McDonald's All-American Game: Monday practice standouts
CHICAGO-- The first open practice of McDonald's All American Game week -- there was a Sunday night session open to only voters and NBA scouts -- kicked off at the Quest Multisport center on the west side of Chicago Monday.
Five-stars Michael Porter Jr. and Collin Sexton highlighted standouts from the West and East teams.
MICHAEL PORTER JR. HEADLINES THE WEST
For lack of a better description, the West practice was pretty sloppy at times. After somewhat of a slow start, the future Missouri Tiger got things going. He scored at the rim, he hit deep jumpers and he certainly caught the attention of the 50-plus NBA personnel seated along the baseline.
Down to Arizona, Michigan State, Oregon, San Diego State and UNLV, McCoy is one of only six undecided players in the game. He was very good from beginning to end, as he played strong around the basket and played hard on both ends of the floor. McCoy looked a little sluggish during the winter but is in tip top shape while playing in his hometown.
The heir apparent to Lonzo Ball at UCLA, Hands had a good day. One of the quickest players in attendance, he used his burst and ability get through small openings to his advantage. He's still got to get stronger, but did a nice job absorbing some contact.
There wasn't anything flashy about Walker's performance, but he was very steady. The physicality of college ball shouldn't be a problem for the strong and tough shooting guard. Florida State and Georgia Tech look to be the clubhouse leaders.
With so many NBA types watching, it can be easy to overdo things in a setting like the McDonald's practices. Troy Brown didn't fall into that trap. A versatile wing who can play all three perimeter spots, Brown is comfortable in his own skin and is happy to rebound, defend and take what is given to him offensively. When he gets consistent with his jumper he'll be a nightmare cover at Final Four bound Oregon.
SEXTON LEADS EAST PRACTICE
Sexton looks on track to be the most exciting backcourt player that Crimson Tide fans have seen since James "Hollywood" Robinson. Nobody could stay in front of him during the East's practice session and he seemingly scored at will. He also showed that he can create for others, and NBA guys loved his motor.
The development of Bamba continues to impress. He looks to have grown to a legitimate seven-feet (maybe even slightly taller), and his length makes things miserable for other big men in the lane. He ran the floor, hit a few jumpers and looked really smooth playing with elite counterparts. He's still mulling over Duke, Kentucky, Michigan and Texas.
Knox looks to have taken his game to a new level. As a hybrid who can play as a big wing or as a mobile, floor spacing, four man, he really fits the direction basketball is headed. He's added some strength and was burying lots of rainbow jumpers from deep. Duke, Florida State, Kentucky or North Carolina will be getting a potential difference maker from day one.
Sometimes it seems like Walker gets forgotten when talking about 2017's elite wings. Just in case anybody needed it, he served a reminder on Monday that he can still fill it. There's no extra to his game that isn't needed, and he was efficient from deep while showing athleticism to finish at the rim when needed.
Robinson still needs to add a lot of weight to his thin frame, but his ceiling for growth as a player is tremendous. Western Kentucky has the steal of the class; stylistically he looks like a baby Hassan Whiteside. He's proving that his top-10 status in 2017 is very much warranted.