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 Jordan Walsh about being named a McDonald’s All-American and his amazing athleticism.
You started your high school career at Waxahachie Faith Family Academy before transferring to Link Academy last September: why did you decide to make the switch, and how is it working out so far? I actually started at Oak Cliff. I came here because I wanted to compete on a national level and showcase my skills.
What has been the hardest part of being a high school basketball player during a pandemic? It was hard to get gym time and find a place to work out at 1st, but now it is much easier.
You received offers from several great schools including Kansas/Texas but signed with Arkansas last October: what was the biggest factor in your decision? I am really competitive and so is Coach Muss. He knows what it will take for me to get to the next level and I think we can both do great things together.
The Razorbacks are 1 of the hottest teams in the country and have won 12 of their past 13: how far do you think they can go in March? Coach Muss is such a great coach that I think they will have an opportunity to go very far.
You have a 41” vertical and a 7’3” wingspan: how much of an advantage is your athleticism/length on the court? It is a great advantage, especially when I combine it with my IQ. It allows me to get into passing lanes and maneuver while in the air.
Last month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It means the world to me. It is something that I have been dreaming about since I was a kid. I remember growing up and watching the great players who were in that game: it is both a motivation and a great honor.
Your teammate Julian Phillips was also named a McDonald’s All-American: did you think that your team had enough talent to go undefeated this year (you started 26-0 before a 9-PT loss to Sunrise Christian Academy a couple of weeks ago), and how will it feel to face him in the SEC next year when he is at LSU? It is going to be a dogfight! He is a great player and we are great teammates: it will be a real competitive game for sure.
You are part of 1 of the best recruiting classes in the nation thanks to the Razorbacks bringing in another McDonald’s All-American next year in Nick Smith Jr.: how well do you know him, and what makes him such a great player? I know Nick very well: I have played against him a lot on the AAU circuit and at camps. He can score at will and is a great all-around PG so I think that we can be a major part of the team next year.
You are 6’7”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I play PG/wing right now but am comfortable at either 1. My preference is PG but I am learning from my teammates who have played that position their entire life.
Earlier this month Anthony Black (the only uncommitted McDonald’s All-American) said that he has narrowed his list to the G-League as well as 5 schools (Gonzaga/Arkansas/Georgia/Oklahoma State/TCU): are you doing any individual recruiting, and do you think that we might see him in Fayetteville this fall? I am working hard: it would be great to have him join us so I am on the recruiting tip!