Bronny James, DJ Wagner will headline next week's McDonald's All-American game
Houston, Texas – It’s McDonald’s All-American week. The game is set to air Tuesday, March 28, at 9 PM EST on ESPN. It is the longest-tenured and one of the most prestigious high school all-star games. This year will feature 24 of the highest-rated prospects in the 2023 class, including 2023 On3 150 No. 1 ranked Cody Williams.
Players in this game are committed to programs like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and more. In fact, the game’s most famous participant, Bronny James, is the only player involved who remains uncommitted.
On3 will be on deck for the practices, and here are some of the storylines we will be watching.
Bronny James
All eyes will be on Bronny James the entire week of the McDonald’s All-American game. James, and 6-foot-3 guard from Chatsworth (CA) Sierra Canyon, is the No. 9 player in the 2023 On3 150. He is also the son of the NBA’s all-time scoring leader LeBron James.
James has been the most famous high school athlete across all sports since he stepped foot on his high school’s campus. His game has continually developed. Each year, adding more to his game which culminated in averages of 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this regular season.
James is the highest-ranking player in the 2023 class that is still uncommitted. There have been talks of Oregon, Southern California, Memphis, and Ohio State; however, it is impossible to gather intel on the matter with small leaks of information happening here and there. On3 has been able to confirm offers from Southern California, Memphis, and Ohio State.
Will anyone challenge the scoring record?
In 1999 Jonathan Bender erupted for 31 points, passing the 30-point total Michael Jordan had in 1981. Bender was the No. 5 pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, straight out of Picayune (MS) Memorial High. Twenty-four years later, Bender’s record still stands. Jordan and Bender are the only two players in the history of the event who have gone for 30 or more points.
The person who has come the closest to Bender’s record since is Nas Little, who went for 28 points in 2018. Paul Pierce (1995) and Chris Webber (1991) also finished this game with 28 points.
A look at the 2023 roster, Kentucky signee DJ Wagner and Duke signee Jared McCain are two alpha-type scorers that could make a run at the 30-point mark.
Duke and Kentucky
Speaking of Kentucky and Duke, any television executive will tell you the blue bloods draw the eyes. The 2023 McDonald’s All-American game has seven players that are committed to either Kentucky or Duke. DJ Wagner (Camden High/NJ), Aaron Bradshaw (Camden High/NJ), Justin Edwards (Imhotep Charter/PA), and Reed Sheppard (North Laurel High/KY) have each signed with Kentucky. Sean Stewart (Montverde Academy/FL), Mackenzie Mgbako (Roselle Catholic/NJ), and Jared McCain (Centennial High/CA) are all committed to Duke.
Since the game’s inception in 1978, Kentucky has had 79 signees play in the game. Duke has had 91, the most of any program.
Who is No. 1?
Not necessarily the game, but the practices can act as proving grounds for prospects. While the game itself is oftentimes a shootout, in years past, the practices were the time when the competitive juices got flowing.
Typically, the practice sessions are only open to NBA personnel and selective media, and this is a perfect time for the cream to rise to the top. Currently sitting at No. 1 in the 2023 On3 150 is Cody Williams. He is a 6-foot-7 small forward from Gilbert (AZ) Perry High. Williams is the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Jalen Williams.
Seventeen of the top 20 players in the 2023 On3 150 are participating in the event. Outside of Williams, No. 2 ranked Isaiah Collier (Wheeler High/GA), No. 3 Matas Buzelis (Sunrise Christian/KS), No. 4 Justin Edwards (Imhotep Charter/PA), and No. 5 Stephon Castle (Newton High/GA) have inserted themselves in the conversation for the top spot.
An intriguing aspect of this class is that each of the players currently in the top five is either a guard or a wing. We should get to see a decent amount of head-to-head competition throughout the week.
We are entering the home stretch of the 2023 recruiting cycle. Viewings with so many top players on the floor together can be valuable.