Ranking the top performers of Day 1 of McDonald's All-American practices
Houston, Texas – Twenty-four of the country’s best senior prospects are gathered together this week for the 46th annual McDonald’s All-American game. NBA personnel and select media members gathered around to watch the practice sessions that lead will lead into Tuesday night’s game, which will be featured on ESPN at 9 PM EST.
The story of the day was Texas signee Ron Holland. The 6-foot-8 forward was easily the best player on the floor, showcasing his notable defensive chops along with a developed offensive feel.
Full 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game Roster
The practices leading into the game can sometimes be the most competitive aspect of the week. Put that many alpha players on the court at the same time, and you quickly find some things out.
On3 was on site for the Sunday morning practices; here are the standouts.
1. Five-star SF Ron Holland
Height/weight: 6-8/190
High school: Duncanville (TX) High
Committed to Texas
From the opening whistle to the final play, Ron Holland was a step above the rest of the players on the floor today. The 6-foot-8 forward has always been a high-motor player, showing some switchability on defense; it is the offensive game that was the talk of the gym. It started with the drills; he went game speed on each rep and was vocal throughout.
During the small-sided games, Holland consistently knocked down jumpers and showed some wiggle off the bounce, getting to his spots. He has the size and length to be an issue for smaller guards and the wiggle and athleticism to be tough for bigger players to defend.
Holland is the No. 14 player in the 2023 On3 150.
2. Five-star CG DJ Wagner
Height/weight: 6-3/180
High school: Camden (NJ) High School
Signed with Kentucky
This is a setting many expected DJ Wagner to thrive in. On a court filled with alphas, Wagner was the ultimate alpha dog. The 6-foot-2 guard, son of former NBA lottery pick Dajuan Wagner, was able to touch the paint at will. He has an array of counter dribbles and plays with great balance in traffic.
The intrigue with Wagner came with the consistency of his shooting throughout the McDonald’s All-American drill sessions. Sure, it was against no defense, but at every level, off the catch, off movement, the jump shot was money. I am eager to see how that continues, but on this day, he was a step ahead of everyone else on his court.
Wagner is the No. 6 player in the 2023 On3 150.
3. Five-star PF Omaha Biliew
Height/weight: 6-8/210
High school: Waukee (IA) Waukee Senior
Signed with Iowa State
The energy from Omaha Biliew was apparent throughout the day. On both ends of the floor, Biliew was able to get production done using his frame and his explosive pop. Biliew’s defense was impressive. He has quick feet with good length and explosive pop. He was able to impose his will around the basket as well as move his feet around the perimeter.
Biliew made his bones on the offensive glass and out of the dunker spots with his aggressive mentality. He finished multiple dunks that caused the entire gym to perk up with excitement. He also looked comfortable taking the three. While he still has some work to do, the developments there are clear.
Biliew is the No. 11 in the 2023 On3 150.
4. Five-star C Aaron Bradshaw
Height/weight: 7-1/200
High school: Camden (NJ) High
Signed with Kentucky
The intrigue with Aaron Bradshaw is the shooting touch could with the rim protection. The 7-foot-1 center is the tallest guy listed on the McDonald’s All-American roster; during the scrimmage portion of the practice, he stepped out and knocked down multiple threes and showed some open-court ball skills.
Bradshaw was matched up against Xavier Booker when they moved to five-on-five, and Bradshaw simply produced. It was an impressive showing for the Kentucky signee, showing why he has a high floor as he moves forward in his career.
Bradshaw is the No. 7 player in the 2023 On3 150.
5. Five-star SG Ja’Kobe Walter
Height/weight: 6-5/185
High school: Branson (MO) Link Academy
Signed with Baylor
It was the shooting that got Ja’Kobe Walter his five-star status. And rightfully so, Walter spent the summer and through the season showing he could be one of the country’s most dangerous jump shooters.
During this practice session, it was his defense that separated him from his peers. Walter has a good positional size with a nice length. In a setting where players got after it, it was his competitive nature that stood out on the defensive end of the floor.
Walter is the No. 16 player in the 2023 On3 150.
Additional notes
*Bronny James is the highest-rated player in the 2023 class that remains uncommitted. The 6-foot-3 guard showcased a lot of what he is as a prospect. James is a smooth three-point shooter and showcased an array of makes, both off the bounce and off the catch. The ball handling will need to continue to tighten, as well as being able to handle ball pressure in the half-court. He is a good on-the-ball defender who competes. He’s not afraid to stick his nose in the mix, and his game carries a quiet confidence.
*Kentucky signee Reed Sheppard had a really good day as he shot the ball well, facilitated, and played tough defense. Even with the on-court production, his natural leadership stood out. The four-star guard was vocal on both ends of the floor. He also showcased some sneaky pop as an intriguing shot blocker from the guard position.
*Southern California signee Isaiah Collier has reached his lofty status because of his feel. And that did not slow down today. Blessed with a second sense on the floor, Collier is able to thread a needle both off a live dribble or in the pick and roll.
*Kansas signee Elmarko Jackson’s game seems to get better with each viewing. The 6-foot-4 point guard carries a big frame and natural explosion and burst on the ball. His pace is what continues to improve. He touched the paint today and made consistent reads once there.
*Aden Holloway is one of the best one-on-one players in this class. The Auburn signee has a crafty handle with an array of counters to pull from. What stands out with him is his balance; he is always on balance which allows him to quickly rise up and showcase his range out to 30-plus feet.
*Kentucky signee Justin Edwards used his length well, disrupting plays and gaining deflections. His jump shot release also looked smooth during the drill portion of the McDonald’s All-American practice.