I attended the 2003 McDonald’s All-American Game. I also bought a program that I somehow still have. The marquee high school showcase featuring LeBron James that year was held at Gund Arena in Cleveland. Jay-Z was in the house sitting courtside.
After watching ESPN broadcast archived McDonald’s All-American hoops footage this weekend I remembered the official program from that game was in my basement. It’s a great read from cover-cover-cover. The following is from the player profile of LeBron James on page 64 of that program.
“It is not easy being the most targeted high school senior in the country and still lead your team to the No. 1 ranking,” LeBron’s profile reads in the McDonald’s All-American game official program from 2003.
“James made his ESPN debut with a stellar performance against then No. 1 Oak Hill Academy as he scored 31 points, pulled down 13 boards and dished out six assists. James has been named Ohio State Player of the Year three seasons in a row.
“His passing ability for his size is what sets him apart from other forwards. James can score at will but displays unselfishness as well on the court. James averaged 29 points, 8.3 rebounds and 11 assists as a senior.
“With remarkable leaping ability and a first step that freezes defenders, James has shown why he is regarded as the No. 1 prep player in the country. LeBron won a state title his freshman year and then led his team to an undefeated season and a second straight title his sophomore year.”
The player profile of LeBron’s close friend and future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul, is on page 67. The West Forsyth High School legend from Clemmons, NC is referred to as a “pure point guard” and “constant leader.” The Wake Forest commit was also a member of the East All American team alongside James.
Other future NBA players who competed in LeBron’s McDonald’s All-American game include Shannon Brown, Von Wafer, Aaron Brooks, Kris Humphries, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, Charlie Villanueva and Luol Deng.
What also makes the program fun to explore is the historical references to past games and past players. The following is from page 71 of the program which goes on to recap Michael Jordan’s McDonald’s All American Game from 1981 as well as others throughout the event’s history.
“The McDonald’s All American Game created vivid memories for all of its past participants, including current NBA stars Michael Jordan (81), Shaquille O’Neal (89), Grant Hill (90), Jason Kidd (92), Kevin Garnett (95), Elton Brand (97) and Kobe Bryant (96).
“Plenty of memories are also in store for the present-day high school stars competing tonight at Gund Arena in the 2003 McDonad’s All American Game. Over the years, fans have been treated to some spectacular basketball from many of today’s college and professional stars.
“The following are synopses of past McDonald’s All American Games, beginning with the inaugural boy’s contest in 1978 and girls contest in 2002.”
Page 73 recaps Jordan’s game in Wichita.
“An underdog East team won a 96-95 thriller when Michael Jordan hit both ends of a one-and-one with 11 seconds left. Aubrey Sherrod of the West and Adrian Branch of the East shared the Wooden Award.
“Blanch, who played at Maryland, scored 24 points. Sherrod scored 19 in front of the hometown fans to share West leading scorer honors with Bobby Lee Hurt. Dream Team member and Golden State legend Chris Mullin registered two points for the East.
“Michael Jordan and Milt Wagner went on to be members of NCAA National Champions: Jordan with the University of North Carolina and Wagner at the University of Louisville. Jordan also has won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.”
LeBron would edge Shannon Brown to earn the slam dunk championship that weekend. Then, before a record crowd of just under 20,000 fans packed inside Gund Arena, James scored 27 points while leading the East to a 15-point victory. He also dished out seven assists and collected seven rebounds while earning MVP honors.
“I’m not even thinking about the next All-Star Game,” LeBron said with a smile, when asked if he were already preparing for the NBA according to the Associated Press. “I’m just trying to have fun with my teammates and enjoy this latest victory.”
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