guard positions, as well.

He has excellent passing ability and court vision, which allows him to make the most out of every possession. The fact that he can play, what has been described as, the “point forward” position is what makes him exciting.

A player with such a unique set of skills is going to be tough to defend, and that is what UCLA is hoping for. A program that needs a catalyst back to its winning tradition, UCLA can use Anderson on multiple mismatches to make him the best player possible. 

Isaiah Austin, Center

Commitment: Baylor

Minutes: 17

Rebounds: 8

Points: 10

Analysis: The Baylor Bears continue to prove that they are among the elite college basketball programs in the nation with yet another fantastic recruiting class.

The anchor of this year is center Isaiah Austin, who stands at 7’0’’, but has the athleticism of a small forward. Drawing comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Austin was also heralded during the All American game as “Anthony Davis 2.0” due to his impressive shot blocking ability, which he combines with a great shooting range.

It is going to be exciting to watch what Austin provides to an already deep Baylor roster and see if a true center is the missing link for the Bears.

Shabazz Muhammad, Small Forward

Commitment: Undecided (UCLA, Kentucky, Duke)

Minutes: 22

Rebounds: 6

Points: 21

Analysis: Shabazz Muhammad is quite possibly the most entertaining player in this recruiting class. As a result of his extreme motor, some call it the best in the class, Muhammad can make plays from anywhere on the court and put on a show while doing so.

One of the only problems that lies with Muhammad is his weakness in the right hand. He is left-hand dominant and can sometimes be prone to turnovers when relying too much on his right side.

However, whichever school gets him will not only be gaining a fantastic player with an extreme upside, but a fan and television draw as well.