The Future Of The NBA: 5 McDonald’s All-Americans To Know
The 2024 boy’s rosters for the McDonald’s All-American game have been announced for this year’s class and there is no shortage of talent.
A yearly exhibition game that brings together the best high school seniors in the country, the McDonald’s All-American game will take place in Houston at the Toyota Center on April 2nd and air on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.
Headlined by Cooper Flagg, the projected first pick in the 2025 NBA draft, this event will give fans the opportunity to watch plenty of future NBA talent on display.
24 young men have received the opportunity to play at this year’s event with many expected to be an NBA draft pick next year. Here are five players that you should keep your eye on at the 2024 McDonald’s All-American game.
1. Cooper Flagg
Photo by: Rob Kinnan
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
College: Duke
The top ranked player in the country, Flagg possesses a skillset unlike any other. At 6-foot-9, he will have an impact on both ends of the floor with him being able to do just about anything a team may ask of him. He is an excellent on-ball and off-ball defender that swats shots at a high rate and scores from just about anywhere on the court. He is explosive, athletic, and his excellent footwork for a player of his size makes guarding him a nightmare. If he was eligible, many scouts have already stated they would take Flagg at number one in this year’s NBA draft. High praise for a player that hasn’t even stepped foot on a college campus yet.
2. Ace Bailey
Photo by: Scott Faytok
Position: SF
Height: 6-8
College: Rutgers
Airious “Ace” Bailey may just about be the full package that can play all five positions on the court. He has terrific size for a wing and is as athletic as they come. On the offensive end, he can light it up in a hurry and get to anywhere he wants on the court. He has great playmaking skills as it stands, but still needs some development to reach its peak. Defensively, Bailey will get just about every rebound possible and make you work for points. Bailey is the perfect definition of a “stat-stuffer” and has the best opportunity to give Flagg a run for his money at next year’s draft.
3. Ian Jackson
Photo by: Brian Rothmuller
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
College: North Carolina
Jackson is currently not considered a top-10 prospect but don’t let that fool you. He can do just about anything you ask of him offensively and be a hard-nosed, gritty defender. What separates Jackson amongst his fellow prospects is his inconsistency. One night he might look like the best player in the country, where in a following game he might struggle. He is still in high school after all and managing those consistencies is something that he will learn to control in college. His quick first-step and ability to get downhill is second to none and when you combine that with his shooting capabilities, it makes him one of the most intriguing prospects to look out for.
4. Dylan Harper
Photo by: Scott Faytok
Position: PG
Height: 6-6
College: Rutgers
Dylan Harper already has NBA blood flowing through his veins as his father, Ron Harper, is a five-time NBA champion who played 15 seasons in the league. As for Dylan, it shouldn’t be surprising that his understanding of the game is the best among guards in this class. For his age, he is extremely mature in his understanding of the game, and can act as both a facilitator or scorer when needed. The one concern scouts have about him are his inconsistencies from behind the arc, but he has plenty of time to develop his shot. Harper is arguably the best guard in this class.
5. Derik Queen
Photo by: Dan Fritz
Position: C
Height: 6-10
College: Undecided
Predicted to play for Maryland, Queen is the most skilled center in his class. With his quick footwork and size, stopping him is easier said than done. He has a great touch around the rim and can easily take opponents off the dribble, which is impressive for his build. He may not be the most athletic but his playmaking and ability to lead an offense would make you think he is a guard. Queen can’t stretch the floor but his ability to impact a game in a variety of other ways makes him more effective than one may think.
