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), and while Florida won a title last April without 1, Coach Todd Golden added Arkansas transfer/2024 McDonald’s All-American Boogie Fland to his roster last May. The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced last week 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 Tommy Lloyd how he likes having 2025 honorees Brayden Burries/Koa Peat at Arizona! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 3 different programs tied for the current lead with 2 each (Duke/Missouri/USC) and a whopping 8 players who have not yet committed to a college. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Jasiah Jervis about being named a McDonald’s All-American and being a great defender.
You received offers from several great schools including Illinois/NC State/Tennessee but signed with Michigan State last November: what was the biggest factor in your decision? The coaches built a great relationship with me and my family so I felt like it was home.
Coach Tom Izzo’s team is currently 20-4 after a 3-PT OT win over Illinois last Saturday: how far do you think they will go in the NCAA tourney next month? I feel like they will make a good run, as they made the Elite 8 last March. When I get on campus in the fall, I look forward to trying to help them win another championship.
Your coach Patrick Massaroni has been named Catholic High School Athletic Association COY for 2 years in a row: what makes him such a good coach? His drive/determination: he wants all of us to succeed and get to the next level. What makes us a great team is the standard that he has set.
Earlier this month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was truly a blessing and something I dreamed about as a kid. I give credit to my parents/coaches and it shows that hard work definitely pays off.
2 of your high school teammates were also named All-Americans (Adonis/Darius Ratliff): what is it like to play on a team with so much talent? It is crazy! I have known them since my freshman year and we have a special team so I will miss it next year.
You are part of a great recruiting class that includes Ethan Taylor/Carlos Medlock Jr./Julius Avent: how well do you know your future teammates? We are in touch and I got to see them in person at a basketball event in Brooklyn. We are always checking in on each other via calls/texts to see how our seasons are going.
You are listed at 6’4”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I play SG.
You have a 6’8” wingspan: how much of an advantage is your length on the court? It is a big advantage and helps me get a lot of steals/deflections.
You are leading your team in STL this season: what is the key to playing great defense? Just reading your opponent and watching film. If he is fast then you might need to drop back, but if he is slow then you know you can stay in front of him.
Your high school team has won 3 straight state titles: do you think you can make it 4 in a row this spring? Yes, I am very confident that we will do that.
