Kristian Ferrell
The McDonald's All-American Game is an annual American basketball event showcasing the top high school basketball players in the country. The game has been played every year since 1978 and has featured some of the biggest names in men's basketball history, including future NBA and NCAA stars. The 2001 McDonald's All-American Game featured players such as Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, and David Lee. Of the 24 players, 17 went on to play in the NBA, with 5 choosing to enter the 2001 NBA draft directly after the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2001 |
| Game Type | McDonald's All-American Boys Game |
| Players | Eddy Curry, Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, T.J. Ford, David Lee, DeSagana Diop, Ousmane Cisse, Dajuan Wagner, Kelvin Torbert, James White |
| MVP | Eddy Curry |
| Number of players who went on to play in the NBA | 17 out of 24 |
| Number of players who declared their eligibility for the 2001 NBA draft | 5 |
| First overall pick in the NBA draft | Kwame Brown |
| Winner of the 2001 Slam Dunk contest | David Lee |
| Winner of the 2001 3-point shootout | Maurice Williams |
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What You'll Learn
The 2001 McDonald's All-American Boys Game
The 2001 game featured 24 players, including standouts like Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, TJ Ford, and David Lee. Of these 24 players, 17 went on to play in the NBA, an unprecedented number at the time. Five players from the game declared for the NBA draft, forgoing college, including Brown, who became the first overall pick, Chandler (2nd overall), Eddy Curry (4th overall and game MVP), DeSagana Diop (8th overall), and Ousmane Cisse (46th overall, who did not play in the NBA).
The McDonald's All-American Game originated in 1977 when the inaugural team was selected to play in the McDonald's Capital Classic all-star game. The following year, in 1978, the official McDonald's All-American Game began, featuring a boys' contest between East and West squads. The game has been played annually since, with the addition of a girls' contest in 2002, creating the current doubleheader format.
The players for the McDonald's All-American Game are chosen by a committee of basketball experts based on their skills and performances on and off the court. Since 1997 for boys and 2002 for girls, a national player of the year has been chosen from the McDonald's All-Americans based on activity in the community, classroom, and on the court. The award is named after high school coach Morgan Wootten, a founder of the McDonald's game.
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Kwame Brown, the first overall pick
In 2001, Kwame Hasani Brown, a high school basketball star, became the first overall pick in the NBA draft, making history as the first player to be drafted number one overall straight out of high school. Brown, who played for Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, was selected by the Washington Wizards, under team president Michael Jordan. This decision was met with some criticism, as Brown's rookie season was underwhelming, with averages of only 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Despite this, the Wizards believed in Brown's potential, and he saw more playing time in his second season.
Brown had an impressive high school career, consistently rated as the "'best high school player' in his class. His senior-year averages were impressive: 20.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 5.8 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. Brown's performance led him to be recruited by the University of Florida, but he later decided to declare for the 2001 NBA draft, a decision that would change his life.
As the first overall pick, Brown carried the weight of high expectations on his shoulders. Unfortunately, his career with the Washington Wizards did not live up to the hype. Many analysts consider him one of the biggest busts in NBA history, and his rookie season was marred by a lack of maturity and on-court production. However, it's important to note that Brown's underperformance may have been due in part to the immense pressure and expectations placed upon him as the first-ever high school player to be drafted number one overall.
Following his underwhelming start, Brown was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005, where he finally began to show signs of his potential. When Lakers center Chris Mihm suffered a season-ending injury, Brown stepped up, raising his averages to 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds, and starting every playoff game. His performance as a center prompted coach Phil Jackson to name him the starting center for the 2006-07 season. However, an early-season injury sidelined him, and he lost his starting role.
Brown went on to play for several other NBA teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers, over a 12-year career. While his career had its ups and downs, Brown's impact on the league as the first high school player drafted number one overall remains significant.
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Tyson Chandler, second overall pick
Tyson Chandler was the second overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers and then immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. Chandler was drafted straight out of high school, where he had been a star player, leading Dominguez to a state championship and a 31–4 record, averaging 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 blocks a game in his senior year.
Chandler's impressive high school career saw him selected to the McDonald's High School All-America Team, and he earned accolades from Parade Magazine and USA Today. He was also profiled on the current affairs TV program 60 Minutes.
Standing at 7-foot tall and weighing 235 lbs, Chandler played as a center and power forward. He was known for his defensive skills, being named to the NBA All-Defensive Team three times and voted the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. He also won gold medals with the US national team in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Chandler played for several NBA teams throughout his 19-year career, including the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. He was an integral part of the Dallas Mavericks' first NBA championship win in 2011 and was a 1x All-Star.
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David Lee, winner of the Slam Dunk contest
David Lee, winner of the 2001 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest, showcased his talent and skill in a competitive showcase. Lee, a naturally left-handed player, became ambidextrous after breaking his left arm and learned to play right-handed as well. This adaptability served him well in the dunk contest, where he beat James White in a closely contested final round. Lee's performance, which included a notable dunk that scored a 68, helped him edge out White by a single point to claim victory.
Lee's dunking prowess was not the only aspect of his game that stood out. During his high school career, he was named a first-team high school All-American by Parade magazine, demonstrating his all-around ability on the court. Lee's success continued as he went on to play college basketball for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida, where he excelled and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) freshman team in 2002.
In the 2005 NBA draft, Lee was selected by the New York Knicks with their second first-round pick, 30th overall. He spent five seasons with the Knicks and had notable performances, including a 23-point, 15-rebound, and three-steal game against the Phoenix Suns in January 2006. Lee's impact extended beyond his individual accomplishments, as he helped the Golden State Warriors win an NBA championship in 2015 during his fifth and final season with the team.
Lee's career was filled with accolades and achievements, including being a 2-time NBA All-Star and being selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 2013. He represented the Western Conference as an All-Star reserve in 2013, showcasing his consistent level of play. Lee's ability to rebound and score was evident throughout his career, as he averaged double-doubles during multiple seasons. His performance in the 2001 Slam Dunk Contest served as a launching pad for his successful basketball career, highlighting his talent and potential on a national stage.
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Maurice Williams, winner of the 3-point shootout
Maurice Williams, also known as Mo Williams, was born on December 19, 1982, in Jackson, Mississippi. He played basketball at Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and later attended college at the University of Alabama. Williams was drafted to the NBA in 2003, selected by the Utah Jazz as the 47th overall pick. Standing at 6-foot-1, Williams played as a point guard and shooting guard.
Williams was a talented player, known for his clutch plays and ability to make game-winning shots. In the 2006-07 season, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in nearly 35 minutes per game, all of which were career highs. Williams played for several teams throughout his 13-year NBA career, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
One of Williams' notable achievements was winning the 2001 3-point shootout at the McDonald's All-American Boys Game. This showcase highlighted his skills as a sharp-shooter from beyond the arc. Williams went on to have a successful NBA career, including being selected as an NBA All-Star in 2009 and winning an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016.
Williams' impact extended beyond his playing career. After retiring, he transitioned into a coaching role, becoming the head men's basketball coach at Jackson State University. Williams' success in the 2001 3-point shootout served as an early indicator of his talent and potential for a bright future in the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
The McDonald's All-American Game is an annual American all-star basketball game for high school graduates. It has been played every year since 1978 and is considered the preeminent showcase for the top high-school basketball talent in the country.
Some of the players who starred in the 2001 game were Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, T.J. Ford, and David Lee.
The annual event includes a slam dunk contest and a three-point shooting competition.
