Breaking down the 2024 McDonald’s All American Boys Game roster

Twenty-four of the top 40 men’s college basketball recruits in the 2024 ESPN 100 were named McDonald’s All-Americans on Tuesday.

Seventeen colleges (so far) were represented among the rosters, with three uncommitted players still yet to announce their college decisions.

The top 15 prospects in the 2024 class were all named All-Americans, headlined by No. 1 recruit Cooper Flagg. Five programs will feature multiple recruits in the game, with Duke, Rutgers, Kentucky, North Carolina and Alabama all having two players named to the roster.

How good is the 2024 class of McDonald’s All Americans? What will each player bring to the table at the next level? With Paul Biancardi on the East and Jeff Borzello on the West, we break down each prospect’s strengths and why each is deserving of being a McDonald’s All American.

East

G Jalil Bethea, Archbishop Wood (Pennsylvania)
Committed to Miami (FL) | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 6

Bethea, who recently scored 40 points at the 2024 Spalding Hoophall Classic, has a quick release and works hard to get quality shots while making tough contested shots. He ranked second among all circuit players with 62 3-pointers, per Synergy Sports. Bethea can make assisted 3-s or create his own and will be one of the favorites for the 3-point contest.

C John Bol,Overtime Elite Academy (Georgia)
Committed to Ole Miss | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 38

Bol brings height and wingspan to the competition. His activity level and rim presence are undeniable on both ends, as he looks to block shots in a variety of ways. He runs with great energy and effort and plays with joy as a vertical threat with improved hands to dunk and finish. He is a long-term upside prospect for the Rebels.

F Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg (North Carolina)
Committed to Duke | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 7

Evans’ DNA is to score and shoot. He’s a sneaky post-up threat who loves mid-range jumpers and isolations. As effective as he is as a scorer, his passing out of dribble penetration is vastly overlooked, and he brings high-level free throw shooting to each contest. His wiry frame, soft shooting touch and elusiveness on the dribble is reminiscent of former Duke star Brandon Ingram.

F Cooper Flagg, Montverde Academy (Florida)
Committed to Duke | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 1

His talent and traits blend in such a way that he is unlimited in his impact. Beyond his adept offensive game, his non-scoring influence wows opposing coaches and players. His shot blocking and ability to read the floor is outstanding. He is a matchup nightmare as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

G Johnuel Fland, Archbishop Stepinac (New York)
Committed to Kentucky | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 15

Fland is a dynamic ball in hand guard and has outstanding open court speed with the IQ to change his speed and blow by defenders in the half court. His jumper is falling with improved shot selection and he can facilitate an offense as well. His effort matches how strong his performances have been this season.

F Ian Jackson, Our Saviour Lutheran School (New York)
Committed to North Carolina | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 16

Jackson brings high level athletic ability in the form of a strong vertical bounce, straight line speed and lateral quickness. He plays with flash and flair that gets the crowd on their feet and is a decisive driver and finisher with the knack to make the right decision in a moment’s notice. He can be a superior defender in this game because of his competitive make-up.

F Liam McNeeley, Montverde Academy
Committed to Indiana | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 76

Playing on No.1 Montverde Academy, McNeeley is shooting 54% overall from the field and 50% behind the arc, according to Legit Stats. When it comes to knocking down shots from anywhere on the court, he is one of the best in the country. He is perhaps the best 3-point shooter in the class but McNeely is not only a pure shot maker, he also takes advantage of space to drive and goes hard to rebound with his sturdy frame and 6-7 size.

G Tahaad Pettiford, Hudson Catholic Regional (New Jersey)
Committed to Auburn | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 27

Pettiford can light up a scoreboard with his scoring prowess or make the highlight assist, depending on what his team needs in that moment. He is best in the transition game as he displays shifty moves with the ball and knows how to create a crowd of defenders while making plays in the passing game. His speed and IQ come at different times and without warning he can tap into a takeover mentality.

G Drake Powell, Northwood (North Carolina)
Committed to North Carolina | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 13

Powell’s a tremendous two-way player and one of the best in the class at defending on the ball or the wing. His position, vison and anticipation put him in the right place at the right time. When its his turn to score, his mid rage jumper is consistent for Northwood. Powell plays the game to win while showing his talent in a team setting. He’s one of the most consistent and productive players in the class.

F Jayden Quaintance, Word of God Christian Academy (North Carolina)
Committed to Kentucky | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 14

Quaintance has an imposing frame that is explosive and forceful. He is loaded with scoring skill and a soft shooting touch, however, and at 6-10 with long arms and natural upper body strength he can takeover inside. He tries to make a statement with a dunk every play he can but has shown the tools to step out beyond the arc and knock down shots as well.

C Derik Queen, Montverde Academy
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 10

Queen is the best low post prospect in the class playing with his back to the basket. His footwork, angles and touch are extraordinary on top of being one of the best passing big men to enter the game in a long time. He has been a constant double-double threat throughout his career.

F Bryson Tucker, Bishop O’Connell (Virginia)
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 17

Tucker plays with guard skills out of the forward position and is uncanny with his mid-range shot. He can put pressure on the defense with his quick driving ability along the baseline or from the middle of the floor with his 6-7 size. His finishing ability standouts along with his touch both inside the paint and up to the 3-point line.

West

F Airious Bailey, McEachern (Georgia)
Committed to Rutgers | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 2

Bailey has been one of the more consistently impressive prospects throughout the high school season and has solidified his standing just behind Flagg in the 2024 pecking order. He possesses incredible physical tools and will make an impact offensively with his ability to get to the rim and finish, make shots from the perimeter and create for others.

C Flory Bidunga, Kokomo (Indiana)
Committed to Kansas | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 9

Bidunga is arguably the best big man in the class, a dominant physical force who overwhelms opponents in the paint. He can finish with aggression at the rim, rebounds at both ends of the floor and can also block shots defensively. In Lawrence, he will be a logical replacement for Hunter Dickinson if the former Michigan transfer opts to leave after this season.

F Carter Bryant, Centennial (California)
Committed to Arizona | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 20

Bryant has been a high-level recruit since early in his high school career and a really impressive spring and summer on the grassroots circuit moved him back into the top-10 discussion. He has length, shooting ability and feel. Given his size and ability to score from the perimeter, expect Bryant to arrive in Tucson ready to contribute on the offensive end.

G Vazoumana Diallo, Prolific Prep (California)
Committed to Washington | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 29

Diallo became Washington’s highest-ranked recruit since 2019 when he committed to the Huskies in December, choosing the Seattle program over several west coast rivals. He’s a quick and strong downhill driver who can really put pressure on defenses with his ability to finish with an array of scoring moves or kick it out to teammates for open shots. He should have the keys to Washington’s offense from day one.

G V.J. Edgecombe, Long Island Lutheran High School (NY)
Committed to Baylor | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 4

A massive coup for Baylor coach Scott Drew, who beat out Duke and Kentucky for Edgecombe. The Bahamas native is a three-level scorer, but is at his best getting to the rim and finishing in the paint. He’s made strides from the perimeter and also has an effective mid-range and pull-up game. In Waco, Edgecombe should slot seamlessly into Ja’Kobe Walter’s — a projected one-and-done top-10 pick — role in the backcourt.

F Donavan Freeman, IMG Academy (Florida)
Committed to Syracuse | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 19

Freeman has been one of the biggest risers over the last calendar year, earning a fifth star in the ESPN 100 in its latest update. He’s an incredible athlete who makes an impact at both ends of the floor with high-end physical tools. What has led to his emergence as a five-star prospect, though, is his expanding offensive game and defensive versatility. He has a high ceiling that should have Red Autry excited.

G Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey)
Committed to Rutgers | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 3

Rutgers prioritized Harper, the younger brother of former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr., from early in the recruiting cycle and never backed off despite the likes of Duke, Kansas and Kentucky targeting him at various points. The left-handed guard has drawn comparisons to Jalen Brunson due to his poise, feel and fundamentally-sound offensive game. He’s an elite playmaker who excels in ball-screen offense and takes care of the ball.

G Tre Johnson, Link Academy (Missouri)
Committed to Texas | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 5

Texas edged out Baylor in a long head-to-head battle for top-five guard. Johnson is one of the elite scorers in the 2024 class, capable of putting up points in bunches and displaying deep range on his 3-point shot. When he arrives in Austin, expect Johnson to become the team’s go-to guy from day one, with Max Abmas and several other veterans likely departing. He should make a huge impact for Rodney Terry.

G Karter Knox, Overtime Elite Academy
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 24

One of three uncommitted players in the game, Knox is down to Kentucky, Louisville, South Florida and the G League Ignite. He’s the younger brother of NBA player Kevin Knox. He was one of the most productive players on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, averaging nearly 20 points and five rebounds, showing range out to the perimeter — and he’s continued to fill the stat sheet with Overtime Elite this season.

G Trent Perry, Harvard-Westlake School (California)
Committed to USC | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 26

With potential lottery pick Isaiah Collier likely leaving after this season, Andy Enfield badly needed a ready-made point guard replacement — Perry will be that guy for the Trojans in 2024-25. He’s one of the best pure point guards in the class, a steady and cerebral playmaker who has continued to make strides over the last year.

F Derrion Reid, Prolific Prep
Committed to Alabama | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 8

Reid ultimately landed in Tuscaloosa after a long recruiting battle between the Crimson Tide and Georgia, and Nate Oats will welcome the ultra-productive forward next season. He had a breakout performance on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, showing an ability to score inside and outside. He’s versatile, he can make shots from the perimeter, he can take defenders off the bounce and he’s very good at the rim.

C Aiden Sherrell, Prolific Prep
Committed to Alabama | 2024 ESPN 100 rank: 21

Sherrell cemented himself as one of the best bigs in the class with a standout season for Hillcrest Prep (Arizona) as a junior and has continued to perform at a high level at Prolific Prep. He’s one of the more mobile and skilled big men in 2024, showing high-end versatility for someone his size. He can make 3s or drive against slower defenders, but also has back-to-the-basket moves as a true post player.