Jordan Brand Classic 2012: Shabazz Muhammad and Top MVP Candidates

The McDonald's All American Game better watch out, because the Jordan Brand Classic is quickly becoming the best high-school all-star game around.

The McDonald's game has the history, it has the name recognition, and it even has the three-point and dunk contests, but the Jordan Brand Classic has put on better games since its inaugural event in 2002.

Of course, all of this really doesn't even come close to mattering, but it just goes to show that the Jordan Brand Classic is also a good indicator of who will have future success.

Past MVPs include Kyrie Irving, Harrison Barnes, Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, LeBron James and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Here's a look at who's set to follow in the footsteps of those greats:

Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA

Muhammad is already a special talent who can light up the scoreboard, but it's becoming apparent he treats every game with the same importance.

And that includes all-star games.

At the McDonald's All American Game earlier this year, Muhammad scored 21 points to win MVP honors. Then, at the Nike Hoop Summit, he scored 35 points for Team USA.

UCLA is getting a player who goes hard no matter what, and it would actually be a little surprising if he didn't win MVP tonight.

Rodney Purvis, SG, N.C. State

Often times, all-star games turn into transition fests and dunk contests. One player who certainly thrives in that environment is N.C. State recruit Rodney Purvis.

Purvis is absolutely electric going to the hoop. His quickness allows him to get wherever he wants on the court, and his strength and size allow him to finish at the hoop with consistency.

Throw his athleticism, solid mid-range jumper and good passing skills, and you've got yourself a good candidate to be the next Dwyane Wade.

His jump shot isn't quite there yet, but that won't matter in this game. He scored 15 at the McDonald's game and is a good candidate to repeat that performance.

Alex Poythress, SF, Kentucky

Much like Purvis, Poythress' name starts with a "P" and ends in an "S." Also, he's a terrific slasher and great finisher at the rim.

Poythress is a long, athletic forward who can create matchup problems because of his size and athleticism. He thrives when he can get to the basket and jump over everyone else, but he also has a knack for knocking down the open three.

At the McDonalds All-American Game, he buried a three on his way to 19 points in just 19 minutes. He amazingly recorded six fouls in that game, too, which is more funny than important.