It won't be easy for John Wall, the No. 1 player in the nation, to miss out on the opportunity to play in the McDonald's All American Game. Because he is a fifth-year high school player, Wall isn't eligible for the game. A couple of weeks later in Madison Square Garden, however, Wall will be able to display his freakish skills to the country in the Jordan Brand Classic on Saturday, April 18 at 8 p.m. EST.
"Playing in the Jordan game means a lot because it is tough that I can't play in the McDonald's game," Wall told Rivals.com. "But I still get to play in the Jordan game, and it's going to be fun just like the McDonald's game. And it's at [Madison Square Garden], which is one of the best courts to play basketball. So hopefully I'll be able to show the people in New York what kind of basketball I can play."
One glaring omission from the game is No. 9 Lance Stephenson. A top-10 prospect and New York native was passed up by fellow New Yorkers Lamont Jones (unranked) and Durand Scott (No. 41). Makes one wonder if the rejection has something to do with Stephenson's relationship with Under Armour and his recent surprise visit to marquee Under Armour school Maryland.
Here is a look at the 20 participants in the 2009 Jordan Brand Classic with Rivals.com rank: