For all the high school hoops fans out there, the McDonald’s All American Games is making its way back to Chicago this spring for its 45 anniversary. It’ll be the first time the event is taking place in three years, since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the ones scheduled for 2020 and 2021.
From 2011 to 2017, the premier high school basketball showcase played out at the United Center. But this time around, we’ll see the top 24 girls and 24 boys battle it out at the Wintrust Arena in March 2022.
“As a brand that feeds and fosters many communities across the country, it’s great to celebrate these players who are proudly representing their high schools, families and hometowns from all over,” Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) Chicago Lead Derrick Taylor said in a press release.
“As a big basketball fan myself, and on behalf of McDonald’s owner/operators across the country, we can’t wait to see the top 48 high school players take the court this March in Chicago, a city that’s hosted the Games numerous times over the past 45 years,” he continued.
More than 760 high school hoopers from 41 states and the District of Columbia have been nominated for a chance to play in the games. Players are nominated by a high school coach, athletic director, principal or a member of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee.
Although Texas, California and Florida are leading the boards with the most nominees, Chicago is representing this year with six nominees:
— Camille Jackson, Butler College Prep
— Whitney Dunn, Kenwood Academy
— Brianna McDaniel, Kenwood Academy
— DaJuan Bates, De La Salle Institute
— Jalen Brown, De La Salle Institute
— Andre Casey, Jr., Whitney M. Young High School
Additionally, Chicago-born Amari Bailey, one of the top high school players in the nation who plays alongside Bronny James on the Los Angeles-based Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, is also a nominee for the McDonald’s All American Games.
The full list of nominees can be seen here.
On Jan. 25, the top 24 girls and 24 boys selected to play in the games will be revealed on ESPN’s “NBA Today” show at 2:00 p.m. central.
The games will air on ESPN2 on March 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. central.