The 2023 McDonald’s All American rosters for the class of 2023 has recently been released as of yesterday. The annual and famous all star game will take place in March in Houston, Texas as scheduled. Now there are plenty of potential high level prospects that could have made the 24-man roster and that means a few prospects will be left off of the roster. Here we take a look on which prospects I feel like are considered snubs.
Caleb Foster (Notre Dame, CA)
The Duke Blue Devils program should be looking forward to Caleb Foster making his way to campus next season. The 6-foot-5 point guard was my main snub that I felt could have easily made the 2023 McDonald’s All American roster. Foster had himself a phenomenal Nike EYBL season this past spring, summer running with Team Thad (TN). He averaged 25.6 PPG 39% FG 41% 3PT, 6.4 RPG, and 4.0 APG at the Nike Peach Jam last July. Caleb is an elite scoring guard with positional size and has the ability to facilitate at a high rate. His growth as a player over the last few years have been impressive to watch and not making the MCDAAG roster definitely added fuel to the fire.
J.P. Estrella (Brewster Academy, NH)
NBA scouts are keeping tabs on J.P. Estrella, the 6-foot-11 forward/center from Maine and currently at powerhouse Brewster Academy, and as they should. J.P. was one of the star prospects in the UAA with Middlesex Magic (MA) this past spring, summer. He was one of few prospects that boosted his stock this grassroots season and caught the attention of the national scouts. He holds elite versatility at his size, fitting the modern day NBA stretch forward and/or stretch big. Estrella is able to spread the defense with his outside shooting, an outstanding rim protector, runs the floor consistently, and has next level length. The future Tennessee Volunteer is another prospect who you could say was a snub for this year’s McDonald’s All American game.
Wesley Yates III (Beaumont United, TX)
Wesley Yates III has always been one of the top scorers in the 2023 class and has proved so multiple times over the years during his high school career. The Washington commit had one of the biggest stock boost this past spring, summer in the EYBL with LivOn-Fleur (LA). Yates III is a 6-foot-4 guard that can easily get hot once he gets going in the scoring column. He has a football-like frame that he is able to utilize when driving to the basket and holds limitless range from beyond the arc. Wesley already has a couple state championship under his belt and looking to secure another one by the end of his senior season.
2023 Layden Blocker (Sunrise Christian, KS)
Layden Blocker is staying home to begin his collegiate career and will suit up for Arkansas next season. The 6-foot-2 point guard consistently plays with a chip on his shoulder no matter what setting and has arguably made the snubs list for this year’s McDonald’s All American roster. Blocker has had a great career at powerhouse Sunrise Christian (KS) the last two seasons and some could say he had a stock boosting grassroots season running with Brad Beal Elite (MO). He is an athletic guard for his size, plays with elite toughness, a competitor on both ends of the floor, and has showcased his ability to be a true point guard at times making the right reads for his teammates.
Chris Johnson (Montverde Academy, FL)
Kansas commit, Chris Johnson, made his way to powerhouse Montverde Academy for his senior season and has been a big part of their success throughout this year. The 6-foot-4 guard is one of the most versatile guards in the 2023 class. Johnson could have easily been apart of the 24-man roster at this year’s McDonald’s All American game. He holds a unique balance to score the ball at a high level and make plays for his teammates. Chris holds value off the ball, has a quick first step, ability to finish through contact, and can get to his spots consistently to convert on his shots.
Simeon Wilcher (Roselle Catholic, NJ)
One of the most intriguing long term prospects, Simeon Wilcher, shockingly did not make the 24-man McDonald’s All American roster that was announced yesterday. Wilcher had himself an incredible grassroots season this past spring, summer and was a huge piece for the Albany City Rocks (NY) at the Nike Peach Jam this past July. The future UNC Tarheel is a 6-foot-6 point guard that holds a great combination of size, skill, and athleticism. He is an impactful player on both ends of the floor and he should make some type of impact next season down in Chapel Hill. NBA scouts have been keeping tabs on Simeon Wilcher and rightfully so.
The Grind Hoops by Samad Hines 