2014 McDonald’s All-American Recap

East Team

PF – Cliff Alexander (Kansas)
SF- Justin Jackson (North Carolina)
SF – Theo Pinson (North Carolina)
PG – Tyus Jones (Duke)
PG – Isaiah Whitehead (Seton Hall)
SG – D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State)
PF – Karl Towns Jr. (Kentucky)
SF – Justise Winslow (Duke)
SG – James Blackmon Jr. (Indiana)
PG – Romelo Trimble (Maryland)
C – Myles Turner (Undecided)
F – Kevon Looney (UCLA)

West Team

PF/C – Jahlil Okafor (Duke)
PG – Emmanuel Mudiay (Southern Methodist)
SF – Kelly Oubre Jr. (Kansas)
SF – Stanley Johnson (Arizona)
SG – Grayson Allen (Duke)
SG – Rashad Vaughn (UNLV)
PF – Reid Travis (Stanford)
PG – Joel Berry (North Carolina)
PG – Tyler Ulis (Kentucky)
PF – Trey Lyles (Kentucky)
SG – Devin Booker (Kentucky)
C – Thomas Welsh (UCLA)

East Team

Cliff Alexander
PF, 6-9, 245
Curie HS (IL)

Committed to Kansas

Outlook: Alexander barely participated in Tuesday’s practice due to a wrist contusion he suffered on Monday. I didn’t get much—anything—from watching him.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2198

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Justin Jackson
SF, 6-7, 185
Homeschool Christian (TX)

Committed to North Carolina

Outlook: Jackson’s propensity to score in bunches was on display again. He played more power forward than small forward, which had him out of position, but his soft mid-range game was automatic as usual. He could very well be the best scorer in the class—whether it’s a mid-range floater, pull-up off the dribble, put-back, or improving 3-point shot, Jackson finds a way to get the ball in the basket. He still needs to show more consistency shooting from deep and finishing in transition, but he is the most complete offensive wing player in the country. Size and consistency in the half court set him apart.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2206

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Myles Turner
C, 7-0, 230
Trinity HS (TX)

Undecided

Outlook: This was my first time observing Turner live. The lone uncommitted player at the event, his intrigue is in long-term potential, not current ability.

Turner is 7-feet with a size 21 shoe. He can score in the lane with a soft touch, but his biggest weapon right now is—surprisingly—his jump shot. Turner can pick-and-pop to the 3-point line, and shoots it with confidence.

However, Turner needs a lot of work on his game. Offensively, Turner plods up and down the court, and is slow off the ground. He has a nice jump shot, but he needs to use his size better. I think he has impressive footwork, but struggles to “bring it all together” in the painted area. Awkward on his feet.

Defensively, Turner struggled to contain Karl Towns, a 6-10 forward who can score from anywhere on the floor. Towns blew past Turner off the dribble, and outmuscled him on the glass. Turner must continue adding weight, and just needs to get more comfortable in his body. He has potential as a stretch-5 who can run the floor and block shots, but right now it’s not there. Only time will tell if he settles into his own body, and develops the necessary skills down low.

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Kevon Looney
F, 6-8, 200
Hamilton (WI)

Committed to UCLA

Outlook: This was my first time observing Looney live. Standing at 6-8, 200 pounds, Looney is a slender combo forward who plays in and around the lane. He is crafty in face-up situations, with a quick first step and very long arms to get his shot over the defense. His control to stop-and-rise from 15-feet was impressive. Looney is very raw right now, but he’s an excellent small forward prospect. He shows flashes of potential as a scorer—crafty with either hand in and around the lane, and he can knock down the open 3-pointer—and he is already a proven rebounder. His activity level on the glass is what separates him from other bouncy forwards.

If he can play with consistent energy, Looney has the skill-set to be a 15-point, 10-rebound small forward. He needs to tighten his handle to play more on the perimeter, and continue to refine his jumper, but the physical tools and rebounding ability are certainly there. He should have an immediate impact at UCLA, rebounding the ball and using his athleticism to make plays in the mid to high post.

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Theo Pinson
SF, 6-6, 190
Wesleyan Christian Academy (NC)

Committed to North Carolina

Outlook: Pinson mostly played the perimeter in Chicago, and for the most part he performed well. He showcased an improved handle staying under control on the perimeter, and continued to facilitate from the high post.

Still, his handle and jump shot still need work. Although he was under control for the most part, he still danced around on a few possessions. And his jump shot was nonexistent yet again.

Terrific athlete and probably the most versatile player in the high school ranks, but Pinson’s long-term projection is contingent on his jump shot. An improved jumper will give him a more defined role, and will open up driving lanes for him to utilize his athletic gifts. Overall, though, it was encouraging to see that Pinson’s handle is coming along.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2217

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Tyus Jones
PG, 6-1, 170
Apple Valley (MN)

Committed to Duke

Outlook: As usual, Jones stood out by doing all the “simple things” consistently and productively. He did a great job leading his team in practice, using his handle to get into the lane and create for others. Offensively, he dissected defensive pressure in the half court, and made several floaters inside the arc. He still needs to work on his perimeter jump shot, but Jones got to his spots on the floor, and always made the correct “basketball play.” His ability to turn the corner on ball screens and make split-second pass or shoot decisions will make him an effective floor leader right away at Duke.

However, Jones struggled defensively. Emmanuel Mudiay was once again able to use his 6-5 size to power through Jones, and Tyler Ulis used his quickness to get around Jones.

It was a small sample, though. Overall, Jones was efficient and effective running his team, breaking down the defense and setting up teammates with precision and accuracy. Not the best athlete, but Jones compensates with a tight handle and excellent court vision.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2302

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Isaiah Whitehead
PG, 6-4, 195
Lincoln (NY)

Committed to Seton Hall

Contact:  718-300-2038 (cell)

Outlook: Whitehead is a rhythm scorer who needs touches to get himself going. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t get going in Chicago the way he normally does. He looked good from a physical standpoint, but he played off the ball and therefore didn’t get a chance to get in any sort of rhythm. He played only 9 minutes in the McDonald’s Game, and during practice Tyus Jones and D’Angelo Russell ran the point. Whitehead can get to the rim as consistently as any player in the class, but he didn’t get the chance playing in a controlled environment.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2211

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D’Angelo Russell
SG, 6-4, 180
Montverde Academy (FL)

Committed to Ohio State

Outlook: Russell continued to showcase the smoothest jump shot in the country. He knocked down jump shots with deep range and exceptional control, and he can score in bunches. What separates Russell, though, is his proven passing vision through the lane. Russell can shoot the lights out, but he’s unselfish and looks for teammates even while zipping up and down the court.

Russell can quickly change a game with his shooting ability. He can catch and shoot, stop-and-rise on the break, and most importantly he doesn’t seem to force bad shots. He could average 20 points as a freshman next year at Ohio State.

Defensively is where I worry most about Russell. I think he’s a good enough athlete and has the desire to defend, but I wonder what position he will defend at only 6-4 and an average wingspan. He sometimes stays upright in his stance, which he will need to refine, but overall he moves his feet well and has quick hands for steals.

Russell is a very complete guard with the most consistent jump shot at all three levels. Smoothest offensive player in the country, with developing point guard skills.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2213

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Karl Towns Jr.
St. Joseph (MA)
PF/C, 6-11, 235

Committed to Kentucky

John Calipari (Head Coach, Kentucky): 859-619-9496

Outlook: Towns showed great upside. He’s 6-11 with perimeter skills, a wide body to grab rebounds, and excellent court vision.

Offensively, Towns showcased range to the 3-point line, to go along with an impressive back-to-the-basket game. He can finish over either shoulder in the paint, but he also sees the floor very well. He can pass facing the basket or out of a double team in the low post. Against the 7-foot Myles Turner in practice, Towns called for the ball and executed a hook shot in the low post on one possession, then stepped out for a foul-line jumper on the next. He flashed the entire spectrum of his potential right there.

He can shoot and pass like a wing player, but he’s 6-foot-11. Towns’ upside is intriguing to say the least. He will need to continue working on his post game at Kentucky, but Towns’ upside is as high as any player in the class.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2231

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Justise Winslow
SF, 6-5, 210
Saint John’s High School (TX)

Committed to Duke

Outlook: Winslow is a physical wing who gets his baskets running downhill and attacking the rim. Good athlete, extremely strong upper-body for a wing player, and excellent potential as a defender. Winslow should thrive as a “blue collar” defender/slasher/clean-up guy at Duke. He didn’t showcase much in the way of creating offense (i.e. he picked up his dribble fairly quickly, and his jump shot is still shaky), but he played his usual “junkyard dog” role.

Winslow’s long-term projection depends on whether he can become a more complete defender. He has the body type, but he must improve his quickness and focus.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2233

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James Blackmon Jr.
SG, 6-3, 175
Marion (IL)

Committed to Indiana

Outlook: Blackmon continued to showcase his smooth 3-point jump shot. He was near-automatic on catch-and-shoot opportunities, but as I wrote in the past, he struggled to make plays off the dribble. He remained passive until an open shot presented itself, shying away from driving lanes or making plays off the dribble. A smooth shooter in a limited sample size, but as a 6-3 guard, Blackmon needs to be more than just a stationary shooter.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2306

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Romelo Trimble
PG, 6-2, 175
Bishop O’Connell (MD)

Committed to Maryland

Outlook: Trimble shot the ball well from 3-point range, and also got into the lane a few times where he tried to finish with floaters. He is a good shooter, but his game is limited right now. Without elite athleticism or quickness to rely on, Trimble needs to hone his point guard skills to make the transition in college. Right now he takes ill-advised shots and freezes out teammates.

The shooting is there, but at 6-2, Trimble needs to iron out the rest of his offensive game; namely, passing and being an efficient floor general.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2279

West Team

Jahlil Okafor
C, 6-10, 265
Whitney Young (IL)

Committed to Duke

Outlook: Okafor’s size, width and footwork are too much for his high school counterparts. The big man dominated a traditionally guard-oriented setting. At 6-10, Okafor catches the ball with his back to the basket, quickly leans back to gauge his defender, and attacks with his best move. His ability to identify and simultaneously execute a post move are at an NBA level.

Okafor isn’t very explosive around the basket. But his touch, footwork, and back-to-the-basket arsenal are unrivaled. He can get his shot off with a 6-10 frame and gigantic hands, and his strength makes it hard to provide resistance.

He can use a hook shot over either shoulder, spin to carve out space, drop-step, or loft a tear-drop over the defense. Okafor gets deep post-up position, and then goes to work. Unstoppable in the post right now.

My biggest question mark surrounding Okafor is whether he’s able to finish over NBA length and athleticism. Okafor isn’t the most explosive player—he doesn’t rattle the rim, even at 6-10—so maybe a physical and athletic big man can bother him. Maybe not, though—I just haven’t seen him face an NBA-level center.

Okafor is a true center who can dominate in the half court. He runs the floor with urgency and strong hands. Unselfish, efficient, and extremely polished scoring in the low post. Let’s see how his game translates against players who match his size and surpass his athleticism.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2200

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Emmanuel Mudiay
PG, 6-5, 190
Prime Prep (TX)

Committed to Southern Methodist

Outlook: Mudiay showcased his NBA size (6-5) and scoring ability at the point guard position. He didn’t have many chances to play point guard in practice, but he took advantage when he could. He can get to the rim at will, where he can finish or find an open teammate with his exceptional court vision. He can simply make plays all over the floor with the ball in his hands. Mudiay and Justin Jackson are the best all-around scorers in the country in my opinion.

He’s a capable shooter, but Mudiay needs to show more consistency, especially as defenders begin to wall off driving lanes. He’s also a little reckless driving the ball, sometimes showcasing tunnel vision and forcing it into traffic.

Overall, Mudiay can beat you with strength, savvy, and a quick first step. He should be the focal point of SMU’s offense from day one.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2202

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Kelly Oubre Jr.
SF, 6-7, 195
Findlay Prep (NV)

Committed to Kansas

Contact: 504-405-4449 (cell)
Jerome Williams (Head Coach, Findlay Prep): 702-290-3113

Outlook: Oubre appeared to be at 6-foot-7,  which is good size for a small forward. When you combine his height with a long wingspan and—most importantly—freak athleticism, Oubre has all the physical tools to be a productive finisher at the rim.

And that’s exactly what he showcased in Chicago — the ability to get to the basket in a straight-line fashion, and then finish. The lefty plays above the rim on the break, whether he’s handling the ball or trailing the wings. Oubre excels in a transition-heavy game right now.

This is a new development in Oubre’s game. Throughout the previous two years (most recently during the EYBL circuit this past summer), Oubre was hardly the type to attack the rim. His first instinct was to shoot 3′s, and then continue shooting 3′s to see if he could heat up. Aside from the occasional transition bucket, Oubre hardly looked to feast at the rim. He didn’t showcase a great jump shot in Chicago (0-5 from 3-point range), but Oubre is a proven shooter in my book. Combine shooting ability with a newfound purpose attacking the rim, and you have a player who is filling out the holes in his game.

That being said, it seems Oubre still hasn’t developed the most vital skill holding him back this summer: ball handling. Simply put, he still can’t handle the ball under pressure right now. When faced with pressure in the half court, Oubre retreated and eventually picked up his dribble, essentially moving the basketball further away from the basket.

Oubre needs to work on his ball handling in order to move the ball forward, let alone create shots for himself. He’s a terrific athlete who explodes through the lane, but his potential is seen in glimpses because he literally picks up his dribble every other play. It’s tough for him to create shots right now.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2191

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Stanley Johnson
SF, 6-6, 220
Mater Dei High School (CA)

Committed to Arizona

Outlook: In Chicago, Johnson showcased what he was previously missing: a jump shot. And now, he’s a top-5 player nationally. Standing at 6-6 and 220 pounds, Johnson has an NBA-ready frame to go along with a quick first step and the ability to make a living at the rim. His combination of power and ability to finish at the basket are unrivaled from the wing position.

He is also a lock-down defender, with decent length and lateral quickness to wall off defenders on the perimeter.

Physically, Johnson has always looked the part of an NBA small forward. But with the recent ability to create shots off the dribble, Johnson becomes a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. Johnson is a grown man on the high school level, with the ability to finish through contact and defend. He certainly has holes in his game, particularly 3-point shooting, but he continues to improve and is rounding out his game.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2204

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Devin Booker
SG, 6-5, 185
Moss Point (MS)

Committed to Kentucky

Outlook: This was my first time seeing Booker compete in person. He appears to be a 6-5 shooting guard, with a silky-smooth jump shot, particularly off the dribble. Booker nailed several mid-range jump shots, and did so while creating space against more athletic/bigger players. He repeatedly “beat his man off the dribble, went into the lane, and pulled-up through traffic.”

Again, it was a limited sample size, but it seems like Booker has very high upside. He played under control under pressure, was unselfish moving the basketball, and was effective while being economical in his shot selection. I wasn’t able to gauge Booker’s ability to finish at the basket or play defense, but he stood out with 6-5 size, a strong handle, and the confidence to take—and repeatedly make—pull-up jump shots inside the arc.

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Trey Lyles
PF, 6-9, 245
Arsenal Tech (IN)

Committed to Kentucky

Outlook: Like his future college teammate (Devin Booker), this was my first time observing Trey Lyles. From the limited sample I caught, Lyles excelled in taking his man off the dribble near the basket. The 6-8, 225-pound forward can blow past his defender facing up in the mid post. He can then finish with power, showcasing an arsenal of dunks at the basket.

Lyles is skilled and explosive in the mid post, with the size and athleticism to be a double-double threat. He’s in-between a SF and PF right now, but his soft touch around the lane and 15-foot jump shot make him a threat regardless of positioning.

Effective isolating his man to attack from a face-up position. He reminds me of a mix of Perry Ellis (Kansas) and Carlos Boozer (Bulls).

The most important aspect in projecting Lyles’ future is his strength. If he is strong enough to rebound and compete in the post in college, then he has the arsenal and touch to produce double-doubles at the next level.

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Grayson Allen
SG, 6-4, 185
Providence School (FL)

Committed to Duke

Outlook: Allen is a 6-4 shooting guard with a pure jump shot and the ability to finish above the rim. In the half court, he can catch-and-shoot, or shot fake and get to the rim in one dribble. In transition, he has terrific bounce to fill lanes and finish above the rim. Allen showcased his jumping ability to win the Dunk Contest Tuesday night (I wasn’t present).

That being said, Allen is an undersized SG at 6-4, and he isn’t skilled or quick enough to compensate for his lack of height.  In other words, although Allen is a good 3-point shooter and athlete, he struggles to make an impact in the half court. Allen will seize a shooting opportunity if he’s left open, but aside from catch-and-shooting, he struggles to contribute.

He played a supporting role on his Each 1 Teach 1 AAU team, coming off the bench as a catch-and-shoot “x-factor.” He’ll play that same role at Duke, and I expect him to excel in his role.

But as a 6-4 shooting guard, he needs a tighter handle and some semblance of an in-between/pull-up game. He’ll struggle as a shooter once he faces longer and more athletic defenses. I don’t think he’ll have the opportunity to play the point at Duke, so he’s kind of relegated to the shooting guard position. Let’s see if Allen can develop a pull-up jumper, and gradually improve his handle.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2299

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Rashad Vaughn
SG, 6-5, 200
Findlay Prep (NV)

Committed to UNLV

Jerome Williams (Head Coach, Findlay Prep): 702-290-3113

Outlook: Vaughn showcased consistent shooting from 3-point range. He is a rhythm shooter who will let it fly early and often, with self-confidence to spare. At 6-6, Vaughn has good size for a shooting guard, with a nice bounce to finish in the open floor. Vaughn is a rhythm shooter, and he is always in a shooting position ready for the catch. I wasn’t present for the practice on Monday, but Vaughn supposedly hit five straight 3-pointers for the West team.

His shooting prowess should immediately translate to UNLV. However, Vaughn still hasn’t developed the ability to attack off the dribble, particularly when a defender closes-out. What I wrote leading into McDonald’s All-American week still applies today: “Vaughn is a good shooter, but he doesn’t attack like you’d imagine a 6-6 McDonald’s All-American should.”

If he can develop a jab step or a way to create separation, he will elevate his game to the next level. Right now he lives and dies by the 3-point shot.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2281

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Reid Travis
PF, 6-8, 240
De La Salle (MN)

Committed to Stanford

Outlook: Travis once again showcased a college-ready body, physicality, and chiseled strength battling in the post. He continued to showcase his robotic back-to-the-basket game, able to score over either shoulder, with a variety of moves and counter-moves. He’s only 6-8, but he’s built like a rock and has impressive footwork to carve out space and use a soft touch in the post.

He’s not the best athlete, but Travis is strong and polished inside the arc. However, he still needs to extend his range to 15 feet. At only 6-8, the next step is to develop a face-up game. This will be vital for his long-term development.

Travis’ shooting form is…awkward, to say the least. He releases the ball from the side of his head, so he needs a lot of work mechanically.

He should be a major contributor at Stanford from day one. But if he can develop a 15-foot jumper, he’ll stretch the floor and become a go-to scorer in the half court. He is skilled enough to potentially anchor a college offense.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2304

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Joel Berry
PG, 6-0, 185
Lake Highland Prep (FL)

Committed to North Carolina

Outlook: Berry was once again steady running the point. He kept his ground under pressure in the half court, and fed teammates in their spots—whether it was guards curling around screens, or bigs calling for it in the post. He pushes the ball in transition, with the ability to pass ahead or run the break himself. Berry is not a great offensive threat, but he has a strong frame to penetrate, and can knock down the open 3-pointer on occasion.

That being said, Berry’s 6-foot frame, and lack of athleticism/speed really limits him. He noticeably struggled on defense—stronger guards took him off the dribble, and taller guards shot over him. If Berry had the lateral quickness and length of, say, Ryan Boatright, I’d say he could become a solid, “pesky” defender. But he’s not as athletic or quick.

Berry is a solid floor general, but as the competition gets bigger, faster and stronger, I think he will struggle.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2235

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Thomas Welsh
PF/C, 6-11, 240
Loyola HS (CA)

Committed to UCLA

Outlook: Entering the McDonald’s practice, Welsh was the prospect whom I was most unfamiliar with.

Welsh is tall and slender. 6-foot-11 but only about 220 pounds. He’s limited athletically, but has the size and length to finish near the rim.

Right now, though, Welsh’s game is constrained to within 5-feet of the basket. He has a soft touch finishing with either hand, and can dunk it in open space. He has a developing back-to-the-basket game, and will eventually look to extend his game to the mid post.

That said, right now Welsh’s lack of strength and athleticism are really holding him back. He’s not ready to compete against the likes of Okafor and Alexander, from a purely physical standpoint.

He has difficulty posting up in the half court, is too skinny to compete on the glass, and lacks quickness around the basket.  Welsh will need to add muscle to his frame, and continue honing his touch offensively. He has a lot of work to do, from a physical and skill standpoint.

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Tyler Ulis
PG, 5-10, 160
Marian Catholic (IL)

Committed to Kentucky

John Calipari (Head Coach, Kentucky): 859-619-9496

Outlook: Ulis showcased a much-improved, near-consistent jump shot. Throughout the AAU circuit, he would use a quick first step to penetrate the lane and create. But in Chicago he knocked down several stand-still jumpers, which fares well considering he’s only 5-10.

I’m still worried about how Ulis will fare defensively—Emmanuel Mudiay and other “big guards” overpowered Ulis pretty easily—but Ulis is making strides offensively, to the point where some players couldn’t stay with his quickness. He needs to add as much strength as possible, and develop a floater to shoot over length. If he can mold himself into a pesky defender on defense, and a smooth point guard with a reliable jump shot, he could turn a lot of heads at Kentucky. But his defensive fundamentals and strength must improve to compete at the next level. Good shot-maker with space, but it’ll never be easy for Ulis.

Profile: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=2262

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