2010 All-American Games Rosters Are Announced

It's official. Both McDonald's and Jordan have announced the rosters for their 2010 High School All-American games.

Dan Poneman chatting with Harrison Barnes

First, for McDonald's, which is set for Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00PM EST in Columbus, Ohio (For more information, click on each participants name to be connected to their Rivals page):


EAST
Reggie Bullock, G, Kinston, NC, North Carolina

Tobias Harris, F, Dix Hills, NY, Tennesee - Our HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Kyrie Irving, G, Elizabeth, NJ, Duke - Our INTERVIEW

Joe Jackson, G, Memphis, TN, Memphis

Perry Jones III, C, Duncanville, TX, Baylor

Jelan Kendrick, F, Marietta, GA, Memphis

C.J. Leslie, F, Raleigh, NC, Undecided

Kendall Marshall, G, Arlington, VA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW

Jayvaughn Pinkston, F, Brooklyn, NY, Villanova

Josh Selby, G, Baltimore, MD, Undecided - Our INTERVIEW

Jared Sullinger, C, Columbus, OH, Ohio State - Our INTERVIEW

Deshaun Thomas, F, Fort Wayne, IN, Ohio State


WEST
Keith Appling, G, Detroit, MI, Michigan State

Harrison Barnes, F, Ames, IA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Terrence Jones, F, Portland, OR, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Cory Joseph, G, Henderson, NV, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Brandon Knight, G, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Undecided

Doron Lamb, G, Mouth of Wilson, VA, Undecided

Ray McCallum, G, Detroit, MI, Undecided

Fabricio de Melo, C, Weston, FL, Syracuse

Jereme Richmond, F, Waukegan, IL, Illinois - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Josh Smith, C, Covington, WA, UCLA - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Tristan Thompson, F, Henderson, NV, Texas - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Patric Young, C, Jacksonville, FL, Florida


And now for the Jordan Classic which is set for Saturday, April 17th at 8:00PM EST at Madison Square Garden in New York City(Same links apply):


EAST
Reggie Bullock, G, Kinston, NC, North Carolina

Kyrie Irving, G, Elizabeth, NJ, Duke - Our INTERVIEW

Perry Jones III, C, Duncanville, TX, Baylor

Jelan Kendrick, F, Marietta, GA, Memphis

Brandon Knight, G, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Undecided

C.J. Leslie, F, Raleigh, NC, Undecided

Roscoe Smith, F, Mouth of Wilson, VA, UCONN

Jared Sullinger, C, Columbus, OH, Ohio State - Our INTERVIEW

Deshaun Thomas, F, Fort Wayne, IN, Ohio State

Dion Waiters, G, Philadelphia, PA, Syracuse


West
Harrison Barnes, F, Ames, IA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Will Barton, G, Baltimore, MD, Memphis - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Tobias Harris, F, Dix Hills, NY, Tennesee - Our HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Terrence Jones, F, Portland, OR, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Cory Joseph, G, Henderson, NV, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Doron Lamb, G, Mouth of Wilson, VA, Undecided

Kendall Marshall, G, Arlington, VA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW

Josh Selby, G, Baltimore, MD, Undecided - Our INTERVIEW

Josh Smith, C, Covington, WA, UCLA - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Tristan Thompson, F, Henderson, NV, Texas - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW


We will be in Columbus, Ohio for the McDonald's All-American game, so make sure to check back for more videos and coverage with the nation's top players.

Marko Petrovic (Findlay Prep) Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman- "The Croatian Catapult"

Marko Petrovic (Findlay Prep 2010) has three point shooting in his blood. The 6'3" shooting guard was invited to come to the states from his native Croatia to ball for Findlay Prep (the top high school basketball program in America) because of his transcendent ability to knock down shots from long range. One could've reasonably inferred, however, that he may possess this extraordinary ability without even having watched him take a shot because, well, it was about time someone took over the family business. Marko's uncle- the late Drazen Petrovic- is a member of the basketball hall of fame, the father of Croatian basketball, and the one whom many point to as the individual who paved the way for the current abundance of European stars in the NBA. But don't take my word for it, take it from NBA commissioner David Stern himself: "Drazen Petrovic was an extraordinary young man, and a true pioneer in the global sports of basketball. I know that a lasting part of his athletic legacy will be that he paved the way for other international players to compete successfully in the NBA. His contributions to the sport of basketball were enormous. We are all proud of the fact we knew him." Or from Michael Jordan "It was a thrill to play against Drazen. Every time we competed, he competed with an aggressive attitude. He wasn't nervous; he came at me as hard as I came at him. So, we've had some great battles in the past and unfortunately, they were short battles." Those battles were short because Drazen tragically died in a car accident at just 28 years of age, after only four seasons in the NBA (he was the player of the year in Europe twice before coming the the states), and now Marko has returned to America to finish what uncle Drazen started. After starting the season as a little used reserve for the Pilots- a team that starts two top 20 players in the nation in the backcourt- Marko has become a starter and a key contributor for Coach Peck's squad since top 50 guard Jabari Brown left the school last month. Some of the highlights of his season include a 22 point outing, a game in which he made 6 of the 7 three pointers he took, and a 27 point, 8/11 shooting day against a very good Christian Life (TX) squad. A charismatic and confident young Croatian, Marko shows in this interview why he is the man for the job- why he the kid with the heart and desire to make the name Petrovic relevant in the basketball world once again... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Rayvonte Rice & Karl Madison- Highlights & Interview with Dan Poneman- "Drake Fans- Congratulations"

Rayvonte Rice (Champaign Centennial) and Karl Madison (Springfield Lanphier) both are kids who had plenty of options as to where they could've chosen to play their college ball. Rayvonte is one of the top ten players in Illinois, and is having arguably the best senior season of any player in the state, including McDonald's All-American Jereme Richmond, who Rayvonte outplayed when his Centennial Chargers defeated Jereme's Waukegan Bulldogs to claim the title of top ranked team. A 6'4" wing player with a big body and big time hops, "Trey" doesn't have many flaws to his game on offense or defense, and has been proving all season long that he deserves some consideration for a national ranking. Karl Madison is a point guard's point guard, and the 41st in the nation, according to ESPN.com. A lighting quick floor general with a tight handle and a basketball IQ that's through the roof, Karl can dominate a game by driving and dishing to set up his teammates just as easily as he can take over in the blink of an eye with his deadly three point stroke. Just like his buddy Trey in Champaign, Karl often gets left out of the conversation for the state's best players due to his distance from the Windy City, but when one sits down to watch him play it's almost comical to think that people forget to bring him up when discussing the state's elite back court players. Both of these kids had a lot of college options, there's no doubt about that, and they would've had many more suitors had they waited to commit until after their senior season; so, you may ask, why did they commit to Drake? A mid major school in Iowa that's going through a rebuilding process with a new coaching staff? For real guys? Easy...where you see a question mark, they see an opportunity. Some kids like following others, but kids like Trey and Karl like blazing their own trail. Where you a mid major school that's rebuilding, they see a program with great fans, in a great conference, with a passionate and energetic coach- a program that just needs a couple of players to believe- a team with potential to do extraordinary things with the addition of a few perfect pieces. Where you see fear, they see excitement; where you see a risk, they are so confident in their skills that that same risk looks to them like a sure thing. Drake fans: You better buckle your seat belts, because for the next four year's you'll be in for the ride of your life. Congratulations... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Winston Shepard (Findlay Prep) - Too Big For Texas - Interview with Daniel Poneman and Highlights

If you are lucky enough to have ever encountered Winston Shepard, then you can vouch for me when I say that he defines one of a kind. A 6'7" wing with freakish athletic ability and a flair for the spectacular- Shepard is considered one of the top ten sophomores in America thanks to a collection of natural abilities that you only see in a handful of players per generation. Strangely enough though, it isn't until he steps off the court that Mr. Shepard truly enters his element. With a big, bright, white smile that he flashes at all the right times, extra long limbs that fit perfectly into his navy blue sweatsuit- and seem to move in just the right way as he glides out of the locker room and down the hall to greet his adoring fans, and a innate confidence that only can come from being arguably the top prospect on the top high school basketball program in the world- Shepard's social presence might just surpass that which he has on the basketball court. By the time Winston had finished his freshman season at Hightower High (TX), there was an undeniable buzz that stretched far beyond the Lone Star State about the unbelievably talented kid from Houston. With enough talent to garner early offers from a long list of schools including Texas, Okahoma, and Arizona, it would've been easy for Winston to have ridden out the rest of his high school years in Texas being "the man," living (what most kids his age consider) "the dream" and never having a care in the world. But that dream wasn't Winston's dream; his dream involved a decorated NCAA career, an NBA contract, and a life filled with choices that he could be proud of when it was all said and done- a dream that he knew would take hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of sacrifice. So Winston packed his bags and left home to go out west to the desert of Henderson, Nevada- passing up being big man on campus back home for the opportunity to be a part of the most prestigious and highly regarded high school basketball program in the world. Winston knew that the private school academics, college style training program, and national travel schedule was going to be a challenge to say the least, but he knew that if he wanted to truly become the best, that meant becoming a Findlay Prep Pilot. In his first season at Findlay, Winston is thriving; he competes with and learns from teammates like Tristan Thompson (going to Texas), Nick Johnson (#18 junior in the nation), and Cory Joseph (McDonalds All-American), he provides a spark plug off the bench as a role player for the #1 ranked Pilots, and, if it wasn't already a given, he makes hoards of new friends and adds members to the Winston Shepard fan club in every city they stop in. Winston Shepard may still be young, but that might just be the best part about him- the future is his canvas- and I couldn't be more excited to see what this young man is going to paint... For more information email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Thomas Laerke (Findlay Prep) Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman at City of Palms

Thomas Laerke, a native of Denmark, is the newest member of the Findlay Prep Pilots. Findlay Prep is a school in Henerson, Nevada that is designed for the best and brightest young basketball players in the world to have the opportunity to play for an elite, around the clock, college style program to better prepare them for their respective NCAA futures. Laerke joins a team that is absolutely loaded with talent from top to bottom; some of the top players on the team are Tristan Thomson (Texas recruit), Cory Joseph (top 10 in the nation), Nick Johnson (top 20 in the nation), and Winston Shepard (top 10 in the nation). I got a chance to watch Laerke in action in his first tournament with the Pilots, the prestigious City of Palms Holiday Tournament, and he put on quite a show. In two of his three games at the event he poured in 17 points per, and he caught the attention of the many college scouts and recruiting analysts in the building with his outstanding play. A long range marksmen, Laerke has gone from having only one college suitor (Idaho) to having tons of schools from across the country vying for his services, and the list is only going to keep on growing.... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Orr vs. Hyde Park- CPS Playoff Highlights- Fabyon Harris, Mycheal Henry, CJ Jones, Treyshawn Jones

Everyone high school athlete wants to win a state title; this much is obvious. For many young men in the city of Chicago, however, there is one crown that is in many ways more desirable: the Chicago Public League City Championship. Chicago is a big city, and basketball is far more than just a game from Lake Michigan to the West side- from the Evanston border to the wild 100's. At the end of the season there can only be one champion; only one team who can truly claim to be the best Chi-town has to offer, and many young Chicagoans are ready to give every once of effort they've got for the chance to make that claim. The game featured in this video, a match-up between Orr (west side) and Hyde Park (south side), was a hard fought and tightly contested game that featured no fewer than four future division one players, and they were only playing to get to the quarterfinals! Fabyon Harris vs. Mycheal Henry, Curtis Jones vs. Treyshawn Jones: a battle for the ages... Enjoy... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Vincent "Air Boy Entertainment" Garrett: Dunks, Blocks, and an Interview with Dan Poneman

Vincent Garrett is the best dunker in the city of Chicago; I think at this point that's indisputable. In this video though, he states on camera that he feels he is the best dunker in America, and it's hard to argue with his claim after you see the footage of some of the dunks he threw down at the MLK classic. Vincent isn't all flash and highlights though; the kid has worked hard and made his way from unpolished, raw athlete to a versatile and dynamic combo forward in no time flat. Garrett has the Marshall Commandos on a roll, and if he takes care of business this week they will roll right to the city championship on the shoulders of "Air Boy Entertainment." A baller on the court- Vince knows how to handle himself off it too; he is smooth, charismatic, and always goofy. He will probably be attending junior college next year, but chances he will have high major options after he has done his two years, and be dunking on fools in the NCAA tourney in no time... For more info email danielponeman@gmail.com

Mike McCall- "Chi-City's Silent Killer" - St. Louis Recruit Clips & Chat with Dan Poneman

Mike McCall has been a presence on the Chicago basketball scene for as far back as my memory goes; from throwing down on the AAU circuit on the Illinois Heat to starting as a freshman on varsity for Foreman, there was never any doubt Mike could play. Yeah, Mike was always there alright, but it wasn't until this past year- when he helped lead Foreman to a surprise run to the championship game of the CPS Holiday tournament- that people stopped just watching and started paying attention. See, Mike has never been alone in the backcourt, which in many ways was a blessing and a curse. Every step of the way Mike was side by side with his friend (his "brother") Lavonte Dority. Lavonte - who will play in the Big East next year at South Florida- was always the one with the brightest spotlight on him, the one getting the newspaper headlines and internet buzz, well Mike was stuck being labeled Robin to Lavonte's Batman. Now don't get me wrong, Mike didn't mind his role- he loves his brother and is as humble and appreciative kid as can be- but that didn't mean he was going to sit back and be second fiddle forever. With nothing but heart and desire driving him, Mike worked and worked until he made it clear to the world that he was ready to change his title from sidekick to partner, and since then he has continued his steady ascent to the top of the city hierarchy and into the national rankings. Mike and Lavonte (as well as Eastern Illinois recruit Tommy Woolridge) team up to form arguably the best backcourt in the state, and undoubtedly among the most dominant in the entire midwest. With Mike's lethal outside shot and quickness, Lavonte's strength, explosiveness, and basketball IQ, and the magnificent chemistry that they have formed over the past six years, the Foreman Hornets are legitimate state title contenders- and the newspapers currently rank them as the #2 team in the Chicagoland area. McCall, who Foreman coach Terry Head has labeled "The Silent Killer," because of his deadly scoring ability and humble and focused demeanor, has gone from overlooked kid in the shadows to legitimate candidate for Illinois Mr. Basketball, and in this interview we discuss everything about his journey. There are also some highlight clips mixed in so you can see what Mr. McCall is made of. Enjoy.

Quinton Chievous (Niles Notre Dame 2011) The ESCC's Super Sleeper- Ready to Awake

I had heard all the rumblings over the past few months about some kid with an NBA dad in the north burbs that had a little bit of game, but I had already seen the kid with my own two eyes- sitting on the bench for the Mac Irvin Fire- so I wasn't ready to buy into the hype just yet. I talked to people in the know, asked their opinion, and it was pretty consistent: the kid has serious game- just go see for yourself. So thats what I did, I went and watched him play a game against Lincoln Park- a tough senior led squad from Chicago's north side, and all I can say is I got my money's worth and then some. Quinton Chievious (6'5" SF) poured in 23 points in the second half and overtime, and scored his points in a variety of ways, often while facing double and triple teams. This kid is not all hype- no way jose- his game is almost as real as his bloodline (his dad Derrick was a star at Missouri and played 5 years in the league), and he is stock will only keep on rising. Watch out for the sleeper in the ESCC, because before long he's going to be dunking on you, just don't say I didn't warn you... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Sam Thompson - The Best Athlete in Chicago - Sick Highlight Reel - He's a Freak of Nature 2011

Sam Thompson is widely considered by recruiting experts and scouts to be a top 25 player in the nation for the class of 2011. That would be an honor for some players, but I think they are selling him short. The 6'6 wing has more natural athletic ability than any player I've ever seen, and his skills are no joke either. Sam wowed basketball fans and college coaches across America with ridiculous dunks and big time blocks throughout the AAU season, with the Mac Irvin Fire, and he carried that momentum into the season for #1 ranked Young until an injury sidelined him for most of their conference games. Sam is considering Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio State, Kansas, Oregon State, and Florida, and no matter which school he chooses he is almost guaranteed to be featured more than a handful of times on ESPNs top plays. This highlight reel features a few big time blocks and dunks from two games in December... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Aaron Simpson: Scoring Machine: #1 Sophomore in Illinois Highlights 32 points- 2 four point plays and Interview

Aaron Simpson (North Chicago 2012) is a flat out scoring machine, and many consider him to be the #1 sophomore in the state of Illinois. The 6'0" combo guard gets his points from all over the floor, and in this game he does his damage from the outside; he hit 7 threes, including 2 four point plays, against a loaded Chicago Marshall squad at the MLK classic. Simpson plays on the AAU circuit with Team NLP, coached by former NBA player and current ESPN commentator Dickey Simpkins... for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Michael Simpson (North Chicago) Unsigned Senior Highlights vs. Chicago Marshall and Interview

Michael Simpson of North Chicago High School may get overshadowed at times by his younger brother (Aaron- top sophomore in Illinois), which is a shame because this kid has some serious game himself. He may be small, but he is quick, strong, smart, and tough, and when I caught a recent North Chicago game against Chicago Marshall he displayed all of these qualities and showed why he is one of the elite unsigned prospects in Illinois. Michael is trained by former NBA player Dickey Simpkins (CEO of Team NLP), who raves about Mike's work ethic and leadership... for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com