What is the McDonald's All-American Game and How Did it Come to Be?
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The McDonald's All-American Game is an annual basketball game featuring the top high school basketball players in the United States. It is named after its sponsor, the fast-food restaurant chain McDonald's. The game was first played in 1978 and has since become one of the most prestigious events in high school basketball, attracting the attention of college recruiters and NBA scouts alike.
The McDonald's All-American Game was the brainchild of the late Bob Geoghan, a McDonald's restaurant owner and basketball enthusiast. In 1977, Geoghan approached Five-Star Basketball Camp founder Howard Garfinkel with the idea of creating a showcase game for the best high school basketball players in the country. Garfinkel, who was already running a successful basketball camp that attracted top talent from across the country, was immediately interested in the idea and agreed to help organize the game.
The first McDonald's All-American Game was held on April 9, 1978, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The game featured many future NBA stars, including Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Mark Aguirre. Since then, the game has been held annually in various locations across the United States, with the exception of a few years when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The McDonald's All-American Game is not only a showcase for the best high school basketball players in the country but also a chance for them to give back to their communities. Each year, the McDonald's All-American players participate in various community service projects in the host city before the game. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the game goes to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides support to families of seriously ill children.
Highlights of Previous McDonald's All-American Games
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The McDonald's All-American Game has featured some of the best high school basketball players in history and has produced many NBA stars. Here are some highlights from previous games:
1983: Michael Jordan - The future NBA Hall of Famer scored 30 points in the 1983 game and won MVP honors.
1996: Kobe Bryant - Bryant scored 25 points and showcased his incredible talent, including a one-handed dunk that brought the crowd to its feet.
2003: LeBron James - James scored 27 points and showed why he was one of the most highly touted high school players in history.
2007: Kevin Durant - Durant scored a game-high 25 points and led the West team to victory.
2011: Anthony Davis - Davis dominated the game with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, earning MVP honors and showing why he would become the #1 pick in the NBA draft just a few months later.
2015: Ben Simmons - Simmons recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around skills and earning MVP honors.
2018: Zion Williamson - Williamson wowed the crowd with his incredible athleticism and scored 8 points in just 5 minutes before suffering a knee injury that ended his night early.
2019: Cole Anthony - Anthony scored a game-high 14 points and hit the game-winning free throw with 2.9 seconds left to give the East team a 115-114 victory.
McDonald's All-American Game Players - Who are They and Where are They Now?
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The McDonald's All-American Game has featured many top high school basketball players over the years, some of whom have gone on to become NBA stars. Here are a few notable players and where they are now:
Michael Jordan - Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA and won six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
LeBron James - James is another player who is often mentioned in the conversation for the greatest of all time. He has won four NBA championships and is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant - Bryant was a five-time NBA champion and one of the most dominant players of his generation. He tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Kevin Durant - Durant is a two-time NBA champion and one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. He currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets.
Anthony Davis - Davis is a seven-time NBA All-Star and won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Ben Simmons - Simmons is a talented all-around player for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Zion Williamson - Williamson is a dynamic young player for the New Orleans Pelicans and has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the NBA.
These are just a few of the many players who have participated in the McDonald's All-American Game and gone on to have successful careers in the NBA. Many others have gone on to play college basketball or pursue other careers after high school.