Practice and Media Day Recap: Part I
After watching the McDonald’s All Americans practice for a couple of hours, I then had the chance to talk to them one on one. Here’s some inside info:
Jayson Tatum
Nothing made Jayson Tatum happier than to talk to me about finally winning the Missouri state championship for his school Chaminade prep, “It was unreal, after three years coming up short of our main goal, when the buzzer sounded everyone was truly excited.” Also, he was very humble when I asked how he felt about a song being written about him. He said he knew it was coming, but surreal driving and hearing on the radio for the first time.
Kyle Guy
The man of the week, I overheard Guy telling a reporter he woke up to 3,000 new Instagram followers this morning..wow. When I asked Guy why he chose Virginia even though they are not really known for getting top prospects he said that he loves Coach Bennett, and he likes that it is a Christian school has a Christian coaching staff. Surprisingly when I asked him if he was nervous going up against Malik Monk in the finals he said no, but he did say he was “lackadaisical and lost track of time.”
VJ King
Locals say King was “The next LeBron James” –small coincidence his last name is King. He grew up in Akron, hometown of LeBron and King also attended James alma mater St. Vincent St. Mary’s for two years before transferring to Paul VI in Virginia. King said during his sophomore year “The comparisons were definitely there, it’s cool because he’s one of the best players in the world, but at the same time you want to be your own person.”
Andrew Jones
If anyone can flat out score, it’s Andrew Jones, this kid can virtually score from anywhere on the court. I cracked a solid smile from him in the interview when I said his jump shot has limitless range, but when I asked him if he has ever had any coaches that would get mad at his shot selection he said “Not usually, when I’m open I take some deep three’s but my coaches don’t get mad because they usually go in,” he said laughingly. Jones was one of the best personalities at the McDAAG and an even better player.
Markelle Fultz
Since I’m from the DMV, Markelle Fultz is kind of my hometown hero, he went from playing JV in 10th grade to one of the top juniors to a McDonalds All American. Fultz and his DeMatha squad suffered a devastating loss to nationally ranked St. John’s in the WCAC Championship, Fultz said “It was disappointing at first, but it was a learning experience” following that game DeMatha finished the season undefeated and won the Maryland Private school championship. Fultz’s message to the kids who aren’t getting the recognition they deserve at first is “To always believe in God and keep working hard.” He also said sometimes before games he puts on headphones but doesn’t always play music, “Sometimes I just don’t want anyone to talk to me.”
De’ Aaron Fox
The Texas native is one of the quickest guards if not the quickest guard in the McDAAG. Fox also has incredible instincts on defense shooting through passing lanes that were open and flying down the court and finishing at the other end many times at the practice this morning. Fox also understands what it means to be the point guard, he was very aware of the strong chance that Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray will enter the draft, which would leave the wildcats in his hands. He said “I’m the point guard I have to be the most connected to my teammates, I am Coach Cal’s extension on the court.” When I asked him about the possibility of a Kentucky Fab Five he cracked a huge smile and said “That would be insane, but I wouldn’t want Cal to go public with it because if we don’t make the national championship it’s a fail.”
Miles Bridges
Bridges is truly Flint’s Finest, flashy dunks, three pointers and great defense, Bridges really does it all. He had one of his best performances of the year against national powerhouse and storied program Oak Hill. “It all started when Braxton stole the ball from me, then said to the crowd who is he?” “I was really frustrated in the first half I only had a couple of points, but in the second half I started making everything” Ballislife.com has Bridges on video saying to Braxton Key “You can’t guard me” when I asked Miles what was going through his head when he said that he replied “I was just in the zone.” I think Key regrets fueling that fire that got Miles Bridges going that night.
Lonzo Ball
The Nasmith player of the year was absolutely sensational at the practice this morning, it is so obvious that he just plays the game so effortlessly. Lonzo and Chino Hills are most known for their up tempo play style, so I had to ask Lonzo how their unique style was started, he said “When my brothers and I were younger we would always be running, fast tempo but now we’re stronger so we can throw those full court outlet passes, we always have that chemistry and know one of us is going to be sprinting down the court looking for the pass.” TJ Leaf, also a UCLA commit told me he would like Lonzo to bring the up tempo game to UCLA, I asked Lonzo how helpful that is to know his teammates trust him. “It’s really reassuring to know they trust me to do my thing and help them win,” he also added he’s going to try to keep the up tempo game, not as crazy as high school but he wants to keep an up-tempo play style at UCLA. To end the interview I asked Lonzo if he knew his Dad was going to breakout those slick dance moves at the Jamfest, he laughed hysterically then answered “He’s always been like that, loud and out there and I just hoop, that’s kind of how it’s always been.”
I had an unbelievable experience getting to catch up with the stars of future at the McDAAG media day, stay tuned for more tomorrow.