2013 McDonald's All-American Game

“You play the way you practice” is a well-known saying that did not fall on deaf ears for senior forward Aaron Gordon. With 24 points and eight rebounds, Gordon led his West squad to a 110-99 victory in the McDonald’s All-American game and took the 2013 MVP trophy back to Northern California. One day after announcing his upcoming college destination, Gordon brought the United Center crowd to its feet with his hustle and highlight reel dunks. 

Parker, Gordon, and Wiggins

Recap (West):

Aaron Gordon – After impressing on lookers in practice on both Monday and Tuesday with his hustle, hard work, and leadership, Gordon brought those some traits to the actual all-star game. Each day Gordon was the last player to leave the practice court and in the All-Star game he was the first player to notch a basket. Gordon scored 14 points in the first half and 10 in the second on an impressive array of baskets down low. Two of Gordon’s missed dunks drew gasps from the crowd, but he still managed to earn a standing ovation upon leaving the game. The future Arizona Wildcat impressed from the first moments in Chicago all the way to the final buzzer. 

Jabari Parker – The hometown favorite scored 10 points and 8 rebounds and tried to use his weight advantage to go at fellow forward, Andrew Wiggins. Despite only shooting 4-13 from the field, Parker showed off a nifty first half right to left crossover that left Dakari Johnson flat footed and resulted in a two-hand slam. 

Bobby Portis – The future Arkansas Razorback did not stand out in the practice sessions but he ended up getting the starting nod for the West squad and took advantage of the early playing time. He knocked down a three pointer to start the game while also mixing in several crafty cuts to the basket for lay-ups. In 18 minutes of action, Portis contributed 12 points on 4-5 shooting. 

Andrew Harrison – Unlike Gordon, Andrew Harrison didn’t shine during the practice sessions but sure came to play once the ball was tipped. Harrison started the game off strong by throwing an alley-oop to his brother and then followed that up by hitting a jumper after a deadly crossover. Harrison went 5-5 during the game while adding in four assists to only one turnover. He also took advantage of the smaller guards on the East all night for powerful drives down the lane.

James Young – Young did not participate in the scrimmages on Monday or Tuesday, but played 16 minutes during the game going 3-6 for six points. 

Jarrell Martin – As a second half starter, Martin picked off right where he left off on Tuesday scoring quickly for the West squad. While he showed off his shooting touch in practice, Martin used his size and strength to aggressively drive down the lane for lay-ups.

Nigel Williams-Goss – After going against the Harrison twins all week in practice, Williams-Goss enjoyed a reprieve once he entered the game in a first half matching up with Cat Barber. He led both squads with six assists and also contributed 10 points. With this solid performance out of the way it is now time for him to defend Findlay Prep’s national crown in Bethesda, MD.

Recap (East):

Andrew Wiggins – Despite playing from behind most of the game, Wiggins showed off his athleticism and also his defensive ability. Wiggins led the East with 19 points on 6-10 shooting and 7-8 from the line. After getting his opening three-pointer blocked by Parker, Wiggins decided to attack the basket including one possession where he blew by Parker for a baseline lay-up. On the defensive side of the ball, Wiggins took on Parker and forced him into a 4-13 shooting night.

Dakari Johnson – The best true low post man in the senior class had his way down low in the first half. Johnson used his size and strength to establish position and score on moves in the post. Getting to play with his high school point guard in Kasey Hill also helped as Hill hit Johnson with an alley-oop early on in the game. There aren’t many players in the senior class that can bang with Johnson down low and he took advantage early-on.

Cat Barber – The future N.C. State point guard got hurt early on in the Monday practice and was forced to sit out Tuesday as well. This didn’t stop him from showing off his cat like quickness on breaks and in half court sets. Barber was constantly attacking the basket by using dribble hesitation moves or showing off his handles. He excelled in the free flowing All-Star style and after the game Andrew Wiggins noted that Barber was the most enjoyable player on the East to play with.

Julius Randle – The latest Kentucky Wildcat pledge showed off his point forward skills as he utilized his patented top of the key hesitation move resulting in constant drives to the right side of the basket. He also mixed in one of the dunks of the night in the first half when he caught a behind the head alley-oop. Randle forced the action at times but still finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. 

Overall, fans were treated to an intense game with star studded match-ups such as Wiggins vs. Parker and Randle vs. Gordon. Coming into the McDonald’s week it was Gordon’s off the court announcement that drew the most attention; however it turned out to be his practice habits that set the stage early on for his on the court exploits.