Basketball recruiting updates from the B1G and Chicago area

Another successful McDonald’s All-American event in Chicago is in the books. Twenty-four of the nation’s best high school teammates engaged in an exciting all-star game in front of a packed house at the United Center. While the field did not include any players from Chicago high schools, there were two future B1G players on the court facing off against each other. Future Indiana Hoosier Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell played point guard for the West and future Michigan State Spartan Gary Harris was on the East squad – they played on separate teams even though both players are from Indianapolis. Ferrell’s West team controlled most of the game and, after the East pulled within two points late in the second half, were able to hold on and win it 106-102.

Harris was among the starters for the East squad, but finished with just two points in a game that was dominated offensively be a select group of players. Harris finished with 2 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Kentucky-bound Alex Poythress had 19 points and future UCLA Bruin Kyle Anderson nearly put up a triple-double with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Anderson was the most impressive East player in my opinion. He is just so smooth on the court and you can tell that the game comes naturally to him. As a 6’8″ point guard, Anderson will be a match-up nightmare next season and has the ability to turn around the UCLA program on his own. Poythress was pretty impressive on offense, as well, regularly slicing through the albeit lackadaisical defense and getting to the bucket. He did commit six fouls in the game, which is somewhat alarming as it was an all-star game.

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