HOUSTON — On Monday the 2024 McDonald’s All-Americans spent the afternoon with the media discussing a variety of topics. 247Sports was on hand to speak with each and every one of the 24 players in attendance.
What’s next for undecided Liam McNeeley? How do future Duke teammates Cooper Flagg and Isaiah Evans scout each other? How has the experience been for North Carolina’s Drake Powell and Ian Jackson? Why did Bryson Tucker pick Indiana and much, much more. Read on for notes and quotes from every player in attendance.
While fellow McDonald’s All-Americans Zoom Diallo and Trent Perry may eventually have to take another look at their recruitments due to coaching changes at Washington and USC, Liam McNeeley is the only player in Houston who is currently uncommitted.
The native of Texas had been committed to Indiana throughout his senior season. However the 6-foot-8 small forward who ranks No. 16 nationally decided that he needed to open things up and made a difficult phone call to Mike Woodson.
“It was definitely difficult but I’ve got to do what’s best for me and my family,” said McNeeley during media day. “I just called coach Woodson and told him what I was thinking and he wished me the best.”
Since reopening his recruitment, McNeeley has had no shortage of schools reaching out in hopes of adding his shooting and all-around game.
“Kansas, UConn, Kentucky, Houston, Michigan,” said McNeeley of who has called. “I’m sure there are more that I’m missing but those are at the top of my mind.”
While his recruitment is something that he will have to address, McNeeley is setting it aside for now to focus on more pressing matters.
“So, I’m really focused on McDonald’s and then later this week I’m focused on the Chipotle Nationals. So, I’m not really worrying about recruiting now and it will be after all of that.”
This year, Duke has two players taking place in the McDonald’s All-American game. While current No. 1 Cooper Flagg and fellow five-star wing Isaiah Evans are getting their first taste of playing together. The duo was able to offer up first impressions and how they would scout each other’s games if they were facing them.
Flagg on Evans: “I think he’s a great player, really versatile and really well rounded. To be honest I’m not really looking forward to specific matchups I’m just playing to have fun and compete. I’m always just trying to win.”
Evans on Flagg: “If I’m building a scouting report on Cooper I think I would just say that you have to match his energy, you can’t get lazy. He’s going to keep coming at you every play and it doesn’t matter if it’s an offensive rebound or a jump shot you just have to keep playing with him.”
North Carolina has a pair of commits at the McD’s AA Game in five-stars Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. With their recruitments out of the way, they were able to talk about their experience and what each of them bring to the table next season.
