High school basketball’s preeminent exhibition makes its reappearance this week. The McDonald’s All American game each year assembles the country’s most promising talents from the graduating high school cohort, acting as a pivotal last chance for live assessment prior to these individuals commencing their university careers.
Every one of the two dozen participants in the male division’s contest this year holds a position within the ESPN 100 rankings — specifically encompassing the leading seven talents of their cohort, with Tyran Stokes, ranked first, and Jordan Smith, ranked second, at the forefront.
Here is all pertinent information concerning the event
Event Timeline
Monday, March 30
Sprite Jam Fest: An exclusive cohort of All-Americans will vie across the long-range shooting, slam dunk, and proficiency challenges (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
Tuesday, March 31
Girls’ All-American game (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Boys’ All-American game (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
All proceedings are slated to occur in Glendale, Arizona
Team Lineups
Five key one-on-one confrontations to observe
Stokes’ Strengths: Stokes embodies sheer physical prowess and raw power. His substantial 6-foot-7, 230-pound build is precisely what scouts seek in a formidable power forward. Moreover, he functions as an exceptionally proficient point forward and an underappreciated facilitator. His perimeter shooting, ball-handling, penetration skills, and foul line accuracy prove challenging to defend. Kentucky, Oregon, and Kansas are considered the frontrunners to secure the nation’s premier talent.
Branch’s Attributes: Branch was previously considered a top candidate for the leading prospect spot in the 2027 class prior to advancing a year. He possesses the capability to spread the offense and guard various roles, and excels as a proficient catch-and-shoot perimeter scorer, converting half of his long-range attempts last summer on the 3SSB circuit, as reported by Synergy Sports. Branch is set to take over for AJ Dybantsa at BYU in the upcoming season.
Key Observation Points: These athletes represent two of the most imposing and talented wing players in scholastic basketball, and are additionally anticipated to be lottery selections in the draft. They are accustomed to leveraging their combination of talent and stature to achieve substantial scoring rates. Each excels at converting defensive boards into fast break chances. Branch will be tasked with devising methods to impede Stokes’ progress, dominate the physical contest – particularly near the hoop – all while avoiding infractions. Stokes recorded an average of ten foul shots per contest last summer, according to Synergy Sports. Stokes, conversely, must navigate around ball screens assertively and contest Branch’s jump shot. Furthermore, he’ll require his reach and intricate footwork to maintain defensive integrity in the paint.
Jordan Smith (Ranked 2) against Caleb Holt (Ranked 4)
Smith’s Strengths: Smith has cultivated a reputation for tremendous exertion, particularly on the defensive end. He operates as an an assertive one-on-one defender and displays astute awareness away from the play. On offense, he generates scoring opportunities independently via dribble penetration and locates clear zones to convert contested shots or deploy his dependable mid-range pull-up. Smith selects judicious shots and demonstrates proficiency from beyond the arc. He possesses innate leadership qualities and is anticipated to notably contribute when he succeeds Darius Acuff Jr. at Arkansas.
Holt’s Offerings: A robust combination guard adept at operating both with and without the ball, Holt drives aggressively towards the basket and has demonstrated significant enhancements in his ball control and shot-making. He converted 43% of his long-range attempts and 50% of his two-point shots across 22 Grind Session circuit matches, additionally posting averages of 8.2 boards and 2.3 takeaways. However, he excels most by stifling rival guards, employing his intensity to prevent receptions and provoke misplays.
Key Aspects to Observe: These athletes stand as two of the most formidable perimeter defenders within this competition. Both possess collegiate-level physical conditioning, extended arm spans, and unyielding offensive and defensive drive. The player who establishes proficiency with their jump shot will gain an edge. Each will also endeavor to leverage their superior physical attributes to assert dominance on defense. Smith must aim to neutralize Holt’s direct drives, whereas Holt will be challenged to prevent Smith’s incursions into the lane and facile foul shots.
Rippey’s Contributions: Rippey possesses an exceptional vertical leap, enabling him to convert shots over opposing players. His rapid pace exerts immense strain on adversaries, especially during fast breaks. Additionally, he is an adept jump shooter, having hit 38% from the field on the 3SSB circuit last summer. Rippey employs his court awareness to make sound choices and is an unyielding one-on-one defender.
Crowe’s Attributes: The left-handed guard topped the EYBL in points scored (23.6) last summer and shattered Jayson Tatum’s Hoophall Classic single-match scoring benchmark with 48 points in January. He is exceptionally swift in fast-break scenarios, possessing a remarkable aptitude for evading defenders, along with a formidable mid-range repertoire and a propensity for sinking challenged attempts. He additionally earns numerous free throw opportunities.
Points to Note: Both players are predisposed to scoring and maintain a constant offensive mindset. As adept creators, they share an intense desire to initiate offense in one-on-one scenarios and pursue scoring chances, a common occurrence in all-star contests. Offensive production will be prolific; thus, the superior defender will emerge victorious in this pairing.
Collins’ Strengths: Through his dynamic aerial prowess, defensive versatility, and speed in transition, Collins presents a genuine offensive challenge for opponents. On defense, he utilizes his impressive 7-1 arm span to traverse space and cover various opposing players. Expect him to frequently convert defensive boards into full-court runs culminating in spectacular finishes.
Thompson’s Attributes: Thompson is a proficient left-handed forward possessing exceptional shooting accuracy from any range. He expertly employs his 7-4 arm span to reject attempts. Regardless of whether he’s positioned at the elbow, in the mid-post, or deep in the paint, he stands among the sport’s finest shooters and is a genuine court stretcher capable of hitting from long range, even during fast breaks.
Key Insights: This engagement pits two five-star talents against each other, both boasting extensive arm spans yet exhibiting divergent playing approaches. Thompson’s precision shooting and delicate touch pose significant challenges, whereas Collins, an athletic scorer and defender, will eagerly embrace the defensive assignment against Thompson. Thompson faces a critical chance to demonstrate enhanced defensive capability and counter Collins’ intelligent, forceful penetration.
Williams’ Contributions: The 18-year-old Williams distinctively combines the stature of a center with the offensive prowess of a small forward. His extended gait evokes Evan Mobley, and he also exhibits nimbleness in confined areas. He maintains reliability from long range and demonstrates particular ease as a trailing perimeter shooter, a crucial advantage in contemporary basketball. Williams leverages his expansive 7-foot-2 arm span to secure rebounds and remain ahead of guards as a versatile defender, however, his primary fortes lie in shot rejection and agility during ball-screen actions.
Ratliff’s Attributes: The USC pledge’s outside shooting rapidly commands notice. His presence creates openings for fellow players, and he poses an offensive threat, also serving as a smooth, precise distributor. Ratliff will penetrate the paint to score as required and also enjoys employing his 7-4 arm span as a defensive presence near the basket.
Key Dynamics: This encounter will feature two contemporary bigs endowed with advanced skills, scoring touch, and shot-denial capabilities. The paramount inquiry: Is either capable of extending their defensive perimeter to the arc and contesting long-range shots, all while retaining sufficient quickness to recuperate against drives? Both exhibit the footwork and finesse to generate points in the low post, yet neither possesses adequate strength for immediate post-up defense. Nevertheless, both are poised to deliver an abundance of rejections defensively.