2011 McDonald's All-Americans

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McDonald's All-Americans -- East team

Bradley Beal, SG (St. Louis/Chaminade) Ht.: 6-3 | Wt.: 177 | Rank: 7 | SG Rank: 2 | College: Florida Stats: 33.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.2 apg Paul Biancardi's breakdown: Beal is one of the most outstanding and consistent jump shooters and 3-point shooters in high school basketball. He always plays under control and is a very smooth performer. Watch him move without the ball because he understands how to get open and use screens. Dave Telep's take: Regarded by most as one of the elite competitors in high school basketball, Beal was named captain of his two USA Basketball squads, which both won gold medals. To hear him speak of the experience with reverence will go down in my mind as a special story. To me, Beal is an ideal teammate, a quiet star and a fantastic all-around basketball player.

Chane Behanan, PF (Bowling Green, Ky./Bowling Green) Ht.: 6-7 | Wt.: 230 | Rank: 27 | PF Rank: 6 | College: Louisville Stats: 23.4 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 4.2 spg Biancardi's breakdown: Behanan is an agile, rebounding machine who gets in the paint and carves out space for himself. His thick frame also lets him take contact and finish inside. Telep's take: This past spring, Behanan was in search of an invitation to the NBA Top 100 Camp. At no point would anyone have projected him to walk out of the building with the MVP award, but that's exactly what happened. His performance on the big stage led to scholarship offers and his eventual selection as a McDonald's All-American.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG (Greenville, Ga./Greenville) Ht.: 6-4 | Wt.: 190 | Rank: 22 | SG Rank: 6 | College: Georgia Stats: 28.2 ppg, 5.0 apg, 6.0 spg Biancardi's breakdown: He's a big-time shooter who lets the game come to him. Caldwell-Pope can score effectively against man or zone and stretches out the defense. He also has the potential to be an excellent on-the-ball defender. Telep's take: He's a man of few words and deep, high-arcing jump shots. Mark Fox's signature recruit put on a show in the spring in Hampton, Va., with the Georgia Blazers. Granted, he clicked off a lot of shots, but he had my attention with a 10-for-22 shooting spree that culminated in 37 points. Quiet kid, loud game.

Michael Carter-Williams, SG (Hamilton, Mass./St. Andrew's) Ht.: 6-5 | Wt.: 175 | Rank: 18 | SG Rank: 5 | College: Syracuse Stats: 20.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 6.3 apg Biancardi's breakdown:Carter-Williams is a long, thin athletic scoring guard who is always in attack mode. He is also excellent at creating space for his jumper or creative with the dribble to get to the rim, especially with the clock winding down. Telep's take: In his final summer on the AAU circuit, Carter-Williams captained a youthful group of BABC All-Stars. His first game at the Peach Jam was a 44-point eruption and was the catalyst for his candidacy as an All-American. ESPN's Mike LaPlante noted that he made 30 of 35 free throws on his first day at the Peach Jam.

Rakeem Christmas, C (Philadelphia/Academy of the New Church) Ht.: 6-9 | Wt.: 230 | Rank: 16 | C Rank: 2 | College: Syracuse Stats: 11.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.9 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: Christmas has shown the ability to dominate a game from the defensive end because he works the glass and is difficult to score against thanks to his 7-foot wingspan. However, he also runs the floor on offense and has good touch inside. Telep's take: It's tough to look back and find one singular moment regarding Christmas. However, he did one thing as a high schooler that I'll never forget. Christmas' gift is his ability to elevate in traffic, above the rim, over everybody. I'll remember him as the guy who spent a good portion of his career peering through the rim.

Quinn Cook, PG (Hyattsville, Md./Oak Hill Academy) Ht.: 6-1 | Wt.: 180 | Rank: 39 | PG Rank: 7 | College: Duke Stats: 19.1 ppg, 10.9 apg, 2.5 spg Biancardi's breakdown: He is a battle-tested point guard who is adept at driving and kicking to open teammates, but if you leave him alone, he will make you pay. Cook is also solid in transition where gets the ball to his playmakers. Telep's take: Cook wasn't the most talented guard on the two USA Basketball teams he played for during his career. Regardless, he was USA's starting point for two straight summers because he made the game easier for those around him and kept the superstars happy. He won a pair of gold medals with the squad.

Michael Gilchrist, SF (Somerdale, N.J./St. Patrick) Ht.: 6-7 | Wt.: 210 | Rank: 3 | SF Rank: 1 | College: Kentucky Stats: 21.1 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 5.0 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Gilchrist is a tremendous athlete who wants to dominate and has the disposition to do so. The future Wildcat is a consistent producer who beats defenders with his rebounding and ability to drive to the basket, and is a capable outside shooter. Telep's take: The first time I met Gilchrist was in the Dean Dome, and St. Patrick coach Kevin Boyle pointed out this thin yet talented eighth-grader who was playing that day for Boyle's son's AAU team. Boyle told me he was going to be "pretty good." A year later, he was the top prospect in the class of 2011, and he is now the most competitive player in the senior class. He won a celebrated camp matchup against Harrison Barnes and was named the 2009 NBA Camp's top overall prospect.

P.J. Hairston, SG (Greensboro, N.C./Hargrave Military Academy) Ht.: 6-6 | Wt.: 220 | Rank: 13 | SG Rank: 3 | College: North Carolina Stats: 25.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 4.7 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Hairston is a skilled defender with great size and strength who can knock down 3s, get to the rim, make contact and finish. When he lets it go, you think it's going in, and he can break open a game with consecutive 3s. Telep's take: He led the NBA camp in scoring and once hit for 53 points in a game for Greensboro Dudley, but neither stands out as much as his 20-point second-quarter outburst against Kinston in a 3-A regional loss to Reggie Bullock. With UNC coach Roy Williams sitting courtside, the future teammates combined for 57 points in front of 6,500 fans.

James McAdoo, PF (Norfolk, Va./Norfolk Christian) Ht.: 6-8 | Wt.: 216 | Rank: 5 | PF Rank: 3 | College: North Carolina Stats: 21.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.4 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: McAdoo is a highly skilled power forward who has good fundamentals and plays with great effort. He is also an active rebounder with a face-up game to 15 feet who can run the floor and finish with the best of them. Simply put, when you're dreaming about power forwards, he's your guy. Telep's take: He has a Tim Duncan-esque way about him. There isn't a more unassuming star in the senior class, yet he has every reason to toot his own horn. As fundamentally sound a player as there is in high school ball (sounds like Duncan, right?), McAdoo was named USA Basketball's 2009 male athlete of the year. At 16 years old, he became the youngest person ever to win the award.

Johnny O'Bryant, PF (Cleveland, Miss./East Side) Ht.: 6-10 | Wt.: 265 | Rank: 30 | PF Rank: 7 | College: LSU Stats: 19.2 ppg, 14.7 rpg, 6.2 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: O'Bryant is a true post player whose powerful body and strength allow him to carve out position in the paint. He also has strong hands to rebound and soft hands to score inside. Telep's take: This kid, because of his long hair and mature body, looks like the last guy you'd want to tangle with. He'll be remembered for his size and overall athletic ability. On dozens of occasions at major national events, O'Bryant would complete a spin move or knock down a jumper. The move would defy his size but demonstrate his physical gifts.

Marshall Plumlee, C (Warsaw, Ind./Christ School) Ht.: 6-11 | Wt.: 215 | Rank: 37 | C Rank: 4 | College: Duke Stats: 12.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 3.5 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: Plumlee is a mobile big who runs the floor extremely well with focus, energy and purpose. He has a solid face-up jumper to 15 feet, is an active rebounder and is difficult to score over. Telep's take: He spent three years at Christ School playing in the shadow of his brothers, one of whom also played in the McDonald's game. As a senior, Plum-3 came into his own. Always smiling, he's the epitome of a happy-go-lucky kid trapped in a 7-footer's body. Not too many centers can say they beat Deuce Bello (High Point, N.C./Westchester Country Day) in a slam-dunk contest, but Plumlee did at this year's City of Palms Classic.

Shannon Scott, PG (Alpharetta, Ga./Milton) Ht.: 6-2 | Wt.: 170 | Rank: 29 | PG Rank: 6 | College: Ohio State Stats: 13.0 ppg, 7.0 apg, 2.5 spg Biancardi's breakdown: No senior has improved more than Scott. He is a true point guard who is a floor general with great instincts and prides himself on making his team win. Telep's take: The pressure of being the son of the ACC's first-ever black player never outwardly affected him. He made the McDonald's game mainly on his inspired play as a senior. In two national TV games, Scott showed his toughness, and his nomination to this team is a vindication that the high school season still has meaning.

McDonald's All-Americans -- West team

Khem Birch, C (Montreal/Notre Dame Prep) Ht.: 6-9 | Wt.: 210 | Rank: 11 | C Rank: 1 | College: Pittsburgh Stats: 18.0 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 6.0 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: He is a terrific, young athlete and tremendous shot-blocker. Defensively, Birch can cover a lot of ground and is one of the few prospects who can influence the game without leaving the paint. Telep's take: The 2010 LeBron James Academy was the setting, and Derrick Favors comparisons were ringing out from the crowd. Months later, Birch would switch from the class of 2012 back into the 2011 class. He played beat the buzzer, then inked with Pittsburgh giving Jamie Dixon his highest-rated recruit ever as Panthers head coach.

Wayne Blackshear, SG (Chicago/Morgan Park) Ht.: 6-5 | Wt.: 205 | Rank: 17 | SG Rank: 4 | College: Louisville Stats: 33.7 ppg, 16.5 rpg, 6.3 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Blackshear is a strong, physical perimeter player who gets to the rim and scores despite contact. He is also an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor and has the tools to be an awesome defender. Telep's take: We're in the evaluation and prediction business, and because of our qualifications, we can tell you Blackshear's memorable moment will come in April. Despite a résumé of big numbers and deep jumpers, his shining moment will come when they call his name as a starter in the McDonald's All-American Game, which takes place in his hometown of Chicago.

Anthony Davis, PF (Chicago/Perspectives Charter) Ht.: 6-10 | Wt.: 195 | Rank: 2 | PF Rank: 1 | College: Kentucky Stats: 32.0 ppg, 22.0 apg, 7.0 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: He is the most unique prospect in the class. Davis combines excellent athleticism, shot-blocking, scoring prowess, rebounding and ballhandling in a 6-10 frame. The Kentucky signee is an absolute matchup nightmare. Telep's take: At the Hensley Memorial in May, Davis popped up on the national radar. Somewhere between the pregame layup line and halftime, he earned numerous invitations to national camps and planted the seed in my mind that he might be the best prospect in the country. Davis' shining moment (and he's had a bunch in a short span) was when he was named the top overall prospect at the 2010 NBA Camp.

Branden Dawson, SF (Gary, Ind./Lew Wallace) Ht.: 6-6 | Wt.: 220 | Rank: 20 | SF Rank: 5 | College: Michigan State Stats: 28.7 ppg, 18.6 rpg, 5.6 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Dawson is an explosive, powerful and prolific rebounder who runs in transition and can finish high above the rim. He will bring toughness and competitiveness to the game. Telep's take: He's cultivated a reputation as one of the best rebounders in the country, and Tom Izzo should know, because he watched every one of Dawson's games during the summer. As a junior, Dawson hit up powerful Milwaukee Vincent High for 40 points and 20 rebounds in a road game. One college coach who caught his act phoned in from the gym proclaiming he'd never seen anyone have a better presence on the glass than Dawson.

Myck Kabongo, PG (Toronto/Findlay Prep) Ht.: 6-2 | Wt.: 160 | Rank: 9 | PG Rank: 2 | College: Texas Stats: 17.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6.5 apg Biancardi's breakdown: He's a one-man fast break who shows shades of former Longhorn T.J. Ford in terms of being a true point guard and floor general. He understands how to make guys better, is excellent in the pick-and-roll and always makes the right read. Kabongo always brings his vivacious personality and wears his emotions on his sleeve. Telep's take: He's been on championship AAU teams and powerhouse prep clubs. However, his best work came as the leader of the 2010 NBA Camp. Arguably the top performer at camp until a fever took him out of action, Kabongo woke up as many campers as he could every morning for optional 7 a.m. workouts. Months later, he handled a decommitment and subsequent recommitment to Texas with class on ESPNU.

LeBryan Nash, SF (Dallas/Lincoln) Ht.: 6-7 | Wt.: 230 | Rank: 6 | SF Rank: 2 | College: Oklahoma State Stats: 23.0 ppg, 9.0 apg, 5.0 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Nash is possibly the most physically gifted player in the McDonald's All-American Game. His explosiveness, power, strength and athleticism make him hard to stop once he gets in the paint with the drive or the post-up. The future Cowboy also gets rebounds out of his area and has an improving jump shot. Telep's take: If there's one thing we know about Nash, it's that he's got style and flair. Most kids announce their college choice by donning a baseball cap. Not Nash. Live on ESPNU, Nash busted out a bright orange 10-gallon cowboy hat and played as though he had a pair of six shooters, then committed to Oklahoma State.

Austin Rivers, SG (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park) Ht.: 6-4 | Wt.: 189 | Rank: 1 | SG Rank: 1 | College: Duke Stats: 30.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.0 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Rivers is the most dangerous scorer in the high school game who loves to compete and has the swagger needed to be the best. If the game is on the line, give it to him, and he will deliver. He also can take over a game, especially with his deadly shot. Telep's take: Rivers set the USA under-18 record when he scored 35 points against Canada during the summer. The performance always will be remembered for his accuracy behind the arc. Rivers connected on his first nine 3-pointers against the Canadians. In leading USA to the gold medal, Rivers averaged 20.2 points. In the first game I ever watched him play, Rivers coaxed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to go down making an outstanding first impression.

Marquis Teague, PG (Indianapolis/Pike) Ht.: 6-2 | Wt.: 175 | Rank: 8 | PG Rank: 1 | College: Kentucky Stats: 22.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 5.7 apg Biancardi's breakdown: He can take an outlet pass, can go coast-to-coast as fast as anyone and is almost unstoppable in transition. Once he's in the paint, you're at his mercy: He will either finish or make an assist. Telep's take: In April, at the Elite Youth Basketball League in Hampton, Va., Teague was the best player at the event. He opened up the elite spring tournament by scoring 30 points and putting on a show that cemented his status not just as the nation's top point guard but as one of the truly elite players in the senior class. The part of his game that consistently stood out the most was his speed. He carved up high school and AAU defenses as though he was on the power play in open ice confronting a helpless goalie.

Adonis Thomas, SF (Memphis, Tenn./Melrose) Ht.: 6-7 | Wt.: 210 | Rank: 10 | SF Rank: 3 | College: Memphis Stats: 23.0 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 4.0 apg Biancardi's breakdown: Thomas is a difficult matchup because he is too strong and athletic for perimeter players and too strong and quick for bigs. He brings great energy to the game and is a highlight reel in transition. Telep's take: There sat Thomas, front row at Memphis Midnight Madness staring up at big screen, as Penny Hardaway extolled the virtues of staying home and playing for the Tigers. Thomas' official visit and Memphis' courtship of the local star is one of the better recruiting stories of the year. No matter the setting, Thomas' motor ran at the same speed, and he became universally lauded for his on-the-court intelligence.

Amir Williams, C (Birmingham, Mich./Detroit Country Day) Ht.: 6-10 | Wt.: 220 | Rank: 36 | C Rank: 3 | College: Ohio State Stats: 19.0 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 5.0 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: He's a super long, talented post who can block shots, run the floor and score. Williams, who has a high ceiling, is especially good at scoring with his back to the basket or on drop-off passes. Telep's take: Williams entered the trials for USA Basketball's U18 team as a long shot last summer. In a head-to-head battle for a spot, he outplayed Mikael Hopkins (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha) and earned himself a roster spot for a team that won the gold medal. As a junior, he won a state title while playing with Detroit standout Ray McCallum.

Kyle Wiltjer, PF (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) Ht.: 6-9 | Wt.: 221 | Rank: 15 | PF Rank: 5 | College: Kentucky Stats: 20.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.2 bpg Biancardi's breakdown: He is a versatile prospect with some old-school moves. Wiltjer is a legitimate 3-point shooter who can score with his back to the basket, is a perfect pick-and-pop player and understands how to lift a defender off the ground and score. Telep's take: The Kentucky signee has Olympic dreams and last summer he utilized his dual citizenship and helped Canada to a strong showing at the FIBA World Championship. Wiltjer's father, Greg, played on the 1984 Canadian Olympic team. On a lighter note, at NBA Camp the "Toilet Bowl" matches the two worst teams in camp, and it was Wiljter's perimeter barrage that sparked his team in the infamous game.

Cody Zeller, PF (Washington, Ind./Washington) Ht.: 6-11 | Wt.: 210 | Rank: 12 | PF Rank: 4 | College: Indiana Stats: 24.1 ppg, 13.7 rpg, 3.0 apg Biancardi's breakdown: He is a talented and tough power forward who has great hands in the post and loves to shoot jump hook over his left shoulder. Zeller is also a strong rebounder with a good basketball IQ. Telep's take: It's all about family for Zeller. With his selection, Cody becomes the third Zeller to participate in the McDonald's game. Brothers Luke (Notre Dame) and Tyler (North Carolina) began the tradition. Zeller is regarded as the crown recruiting jewel of Tom Crean's tenure in Bloomington.

Paul Biancardi, who has been a head coach and assistant on NCAA tournament teams, is the national director of basketball recruiting. He is also one the voters for the McDonald's All-American Game and Gatorade Player of the Year. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter.
Dave Telep is the senior basketball recruiting analyst for ESPN.com. His college basketball scouting service is used by more than 225 colleges and numerous NBA teams. He can be reached at espndt@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter.

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