Ball to the Future

Today’s NBA stars can leave us jaded, what with their millions and their giant egos and their incessant Twittering and their unfunny interviews where the only way any we can understand any of it is if we’re fluent in Mumble. But before they became household names, most NBA stars were introduced to the world via the McDonald’s All-American All-Star Game as wide-eyed, fresh-faced youngsters. From Magic Johnson to Isaiah Thomas to Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James, the McDonald’s All-Stars have showcased the brightest in boys and girls high school basketball since 1977. Being named a McDonald’s All-American means you’re branded as the best of the best. It means you’re NCAA-bound. And it could mean you’ll someday be crushing it in the NBA.

Among this year’s stars is the nation’s top-ranked player, Xavier Henry. The six-foot-six-inch 18-year-old is averaging 28.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He’s shooting 55.9 percent from the field, including 44.3 percent from the three-point line. In other words, here’s your next NBA superstar. Come catch a preview tonight before he gets to Twittering like his ol’ Uncle Shaq.
Wed., April 1, 8 p.m., 2009