CHICAGO, IL – Too often the story unfolds on the court. The names from the previous McDonald All American Games roll off the tongue … Jordan, Magic, LeBron, KG, Pierce, Ewing, Rose and Shaq. Having attended several of these games — including the inaugural girls game in 2002 at Madison Square Garden — it’s what happens behind the scenes that gives this charity fundraising event cache.
One noticeable change was that adidas replaced Reebok as the uniform and shoe sponsor. Adidas’ flashy, sleek stylish look added panache. It was a welcome upgrade. There was also a poignant moment at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2012 Morgan Wootten Award for Lifetime Achievement in Coaching High School Basketball, where two former prominent coaches from the Pacific Northwest were recognized. Brad Smith (Oregon City, Ore.) and Ed Pepple (Mercer Island, Wash.), won on the girls and boys’ sides, respectively. Both of their voices cracked when thanking their families, especially their spouses, for making sacrifices to enhance their careers. Hall of Fame coach and McDonald’s Game chairman Morgan Wootten said, “Think of how lives these men have touched. That’s why I loved coaching high school.” It’s always good to see Howard Garfinkel. Garf is a grassroots legend, having launched the Five Star Camp many decades ago. Hundreds of college coaches owe the New Yorker debt of gratitude for their coaching starts. His signature phase: “Oh, boy.”
The Wootten family is entrenched in the game. Kathy Wootten (Morgan’s lovely wife) is a rock star in her own way. Morgan told me, “there’s a great lady behind every coach.” Morgan always had an eye for talent. Terri Lynn and Joe Wootten (Kathy and Morgan’s youngest child) really stood out. Terri Lynn heads up the voting committee and Joe is an administrator for the games. Joe is a standout coach and athletic director at Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.). Their selfless work is duly noted. And then for the characters. The people that make the trip a pleasure. The annual pilgrimage is a treat for those who hobnob with John Rhodes. John is the mayor of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and runs the wildly successful Beach Ball Invitational (a post Christmas national boys tournament). If you can’t appreciate John’s wit, Southern charm and intelligence please check for your pulse. Greg Procino, a rising star at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, has come a long way when he’d call me at USA TODAY for advice and insight. Greg was completing his master’s degree in sports management at Springfield College about six years ago when the Hoophall Classic (over the Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend) was a fledgling event. It’s now considered a must-see event, with teams lining up for a spot. GolinHarris, the Chicago public relations firm, that handles the McDonald’s account, seems to raise the bar for efficiency each year. For those who travel distances to cover the games, they accommodate requests, put out fires and handle the daily heavy lifting that an event of this magnitude requires … that means you Brittany Rouse, Jeff Pawola, Tim Shaw, Mark Polisky and Sue Canepa. Also a special shout-out to Ben Lincoln, a gifted writer from GolinHarris who previously worked on the McDonald’s game staff.
On the girls‘ side, Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media is one of the most savvy former-coach-turned-analysts that I’ve met. Broke bread with him a few times this week and the stories flowed. His grasp of the game is unmatched. Read his column; solid copy. Oh, there were two games. The United Center, or commonly known as The Madhouse on Madison, was packed with 16,000 hoopheads Wednesday night. Both games were close but lacked sizzle. As senior all-star games go, it didn’t standout. A weak Class of 2012 — save a few elite players — allowed the boys game to morph into a yawner. Actually the game started as a blowout, with the West squad building a 22-point lead (89-67) with 8:17 left, before hanging on for a 106-102 win over the East.
Yes, unsigned senior Shabazz Muhammad of Bishop Gorman in La Vegas, showed why’s the top player in the nation, earning Most Valuable Player honors with 21 points (on 10-of-18 shooting) and six rebounds, the West received a tremendous boost from Indiana-bound point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell of Park Tudor (Indianapolis). Ferrell hit for only three points but more importantly dropped eight dimes and was the consummate floor general and calming influence when his team was slipping. The East’s hero was Alex Poythress of Northeast (Clarksville, Tenn.), who scored a team-high 19 points, including 11 after intermission, when the East rallied. No surprise a winner like Poythress is headed to Kentucky. It’s the case of the rich getting richer. Muhammad and Breanna Stewart of Cicero (N.Y.)-North Syracuse were named the Morgan Wootten Award recipients (a.k.a. national players of the year). “Breanna will be the face of the women’s game,” Blue Star Media Senior Editor Mike Flynn raved.
It was confirmed the 2013 game will return for a third consecutive year to the Madhouse. The crowd will be stoked with native son, Jabari Parker of Simeon (Chicago), a shoo-in for top billing. I have the honor of owning a vote on both ballots and look forward to attending next March. Can’t wait to see Morgan, Kathy, Pro, The Mayor, Garf, Terri Lynn, Joe and staff of GolinHarris.
