Ask Rise

Now Playing

Jason Jordan Jason Jordan Basketball Editor 05/19/11

Locks for the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game

Players like Shabazz Muhammad and Andre Drummond have the inside track to be selected for next year's game.


ESPN RISE Boys' Basketball | POWERADE FAB 50  | ESPN RISE High School Basketball Showcase  

RELATED: 2010-11 ESPN RISE Underclass All-American team

You didn’t have to be a genius to know that Michael Gilchrist’s (St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J.) all-around game would eventually earn this year's ESPN RISE Mr. Basketball USA a spot in the 2011 McDonald’s All-American game. It didn’t take an expert to know that a double-double machine like Anthony Davis (Perspectives Charter, Chicago, Ill.) was a lock and the reality is that Austin Rivers (Winter Park, Winter Park, Fla.) was good enough to play in the game as a junior.

“Just to be picked for something like the McDonald’s All-American game was special,” said Rivers, the No. 2 player in the ESPNU 100, who scored 14 points in the West's 119-106 loss to the East this year. “It’s definitely something that, as an underclassmen, I thought about often. It’s something we all wanted to be picked for.” 

ESPN RISE has zeroed in on five players who you can expect to see in the 2012 McDonald’s All-American game:

Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) SG
Shabazz Muhammad4 285
Photo by: Scott Kurtz
As arguably the most lethal scorer in the junior class, Shabazz Muhammad is a virtual lock for next year's McDonald's All-American game.

Why he’ll make it:
Muhammad is arguably the best pure scorer in his class and has been dominant on every level, whether it’s been AAU or with his high school team. His jump shot is accurate and he uses his strength to absorb contact and finish in the paint.

Andre Drummond, St. Thomas More (Oakdale, Conn.) C
Why he’ll make it: Drummond is the most physically imposing figure in the junior class and possibly the country, regardless of class. His footwork and hands are exceptional and he dominates by overpowering the opposition in the paint. He does have lapses where he doesn't dominate as he should, but the only way he won't make it is if the selection committee doesn't allow him to be on the ballot because of he's already done four years of high school.

Isaiah Austin, Grace Prep (Mansfield, Texas) C
Why he’ll make it: You’d be hard pressed to find a more dynamic shot blocker and rebounder than Austin. His length makes him a nightmare for penetrating guards and face-up big men and he runs the floor, which helps him finish on high percentage shots. Austin is also versatile enough face-up or play on the high post making him a nightmare of a matchup.

Rodney Purvis, Upper Room Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.), SG
Why he’ll make it:
Purvis is one of the most exciting players in the junior class because of his scoring ability. He’s the high school version of Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, a tough versatile guard who is virtually unstoppable when he’s slashing to the basket. Purvis’ first step is cat-quick and his athleticism allows him to finish in the lane with authority. The only way he won't make it is if voters get confused what class he's in, because he previously was a member of the 2013 class.  

DaJuan Coleman, Jamesville-DeWitt (DeWitt, N.Y.), C
Why he’ll make it: Similar to Drummond, Coleman is bully in the paint who uses his massive size (6-foot-10, 288 pounds) to dominate the competition in the paint. Surprisingly enough, Coleman is very light on his feet to be so big. That gives him another dimension on both ends of the floor. Coleman is also one of the best rebounders in the class.

Don't forget to follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayESPNRise

Comments