CHICAGO – Aaron Gordon made a case for player of the year honors Wednesday night at the United Center.
Gordon, a 6-foot-7 Arizona recruit, was the star of stars, scoring a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds leading the West squad over the East, 110-99, in the McDonald’s All American boys game before 15,818.
Gordon also added crowd-pleasing nine dunks to bag Most Valuable Player honors. The game showcased six players who are headed to the University of Kentucky, in what some are calling the greatest recruiting class ever.
The game was nearly over early as the West jumped to an 18-5 lead but the East whittled it to four points with 3:56 left. Dakari Johnson, a Kentucky pledge from Montverde (Fla.) Academy, had 12 points and East teammate Julius Randle flipped in 11. Uncommitted senior Andrew Wiggins of Huntington (W.Va.) Prep topped the East with 19 points.
In the girls’ game, the West drilled the East, 92-64. Tennessee-bound center Mercedes Russell was tabbed MVP after contributing 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Here’s a breakdown of the players from the boys game.
East
Anthony Barber: The explosive 6-2 guard showed why North Carolina State invested so much time recruiting the Hampton, Va., product. His ability to break down a defense is common and his set-up ability is uncanny.
Keith Frazier: The Dallas native recently proclaimed he was staying home to play collegiately at Southern Methodist under Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown. He demonstrated a silky smooth jumper and ability to score in bunches.
Isaiah Hicks: The 6-8 North Carolina-bound forward is long and athletic. Excelled in transition.
Kasey Hill: The Montverde (Fla.) Academy point guard defines floor general. This weekend he could be the difference when Montverde plays in the National High School Invitational in Maryland on Thursday. Playing under coach Billy Donovan at Florida should only enhance his play at the next level.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: The hardworking left-hander from Chester (Pa.) is a delight to watch and will be a star at Arizona. Once he fills out, look out!
Demetrius Jackson: The 6-1 playmaker is staying close to home after selecting Notre Dame over a host of Midwestern schools. His game lacks a serious three-point shot but his ability to distribute and find the gaps were special. He also earned the sportsmanship award, demonstrating tremendous leadership qualities as voted by the game’s players and coaches.
Dakari Johnson: The Brooklyn (N.Y.) native is a beast in the post. He was one of five future Kentucky Wildcats on display. His rebounding skills are underrated and he needs to develop more quickness.
Kennedy Meeks: The bulky 6-10, 285-pound center from West Charlotte (Charlotte, N.C.) can trigger the fastbreak with his reliable outlet pass. When he attends North Carolina, no doubt he’ll reshape his body to accommodate the Tar Heels’ up-tempo play.
Julius Randle: Watching Randle play is a joy because of his tireless work ethic. The 6-9 power forward from Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas) was injured for most of his senior campaign but came back in time to lead his school to a state championship and get the nod for the McDonald’s game. The lefty is crafty in the post and without question a future pro.
Wayne Seiden, Jr.: The 6-5 wing is one of the strongest players in nation and fearless. He should start right away at Kansas, which need to replace at least four starters. (Ben McLemore declaring for NBA pending).
Noah Vonieh: The 6-8 forward from New Hampton School (N.H.) has untapped potential and is a serious signing for Indiana.
Chris Walker: The 6-10 willowy forward can knock down the jumper and is lethal in transition. That’s good because at Florida, the Gators love to motor.
Andrew Wiggins: The 6-8 undecided Canadian from Huntington (W.Va.) Prep is a national player of the year candidate and several NBA scouts were present on Tuesday afternoon to watch the scrimmage. He led the East with 19 points.
West
Jabari Bird: The 6-6 wing guard is a classic scorer. His leaping skills were off the charts.
Aaron Gordon: He’s one of the most skilled players ever from California. He will be a difference-maker at Arizona. The 6-8 combo forward has all the right moves and displayed the ability to score and carry a team. He’s a finalist for the Blue Star Media national player of the year. Earning MVP honors here, added his name to the conversation.
Isaac Hamilton: The 6-5 athletic shooting guard is headed to UTEP, where he can get his game in order. Right now he’s a bit streaky but he has all the tools.
Aaron Harrison: The 6-5 twin is exceptional in transition and will has the ability to bury the three.
Andrew Harrison: Like his brother, he possesses a high basketball IQ and will be a crowd favorite at Kentucky. Tremendous passer.
Matt Jones: The 6-5 Texan demonstrated the ability to catch and shoot. He has great range on his jumper and will contribute immediately next year at Duke.
Marcus Lee: The 6-9 power forward from Northern California (Bay Area) is a delight in transition. He finishes well and will use his athleticism to earn valuable court time at Kentucky.
Jarrell Martin: The 6-7 athletic forward decided to stay home, choosing LSU. He possesses a solid perimeter game.
Jabari Parker: The hometown favorite from four-time state champion Simeon is the complete package. Thoughtful and insightful, Parker is a serious national player of the year candidate. The hometown folks gave him a standing ovation on several occasions after closing out his Illinois prep career. He still has all-star action next weekend in New York.
Bobby Portis, Jr.: The 6-9 power forward is a bull in the post. He has size and isn’t afraid to mix it up underneath. Should be a prized recruit for home state Arkansas.
Nigel Williams-Goss: The Washington recruit plays at warp speed and makes great decisions in transition. He’s another player headed, who jetted out of town for the NHSI on Thursday. He’s the main reason Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) is undefeated and top-ranked in the Blue Star Media Go-To 25 rankings.
James Young: The 6-6 lefty scorer has range and can fill the basket in bunches. Should be a solid player for coach John Calipari at Kentucky in the fall. He’ll be a handful go defend.
— Analysis provided by Blue Star’s Christopher Lawlor
