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McD's AA: Tuesday notes

During Tuesday's action at the McDonald's All-American game there was a morning practice and an afternoon scrimmage that was televised by ESPNU. Here's a look at some of the Standouts

THE BEAST

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Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo

One guy that had the assembled throng of at least 50 NBA scouts buzzing was future NBA big man Bam Adebayo. The Kentucky bound big man fits the physical profile with his powerfully built near 6-foot-10 frame and he's absolutely an NBA level athlete. He has been an Alpha Dog on the glass, quick to the rim and looks a lot like a baby J.J. Hickson.

THE FIT

Frank Jackson
Frank Jackson (Courtesy MCDAAG)

Through a few days of practice, future Duke Blue Devil guard Frank Jackson has stood out as one of the best fits for the program he's headed two. An explosive combo guard, he is at his best in side ball screens where he reads them and attacks appropriately. Not saying he's Austin Rivers, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him utilized in some similar ways. Either way, he looks like a guy who can make an easy transition to his future program.

THE COMPETITOR

Josh Jackson
Josh Jackson (Courtesy MCDAAG)

Asking around practices, one of things that people want to know is which players have the competitive juice? 2016's No. 1 player Josh Jackson is somebody that is almost always mentioned. Because he has been unselfish -- almost too unselfish at points -- some of what he does gets lost in the shuffle but he's contributing in every way. NBA types have picked up pretty quickly on his transition play and slick passing.

THE BULL IN THE CHINA SHOP

Udoka Azubuike
Udoka Azubuike (Courtesy MCDAAG)

The question that we keep asking about Kansas bound Udoka Azubuike is what's he going to do once he can't overpower a defender and dunk the ball? So far at McDonald's nobody has really been able to stop that move. The pace of play has caught up to him at times so conditioning can be added to touch as an area for him to work on in college, but Azubuike has played with an enthusiasm that has rubbed off on others.

THE HIGH FLYER

There's no shortage of elite athletes in the class of 2016 and Kentucky bound shooting guard Malik Monk is among the upper crust. He's an effortless leaper who can hang just as long as he can jump high. After settling for way too many deep jumpers during his senior season, Monk has been much more active in attacking the rim and using his bounce. When he perfects the in between game he'll be lethal.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum (Courtesy MCDAAG)

There isn't really any way to know which of the McDonald's All-Americans has spent the most time in the gym honing their craft, but it would be surprising if any have spent more time than Jayson Tatum. The Duke bound wing has shown time and again that his skill level is off the charts and though he wasn't hot with the jumper on Tuesday, the variety of shots he has at his disposal is impressive. As he learns to move the ball a bit more and relocate it's going to be curtains.

THE LONG TERM PROSPECT

Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones (Courtesy MCDAAG)

As recently as a year ago, nobody could have seen Andrew Jones being a McDonald's All-American. We expected him to be a breakout player, but he's surpassed all expectations. Truth is the Texas bound 6-foot-4 combo guard is just scratching the surface. He's showed range on the shot, feel in the pick and roll and a huge ceiling for growth.

THE MAESTRO

Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball (Courtesy MCDAAG)

There isn't a better passer in attendance than Lonzo Ball, but people already know about his passing. What has really impressed has the way he's commanded his team and gotten guys where they need to be without having to bark at them. This is one confident dude who is going to get UCLA teammates loads of easy buckets next year. He's also been underrated defensively. Consider him a lock for the national top five and he's making a push for the top three.

THE JET

De'Aaron Fox
De'Aaron Fox (Courtesy MCDAAG)

There are times where De'Aaron Fox can be so fast with the ball that it gets the better of him. He gets into the lane so quickly that he sometimes does so before he's really got a plan of what to do. But, the important thing is that he can get where he wants to go and that there aren't many times where the Kentucky bound point guard won't be the quickest on the floor. To offset how defenses are going to back off of him, he's got to work on being more consistent with his jumper against high level competition.

THE THROWBACK

Marques Bolden
Marques Bolden (Courtesy MCDAAG)

Big men from eras past would get a kick out of watching Marques Bolden. The undecided five-star big man is a true throwback post player. He's been physical, he's operated with his back to the basket and he's helped to protect the rim when his perimeter defense breaks down. He is also pretty fluid for a young big his size and has been a true force on both ends when playing with energy.

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