If you want to win an NCAA title you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 3 championship teams since 1979 have not featured such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn/2021 Baylor). The McDonald’s All-American Game has been canceled during each of the past 2 years due to COVID but hopefully the 3rd time is indeed the charm to see everyone back on the court in Chicago on March 29th. The rosters were announced on January 25th after selecting the 24 best high school basketball players in the nation from a list of almost 800 nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact this fall just ask Coach Bruce Pearl how he likes having 2021 honoree Jabari Smith at Auburn! Duke seems to be the big winner so far as Coach Jon Scheyer will inherit a trio of 2022 honorees to join him in Durham next season. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Jarace Walker about being named a McDonald’s All-American and winning a national championship.
As a freshman at IMG Academy you won a national championship: what did it mean to you to win a title? It meant a lot and really helped my confidence.
Each summer you drive an hour to Route 1 Athletics to work with your longtime trainer/AAU coach Donnell “Mookie” Dobbins: how has he turned you into a 5-star recruit? He definitely knows what he is doing in terms of skill development and has help me become a better player.
What has been the hardest part of being a high school basketball player during a pandemic? Just not being able to get into the gym: even when you do it is just for a minimal amount of time and not as many days/week as you would like.
You received offers from several great schools including Alabama/Auburn but signed with Houston last November: what was the biggest factor in your decision? The family atmosphere: I definitely felt at home during my visit. They also do a great job at developing big men to get to the next level.
What was it like to spend time with a pair of legends like Clyde Drexler/Hakeem Olajuwon during your recruiting trip? It was really cool to see them and talk to them and pick their brains about what it takes to play at a Hall of Fame level.
You are part of an outstanding recruiting class for the Cougars including Emanuel Sharp/Terrance Arceneaux: how well do you know either of them, and what makes them such good players? I do not know them personally yet but Emanuel can get downhill and create his own shot, while Terrance can stretch the floor and play great defense.
Last month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It definitely meant a lot. I have been working my whole life toward that goal and I finally reached it: to be honest it was amazing!
You have 2 IMG teammates who are fellow McDonald’s All-Americans (Jaden Bradley/Keyonte George): how do you think they will do in college? I think both of them will do really well in college. Keyonte is a great shot-maker and Jaden is a great all-around PG so I think that their games will translate well to the next level.
You are 6’8”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I had to play the 5 this year but feel really comfortable at whatever position the coach wants me to play. I can be productive at any position.
You have a couple of older sisters who played college basketball/volleyball: who is the best athlete in the family? I would definitely go with me, but if not then probably my youngest sister Jaden who plays basketball at St. Joe’s.