If you want to win an NCAA title you need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 1 championship team since 1979 has not featured such a player (Maryland in 2002). The McDonald’s All-American Game did not take place last spring and will not be taking place this spring due to COVID, sadly. However, the rosters were announced on February 23rd after selecting the 24 best players in the nation from a list of several hundred nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact in the fall, just ask Coach Mark Few how he likes having 2020 honoree Jalen Suggs at Gonzaga! Michigan seems to be the big winner so far as Coach Juwan Howard will be having a trio of 2021 honorees join him in Ann Arbor this fall. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Michael Foster about being named a McDonald’s All-American and how he celebrated his 18th birthday earlier this month.
You made a last-second jumper for Washington to clinch a win over La Crosse Central in the 2019 state semifinals: did you think the shot was going in, and where does that rank among the highlights of your career? I felt I would make it because I work on rhythm shots like that. It was 1 of my bigger shots.
Following that season you transferred to Hillcrest Prep: why did you decide to transfer, and what made you choose Hillcrest? The competition: I love facing good competition but a lot of seniors had graduated so I would have only had a couple of games against big men had I stayed there. Hillcrest had DeAndre Ayton in the past and they were putting together a good team to play against other high-major guys. Just like 1 of my favorite quotes: “Iron sharpens iron”.
You have said that Coach Chianti Clay Sr. “changed my life”: how did he do so, and how close are the 2 of you? I never really played competitive basketball before meeting him but he just liked me because I practiced hard. He showed me how to be a professional and train every day: he is not in it for the money and showed me how to prepare both on and off the court. He pushes me really hard.
What has been the hardest part of being a high school basketball player during a pandemic? The lack of fans! Last year we would have 12,000 at our sold-out games…but this year we only have about 200. It has also been hard because we cannot travel as much to play other teams in different cities.
This year you are averaging almost 7 BPG: what is the key to blocking shots? Letting the ball leave your opponent’s hand first before you begin to jump, and making sure to leave a little space in between so you do not foul him.
On Tuesday you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? To be recognized as a “Burger Boy” is amazing: there are so many star players who made the list in the past.
The only other player from Wisconsin (where you were born/raised) to be named a McDonald’s All-American was 2020 Gatorade state POY Patrick Baldwin, Jr. from Sussex: did you ever play with/against Patrick, and how well do you know him? I played both with and against him: we even got stuck at an airport together 1 time! He is a good friend and I think he will have a nice long career.
You are 6’9”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in the future? I am closer to 6’10”/240 pounds: I have been lifting a lot of weights! I can play the 3 in a pinch but prefer to be a mismatch at the 4 at any level due to my ability to pick-and-pop.
You turned 18 earlier this month: what did you do for the big day? We played laser tag and rode around in some go-carts that went 50 MPH!
You have received offers from several great schools including Florida State but are also considering options including Grambling, the G League, or playing pro overseas: when do you plan to make a final decision? I am thinking of announcing in April. I like Georgia/Florida State as well as some overseas options: I am tossing and turning every night!