Players React to their McDonald's All-American Game selections
The McDonald’s All-American game has been a staple among high school basketball for 45 years. Since that first event, Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing, Isaiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and many others have received the honor.
With COVID causing the cancelation of the 2020 and 2021 games, the 2022 game will tip-off on March 29 in Chicago.
On3 Sports caught up with some 2022 players selected to the game to get their reactions and stories behind their selections. We also caught up with some top-ranked underclassmen to get their thoughts on the game and what it would mean to be selected next year.
Dariq Whitehead
Montverde (FL) Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 2
Signed with Duke
“It is big to make the game. It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and to finally accomplish it, it is just a dream come true.
“I was in class, and then my mom facetimed me. I knew what day it was and everything; she was just smiling when I answered. Then she sent me the text they sent her, so we all hopped on group facetime call and talked for a while. It was exciting.”
Dillon Mitchell
Montverde (FL) Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 12
Signed with Texas
“The McDonald’s All-American game is a big deal. Ever since I was a kid, it has been something I have dreamed about; to be honest, I didn’t think I would be in a position to get there. But I just kept working and trusted my coaches and kept my head down. It is a big blessing, and I can’t wait to get out there and have some fun.
“I talked to my coaches here at Montverde and my Texas coaches. They all told me I had a good chance but nothing official. I was actually in the weight room getting some weights up before practice when the list came out. It wasn’t many people in there, but it was just really exciting. Everyone was calling my phone and texting me; it was fun.”
Arterio Morris
Dallas (TX) JF Kimball High
On3 Consensus: No. 11
Signed with Texas
“It was a surprise to me. I didn’t know ahead of time. It feels good coming out knowing I put in a lot of work. It is something I went out and earned, and that means more. I want to show everyone I am one of the best guards out there.
“My teammates and I were all in the classroom getting ready for it. Then when the McDonald’s All-American list came out, everyone jumped on me. It was a lot of excitement. I actually ran up and down the hallway.”
Ernest Udeh
Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips High
On3 Consensus: No. 24
Signed with Kansas
“It is one of those things you look at in middle school and just wish and dream you could be there. Growing up, I always wanted to be in the McDonald’s All-American game. When I heard the news, it was a blessing. It really goes back to all the work I put in, day in and day out. Of course, it is a blessing, but it is not really a surprise.
“I didn’t know ahead of time. In the middle of practice, my coach called us all into a classroom; the JV team and the varsity. Everyone went crazy, and they mobbed me. It was a lot of fun.”
Underclassman takes
Kwame Evans
Montverde (FL) Academy
2023 On3 Consensus: No. 2
Uncommitted
“Making the McDonald’s All-American game is definitely a dream of mine; it is a path to the NBA. It is a milestone; all the great players seem to make that game. Getting that honor would just mean a lot.”
Marvel Allen
Fort Lauderdale (FL) Calvary Christian
2023 On3 Consensus: No. 18
Committed to LSU
“The McDonald’s All-American game is like the NBA of high school. It is basically like being drafted. That is one of the main goals for me. I am going to get there.”
Kanaan Carlyle
Alpharetta (GA) Milton High
2023 On3 Consensus: No. 15
Committed to Stanford
“The McDonald’s All-American game has always been a dream for me, but it’s not the main thing. My goal is the NBA, so that would be fine if I could make it to the NBA without making the game. But the McDonald’s game has always been a dream for me. Being recognized as one of the best and playing against one of the best players in the country would be great.”