If you want to win an NCAA title then you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 2 championship teams from 1979-2020 did not have such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn) but 2 of the past 3 champs have successfully broken away from this trend (2021 Baylor/2023 UConn). The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced in January 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 Scott Drew how he likes having 2023 honoree Ja’Kobe Walter at Baylor! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 5 different programs tied for the lead with 2 each (Alabama/Duke/Kentucky/North Carolina and…Rutgers!?). Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Tahaad Pettiford about being named a McDonald’s All-American and having the game of his life last month.
Your Hudson Catholic team went 16-12 last year but is off to a 17-7 start this year: what has been the biggest difference from last year to this year? Just coming together as a team and being competitive.
You received offers from several great schools including Connecticut/Kansas/Kentucky but signed with Auburn last February: what was the biggest factor in your decision? The coaching staff and the connection I made with them. I also like their playing style.
Coach Bruce Pearl’s team is 18-4 and starts a FR PG named Aden Holloway: how far do you think they will go this March, and do you think that you and Aden can play on the court at the same time if he decides to return to school next year? Hopefully they win it all! I think that Aden and I could definitely play together and would complement each other.
You are part of a small but great recruiting class including Jahki Howard: how well do you know your future teammate? We knew each other very well as we were AAU teammates. We 1st met in 7th grade at a basketball camp and have remained close ever since.
Last month you scored a career-high 42 PTS including a game-tying 3-PT shot with 4 seconds left in regulation and then a 30-foot buzzer-beater at the end of the 1st OT in a 9-PT 2-OT win over Roselle Catholic (www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IMmK7cPrgU): where does that rank among the best performances of your career? It is definitely #1.
Less than 1 week later Richie Rosa made a 3-PT shot at the buzzer in a 2-PT win by St. Peter’s Prep: where does that rank among the most devastating losses of your career? It is #1 as well: it was the 1st time that I have ever lost a game on a buzzer-beater.
A couple of weeks ago you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was a great accomplishment and something that every kid dreams of. I have always wanted to play in that game so to get that call was a dream come true.
Another player from New Jersey who will be joining you at the McDonald’s Game is Dylan Harper from Don Bosco Prep: have you ever had the chance to play with/against him during your high school career? We have never been on the same team before but we played against each other twice during high school.
1 of the best aspects of your game is your ability to steal the ball (you averaged 2.5 SPG at the EYBL last year): what is the secret to being a great defender? Getting into the passing lane, being quick, and reading the defense to anticipate the next pass.
You are 6’1”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I play PG now, and in college I will play whatever position Coach Pearl needs me to play.