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Apr 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA;  McDonalds High School All American East forward Cheick Diallo (13) wins the John Wooden Award as the MVP during the McDonalds High School All American Games at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American East forward Cheick Diallo (13) wins the John Wooden Award as the MVP during the McDonalds High School All American Games at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsBrian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

McDonald's All-American Game 2015: Most Impressive Performances in Showcase

Rob GoldbergApr 3, 2015

In a game full of the best high school players in the nation, a few stood above the rest at the McDonald's All-American Game on Wednesday.

You can't always judge a player from his performance in an all-star game. The effort level isn't quite as high as it would be in a competitive game, since a lot of people on the floor are more concerned with their individual numbers.

Still, a handful of players stood out with great performances in Chicago to really get fans excited for next season. 

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Cheick Diallo (Undecided)

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 01: Cheick Diallo #13 of the East team grabs a rebound during the 2015 McDonalds's All American Game at the United Center on April 1, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

There wasn't really a question about the game's MVP award as Cheick Diallo finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in an impressive all-around performance for the big man.

The 6'9" power forward is the No. 6 overall player in the country, although you often can't tell just by looking at him. Even ESPN's Jeff Borzello admitted the player was unimpressive during the week:

In reality, Diallo didn't have the athleticism or technique of many of the other players in attendance. However, he made up for it with a great motor and an excellent feel for the game.

Diallo simply knows where to be on the floor at all times. He runs the floor well and makes strong cuts in the lane, always making himself available to receive passes and finish dunks.

Although he won't always make highlight reels, he will be a consistent producer no matter where he lands next season.

Brandon Ingram (Undecided)

The All-American Game wasn't necessarily big on efficiency. Some of the top scorers needed a lot of shots to contribute like Allonzo Trier, who had 17 points on 6-of-18 from the field, or Dwayne Bacon, who put up 12 points on 5-of-14.

However, Brandon Ingram was much more impressive in this one. The wing finished with 15 points and five rebounds, going 6-of-11 from the floor. He created looks for himself and knocked them down at a high rate.

As Jerry Meyer of 247Sports noted, Ingram spent the entire week turning heads:

At 6'8" with a smooth jump shot, Ingram will be difficult to defend at the college level. This could make him a major priority for teams that are trying to secure a commitment in the coming weeks.

Ben Simmons (LSU)

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 01: Ben Simmons #25 of the East team puts up a shot over Caleb Swanigan #50 of the West team during the 2015 McDonalds's All American Game at the United Center on April 1, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The East defeated the West 111-91. (

The consensus No. 1 player in the nation justified his ranking despite finishing with seven points. The 6'8" forward finished with 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals while only providing a small glimpse of what he is capable of doing on the court.

Ben Simmons' best attribute is his control of the game. He plays a point forward position with incredible vision and handle for his size.

While he is capable of creating for others, this coast-to-coast dunk shows he can score as well:

Pairing him alongside fellow All-American Antonio Blakeney will make LSU a scary team in the SEC next season.

Diamond Stone (Maryland)

Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American athlete Diamond Stone (33) poses for pictures during portrait day at the Westin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

College basketball has been a guard-oriented game for years, but we are finally starting to see top big men contribute at a high level. Eight of the top 11 players on 247Sports are listed as either power forwards or centers.

Aside from Diallo, Diamond Stone was arguably the most impressive big man at the exhibition.

The Maryland commit finished with 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting and did it in a variety of ways. He ran the floor well for his size (6'10", 246 lbs) to finish in transition, as well as threw down putback dunks. The center also showed a little bit of his post ability with a hook shot in the lane.

Jeff Ermann of 247Sports broke down an impressive stretch for the big man:

With his size and ability to get into position in the post, he could be a serious threat down low for the Terrapins.

Note: Full box score available at the event's official site. All ratings courtesy of 247Sports composite rankings.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.

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