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See the POWERADE Jam Fest on March 30 and New Contest

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Gerald Henderson, Jr. shows off his dunking skills at the 2006 POWERADE Jam Fest during Game week. Gerald took home the trophy for the dunk contest in 2006.

On March 30, the nation’s best prep basketball stars will show their stuff in the high-intensity POWERADE Jam Fest at the 2009 McDonald’s All American Games at the BankUnited Center in Miami, Fla. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster here.

POWERADE is looking for athletes who can rise above the rim and throw down a serious dunk. Those with skills are encouraged to prove it by entering a video in the POWERADE Dunk DominatION⁴ contest.

Athletes can submit a video of their best jam at www.Takkle.com and if their celebration of elevation stands out from the rest, they will star in a national POWERADE commercial during the 2009 POWERADE Jam Fest.

The POWERADE Dunk DominatION⁴ contest is open until March 18 and will be judged by a panel that includes 2002 McDonald’s All-American alumnus and all-star Amar’e Stoudemire.

Some of the past POWERADE Jam Fest winners include Candace Parker (2004), LeBron James (2003), Carmelo Anthony (2002), Baron Davis (1997) and Vince Carter (1995). See the Jam Fest highlights by visiting our YouTube site here.

For more information, please visit the link below.

Press Release

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McDonald’s All American Games Trivia Contest!

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

LeBron James shows off his dunking skills at the 2003 POWERADE Jam Fest during the McDonald's All American Game week. James won the slam dunk contest and was also named MVP of the Boys Game.

Hey McDonald’s All American trivia buffs. Test your knowledge of the Games with some of our questions below. We’re now adding a prize element to our trivia posts, so be sure to submit your answers!

Send your answers to mcdonaldsallamericangames@yahoo.com by March 3 and we’ll randomly select one winner to receive a $25 McDonald’s Arch card as a prize.

We’ll also post the names of all of those that answered the questions correctly and the answers on a future entry in the coming weeks.

To see past highlights of McDonald’s All American Games and POWERADE Jam Fests, check out our YouTube site here.

For the trivia contest terms and conditions and rules, please visit the link below.

terms-and-conditions

1). In which year did the McDonald’s All American Games raise the most money for its Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapter and how much was raised?

2). Who founded the McDonald’s All American Games?

3). How many former McDonald’s All Americans have been named NBA MVPs? How many have been named NBA Rookies of the Year?

4). Which high school has produced the most McDonald’s All American Girls? Which for the Boys?

5). How many McDonald’s All American Alumni have gone on to win an NBA championship?

6). Which Boys player holds the record for the most points scored in a McDonald’s All American Game? Who for the Girls?

Tags: Trivia
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Announcing the 2009 McDonald’s All American Teams

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Members of the 1981 McDonald's All American Team

Hello fans,

Morgan Wootten here announcing the 2009 McDonald’s All American team members! We hope you’re as eager as we are to see the nation’s top basketball talent take over the BankUnited Center in Miami on April 1. Visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com or Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.

Players are selected to the McDonald’s All American Teams by our Selection Committee, which I’ve led throughout the Games’ history. You can read more about our Selection Committee and the selection process on mcdonaldsallamerican.com.

Since 1977, more than 850 players have competed in the McDonald’s All American Games, forming an elite list that reads like a “Who’s Who” in basketball history. McDonald’s All American athletes include NBA greats Alonzo Mourning (retired), Magic Johnson (retired), Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), as well as WNBA star Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx) and Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) and women’s NCAA stars Tina Charles (Connecticut) and Maya Moore (Connecticut).

To be a McDonald’s All American means you have reached the pinnacle of high school basketball, and all those years of working hard have finally paid off. Any coach can nominate his or her player to be a McDonald’s All American and that in itself is an honor. Playing in the games means you are a made man or woman in basketball.

When I first learned the proceeds of the Games went to the Ronald McDonald House and other worthy charities it was slam dunk for me to become involved and it’s truly been a pleasure to be a part of it for the past several years.

Click on the below links to see the complete 2009 rosters.

2009-mcd-all-american-boys-roster

2009-mcd-all-american-girls-roster

Is there a player from your state who was selected to one of the teams this year? Any of the players attending your university? Who is your all-time favorite McDonald’s All American player?

We’ll post the full selection show on Inside the Games in the coming weeks.

Tags: 2009 Teams; Morgan Wootten; Team Announcement
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Advisory Council Summit

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

Advisory Council Member and 2004 McDonald's All American Alumnus Dwight Howard Blocks a Big Shot

Advisory Council Member Dwight Howard Blocks a Big Shot During the 2004 McDonald's All American Boys Game

We’re meeting up with Dwight Howard, Dominique Wilkins and Alonzo Mourning at the NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix tomorrow for the inaugural McDonald’s All American Advisory Council Summit to discuss the future of the Games.

The Advisory Council is a group of leading sports figures and McDonald’s All American alumni who donate their time to help the rising stars of tomorrow build a lasting legacy of good sportsmanship and charity.

The Advisory Council Summit will consist of a formal sit-down meeting with select members. The purpose of the Summit is intended to address the key issues of the Games, its current and future players, the charities it supports and the leaders who will shape its future.

The Summit discussion and activities will be based on the Advisory Council’s “Three Point Mission“:

1. CHARITY: Lead by example, and show other athletes the importance of becoming a champion in their community by getting involved in important causes such as Ronald McDonald House Charities.

2. LEGACY: Continue building the prestige of the Games by reconnecting fans with the great names and faces that have made this event so memorable.

3. TRUST: Build trusting and lasting relationships between the future stars of the NBA and WNBA and veteran leaders who can aid in their development as athletes and role models.

We’ll post a future update on the Advisory Council Summit including video messages and photos of our members in the coming weeks.

Visit McD.-All-American-Advisory-Council to read the fact sheet on the Advisory Council. You can learn more on our Advisory Council on our main Web site.

What do you think about our Advisory Council? We welcome your feedback and ideas.

Tags: Alonzo Mourning; Advisory Council
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Announcing the 2009 Coaches

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

Hello basketball fans,

Today we announced the coaches for the 2009 McDonald’s All American Games:

Boys East (Co-Head Coaches)

Mark Lieberman, Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Miami Gardens, Fla.

Darryl Burrows, Dillard High School, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Boys West

Pat Clatchey, Mount Saint Joseph High School, Baltimore, Md.

Girls East

Abby Ward, South Broward High School, Hollywood, Fla.

Girls West

Dave Power, Fenwick High School, Oak Park, Ill.

Click 2009 McDonald’s All American Games - Full Coach Bios to see a full bio and photos of each coach.

You can also read the official announcement here.

Who’s the best high school basketball coach in your state? You can e-mail us at mcdonaldsallamericangames@yahoo.com or post a comment.

Tags: 2009 Coaches
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Top Five of “Zo’s Top 33″

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Alonzo Mourning Poses with Tyreke Evans, the 2008 McDonald's All American Games MVP

Hey everyone,

Alonzo Mourning here again.

I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s post where I named 28 of the top 33 McDonald’s All Americans of all time for their efforts both on and off the court.

As promised, I wanted to share my top five picks with you now. Read next to each player to find out why I made these selections:

1. Shaquille O’Neal (’89) - After Shaq was named the John Wooden MVP at the 1989 McDonald’s All American Games, he went on to become an NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion and 14-time NBA All Star. He frequently donates time and money to charitable causes, including donating more than $1 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and hosting his own fundraising events for important causes.

2. LeBron James (’03) - LeBron brought down the house when he won the slam dunk contest during the 2003 McDonald’s All American Games. He went on to be the first overall NBA draft pick in 2003 and the NBA’s rookie of the year in 2004. He has been the NBA All-Star game MVP twice and was the 2008 NBA regular-season scoring champion. He empowers children and families through his own charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation. The Foundation has raised over $1 million to help communities and families.

3. Patrick Ewing (’81) - Ewing, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was the Naismith college player of the year in 1985 and has been named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA History. He chaired the famous Stay in School program and has raised funds for children’s charities throughout his career.

4. Earvin “Magic” Johnson (’77) - Magic played on the first-ever McDonald’s All American Team, was selected first overall in the ‘79 NBA draft, played on five NBA Championship teams and holds three NBA MVP awards. He also works tirelessly to develop programs that address the educational, health and social needs of urban communities with the Magic Johnson Enterprises and the Magic Johnson Foundation.

5. Alonzo Mourning (’88) - (Summary written by Inside the Games) Mourning is the truest definition of the athlete-philanthropist. From winning the John Wooden MVP at the ‘88 McDonald’s All American Games to playing in seven NBA All-Star games and winning an NBA championship and to his countless charitable endeavors. He’s actively involved in Alonzo Mourning Charities and Athletes for Hope. He’s team captain of the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council.

I believe that these five players have redefined what it means to be a successful athlete. Their hard work and dedication on the basketball court have paid off. But all of these athletes are dedicated to bettering the lives of others and serving as role models.

What you think of my top five list? It was difficult choosing from the 743 men and 168 women who’ve played in the nation’s most prestigious high school all-star game. Who would you have included?

I’m looking forward to another McDonald’s All American Games season this spring and hope to see you in Miami for the Games.

Continue to check back on our blog and at mcdonaldsallamerican.com to get the latest news and updates on the program.

Later,

Tags: Advisory Council, Ronald McDonald House Charities
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My First 28 of “Zo’s Top 33″

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Kevin Durant, Co-MVP of the 2006 McD. All American Games

Hey McDonald’s All American fans,

Alonzo Mourning here again following up on my “Zo’s Top 33″ list I wrote about yesterday.

It’s crazy to think that I was a McDonald’s All American in 1988. Looking back, I’m so glad that I had that experience. It helped me realize that doing well off the court and giving back to my community was just as good a measure of a person as what you do on the court.

My Top 33 McDonald’s All Americans combine athletic prowess, team and community leadership, and have a vested interest in giving back.

For now, I’m listing players 33 through 6 (in alphabetical order) on my all time McDonald’s All American list and will follow up with a post next week with my top five picks. See below for a list and click on the link to see a bio of each player.

Zo’s Top 33 Players - 33 Through Six Full Bios

Anthony, Carmelo (’02)

Billups, Chauncey (’95)

Blue, Nikki (’02)

Bosh, Chris (’02)

Brand, Elton (’97)

Bryant, Kobe (’96)

Carter, Vince (’95)

Coleman, Derrick (’86)

Durant, Kevin (’06)

Fowles, Sylvia (’04)

Garnett, Kevin (’95)

Hamilton, Richard (’96)

Hill, Grant (’90)

Howard, Dwight (’04)

Jordan, Michael (’81)

Kidd, Jason (’92)

McGrady, Tracy (’97)

Montgomery, Renee (’05)

Mullin, Chris (’81)

Oden, Greg (’06)

Parker, Candace (’04)

Pierce, Paul (’95)

Stoudemire, Amare (’02)

Thomas, Isiah (’79)

Webber, Chris (’91)

Wilkins, Dominique (’79)

Wiggins, Candice (’04)

Worthy, James (’79)

What do you think of the first 28? Who do you think should make my top five list? Check out the media site for a list of McDonald’s All American alumni.

Send an e-mail to mcdonaldsallamericangames@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Tags: Advisory Council, Alonzo Mourning, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Zo's Top 33
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Hello from McD. All American Alum Alonzo Mourning

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Alonzo Mourning, Captain of the McDonald's All American Advisory Council

Hey everyone,

I’m Alonzo Mourning, 1988 McDonald’s All American Games MVP and captain of the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council.

If you haven’t yet heard of the Advisory Council, our role is to help shape the future of this event while inspiring the top players of tomorrow to give back to their communities.

If you want to learn more about the Advisory Council and other members such as Greg Oden and Candace Parker, visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com.

Now for the fun part. McDonald’s recently asked me to name the top McDonald’s All American Games players of all time. This has never been done before!

I gladly agreed, but in the spirit of the Games, I plan to rank the top 33 players based on this very simple but important criteria:

A former McDonald’s All American
Exceptional performance and conduct on the court
Exceptional performance and conduct off the court

It’s critical that we take into account a player’s athleticism, stats and overall game. But it’s equally as important we take into account all the good these players do for their communities. After all, giving back is what the McDonald’s All American Games is all about.

Stay tuned tomorrow right here when I’ll unveil the first 28 players on what I’m calling “Zo’s Top 33.” I encourage you to send along your recommendations!

Until next time,

Tags: Advisory Council, Alonzo Mourning, Ronald McDonald House Charities
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Looking Back at the Past 31 Years

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Vintage McD. All American Game Photo

Hello basketball fans,

Morgan Wootten here, chair of the McDonald’s All American Games selection committee. I hope you are well and enjoying basketball season. It’s been my pleasure to serve as the head of the McDonald’s All American Games selection committee since the first Game was played in 1978.

A few days ago we announced the nominees for the 2009 McDonald’s All American Games and we plan to unveil the 48 final team members selected to the teams on February 18 - stay tuned for additional information. You can also visit this site as the news is announced to see the confirmed list of players.

As we near the 2009 McDonald’s All American team selections, I wanted to take a moment to reflect back on the past 31 years of the Games – it’s hard to believe so much time has gone by and that so much has evolved since that first Game. All of the talent that has come through our doors adding to the Games’ prestige has been incredible.

In the first year that the boys Game was played, history was just beginning for our sport – we saw Wilt Chamberlain elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, Kentucky beat Duke 94-88 in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship, the Washington Bullets beat the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA Championship and future McDonald’s All Americans Shane Battier and Mike Bibby were just born.

Watching Battier and Bibby, among the thousands of other talented McDonald’s All Americans throughout the years go on to become future stars both in basketball and in life has been very exciting.

From the first girls Game that was played in 2002 to future stars LeBron James and Kevin Garnett, to Candace Parker being the first ever female to win the POWERade slam dunk contest – we’ve had a lot of great moments.

I’m looking forward to watching the new talent at the 2009 Games this year and continuing this tradition of excellence for many more years to come.

Tune back in mid January when a good friend of the Games and alumnus, Alonzo Mourning, will announce what he calls ‘Zo’s Top 33’, his top 33 McDonald’s All Americans of all time – best on and off the court. No one has ever ranked the all time McDonald’s All Americans so it will be exciting.

Who do you think should make Zo’s Top 33 of all time, and why? Send us your suggestions.

Take care,

Morgan Wootten

Morgan poses with Abby Waner and Josh McRoberts, both recipients of Morgan's Player of the Year award in 2005

Tags: Advisory Council, Alonzo Mourning, Morgan Wootten, Zo's Top 33
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McD. All American Trivia

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Think you’re an All American trivia buff? Check out your skills with our trivia questions below. We’ll name the winner in a future post here on Inside the Games. Send your answers and return address to: mcdonaldsallamericangames@yahoo.com.

1). Throughout the years, which state has produced the most McDonald’s All Americans for both the Boys and Girls Games?

2). What year was the Girls Game introduced?

3). Which university has recruited the most McDonald’s All American Girls? Which for the Boys?

4). How many NCAA Div. I Men’s Championship teams have won the title since 1978 without a McDonald’s All American on the roster?

5). How many McDonald’s All American Alumni have competed in the Olympic Games?

Carmelo Anthony Slams a Dunk at the 2002 POWERade Jam Fest

Carmelo Anthony wins the 2002 Slam Dunk Competition

Tags: Trivia
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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

See the POWERADE Jam Fest on March 30 and New Contest

McDonald’s All American Games Trivia Contest!

Announcing the 2009 McDonald’s All American Teams

Advisory Council Summit

Announcing the 2009 Coaches

Top Five of “Zo’s Top 33″

My First 28 of “Zo’s Top 33″

Hello from McD. All American Alum Alonzo Mourning

Looking Back at the Past 31 Years

McD. All American Trivia

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