2004 McDonald’s All-Americans: Where Are They Now? Part II

Rajon Rondo has become one of the best true point guards in the league, all without a jump shot.

Can the second half of the 2004 class live up to the talent of the first half? They already have a competitive list of NBA-ers with Lamarcus Aldridge, Arron Afflalo, Glen Davis, Rudy Gay, Daniel Gibson, Dwight Howard, and Al Jefferson. It will be tough to top that one. Let’s find out.

The McDonald’s All-Americans: Where Are They Now? Part II

Jawann McClellan: 6’5″ 210lbs SG. Houston, Texas.
Charles H. Milby HS: Rivals #4 SG. #18 Nationally.
Arizona: Sr. Year: 35.1mpg, 8.4ppg, 3.6rpg,  2.7apg.
Current: Not a clue.
Jawann McClellan was a sweet shooting, athletic wing man who excelled at Milby HS in Houston. His stellar senior season landed Jawann on the Junior World Championship team, and he rolled into Arizona with lots of hype for Lute Olsen’s Wildcats. He arrived on campus and eventually took over the sixth man role for the 30-7 Wildcats averaging 15 minutes per game during his freshman season. He was academically ineligible for the first semester during his sophomore season and suffered a season-ending injury during his sophomore season. Years three and four would prove to be healthy, yet lacking in the production department. Jawann averaged a career-best 9.8 points during his junior year, but failed to live up to the hype as an All-American. McClellan played one season for the Dakota Wizards in the NDL and averaged 4.5 points in 28 games. Any searches for what he is currently doing led me only to the scandal that he was involved in with his AAU coach and Lute Olsen (which isn’t worth discussing).
Potential: I’m sure he is a pretty strong candidate for the YMCA MVP somewhere.

Randolph Morris: 6’11″ 250lbs C. Palmetto, Georgia.
Landmark Christian: Rivals #2 C. #10 Nationally.
Kentucky: Jr. Year: 27.6mpg, 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg.
Current: Beijing Ducks: 32.3mpg, 23.7ppg, 9.9rpg, 1.4apg.
Randolph Morris was a beast rolling out of Palmetto after his senior year at Landmark Christian averaging a near triple-double with 23 points, 16 boards, and 8 blocks per game. Morris headed north to Lexington to join fellow 2004 McD’s class members Joe Crawford and Rajon Rondo at the University of Kentucky. Morris saw a decent amount of minutes during his freshman year playing alongside Chuck Hayes. Year two saw Morris make the leap averaging 13.3 points and 6.0 boards per game. Rumors swirled that Morris would bolt but he returned for his junior year and improved his numbers across the board. In perhaps the weirdest twist, Morris actually declared for the NBA draft after his freshman season but did not hire an agent. He stayed in the draft and did not get drafted. Morris applied for re-instatement and was allowed to return to UK but was officially a free agent and could be signed at any time. 5 days after UK was eliminated from the tournament his junior year, Morris was signed by the New York Knicks. He would play in only 74 games in four seasons in the NBA, two with the Knicks and two with the Hawks. He bolted for Beijing when the lockout occurred and is now playing along Stephon Marbury as a member of the Ducks.
Potential: Barely Rising. The big man who has talent is only 25 years old and has the potential to be a decent big man in the league. It may be a while before he gets back to the NBA but with the lack of good big men, I would say Morris has some potential.

DeMarcus Nelson: 6’3″, 195lbs SG. Elk Grove, California.
Sheldon HS: Rivals #3 SG. #17 Nationally.
Duke: Sr. Year: 30.9mpg, 14.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.9apg.
Current: Cholet Basket (EuroLeague): 25.5mg, 9.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg.
DeMarcus Nelson rolled out of California as one of the best high school players to ever lace them up in the state. During his senior season in which he was named Mr. Basketball, Nelson averaged 30.3 points, 10.9 boards, and 5.8 assists for Sheldon Senior High. Maybe even more impressive is the fact he averaged 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists per game as a sophomore. He left HS as the all-time leading scorer in the state with an astounding 3,462 career points. Nelson headed east to play for Coach K and Dukies where he saw significant time as a freshman and sophomore, but made the leap during his junior year in which he averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. Nelson was one of the best rebounding guards in the country and could fill it up when needed as well. After his senior season, there was question as to what position Nelson could play. He was a bit undersized for a shooting guard and struggled to create his own shot, but didn’t have the handles to play the point either. He went undrafted but garnered attention from the Golden State Warriors who signed him as a free agent for the 2008-2009 season. He played in 13 games, started 5, but only played 13.2 minutes per game. Nelson has since bounced around the D-League and overseas and was most recently a member of Cholet Basket in France.
Potential: None. Although he was the only player to ever go undrafted, sign as agree agent, and start on opening night in the NBA, Nelson isn’t the type of player that translates in to an NBA-level talent. I would be surprised if he ever saw action in the NBA again.

Rajon Rondo: 6’1″, 155lbs PG. Louisville, Kentucky.

J.R. Smith is stuck in China for now, but should make an impact once he gets back to the Nuggets.

Oak Hill Academy: Rivals #5 PG. #25 Nationally.
Kentucky: So Year: 31.0mpg, 11.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.9apg.
Boston Celtics: (2011 stats): 37.2mpg, 10.6ppg, 11.2apg, 4.4rpg.
Rajon Rondo was one of the lowest ranked players to make the All-American squad in 2004, but he has since made the selection committee look awfully smart in choosing him. Rondo played three seasons at Eastern High School in Louisville where he averaged 27.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists before transferring to Oak Hill his senior year. At Oak Hill Rondo averaged 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 12 assists per game. He had two games in which he posted 27 assists and one of an insane 31 assists. Rondo also poured in 55 points in a game as well. He returned to his home state after his one year in Virginia and took over at PG as soon as he arrived on campus at Kentucky. Rondo 8.2 points and 3.5 assists while being one of the best permitter defenders for the Wildcats. In year two, Rondo improved his scoring to 11.2 points and also posted an impressive 6.1 rebounds as a 6’1″ point guard in the SEC. Rondo projected to be a solid prospect who would need some work due to his struggles with shooting. Nonetheless, Rondo declared for the draft and was selected 21st by the Suns and then traded to the Celtics. Rondo is now one of the best PG’s in the league and has a ring to go with it. His ability to see the floor and attack the basket has made Rondo an All-Star caliber talent even though he rarely shoots the ball from outside of 10-15 feet.
Potential: Rising? This one is tricky. As great as Rondo is, he has to be surrounded by talent to be effective because of his inability to shoot the basketball. With the Celtics getting older, his performance is going to depend on what they do with the parts around him. I want to say he is rising, but it is possible his numbers could decline without the Hall of Famers around him.

J.R. Smith: 6’6″ 220lbs SF. Clarksburg, New Jersey.
St. Benedict’s Prep: Rivals #3 SF. #8 Nationally.
North Carolina: Never attended.
Current: (2011 Stats): 24.9mpg, 12.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg.
Earl “J.R.” Smith had an interesting high school ice, bouncing around high schools in New Jersey and only playing basketball after attending his third high school. He would eventually enroll at St. Benedict’s and average 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. This was enough to catch the attention of North Carolina which he signed a letter of intent to be a Tar Heel. Smith never put on the baby blue as he decided to head to the NBA draft. J.R. had talent but several thought it was possible that he would be a bust. Many figured he wasn’t ready but, nonetheless, Smith was drafted 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets. He would surprise many by starting 56 of the 76 games he played in during his rookie season, but Smith struggled from the field shooting 39% from two and 29% from three. He managed to average 10.3 points and 2.0 rebounds however. Smith’s numbers declined in year two and he was moved to Denver after his sophomore season. Smith has found his place as the sixth man in Denver, averaging between 12 and 15 points per game in about 25 minutes per game.He has improved his shot and is one of the most athletic swingmen in the league. Because of the lockout, Smith signed on to play in China and is now stuck in his contract, even though he has been accused of faking an injury and has been a gigantic pain since he arrived.
Potential: Stagnant. I don’t think Smith is more than a 6th man who can provide some energy and points off of the bench. He found himself in the perfect situation in Denver, and as long as he can keep his head on straight, should continue to thrive in that spot.

Josh Smith: 6’8″, 200lbs SF. Powder Springs, Georgia.

One of the best dunkers in the league, J-Smoove is also turning out to be one of the best PF's in the east.

Oak Hill Academy: Rivals #1 SF. #3 Nationally.
Indiana: Never wore the candy stripes.
Current: (2011 stats) Atlanta Hawks: 34.4mpg, 16.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.3apg.
Josh Smith joined fellow McD’s All-Americans Randolph Morris and Dwight Howard on the Atlanta Celtics AAU team before his senior season at Oak Hill Academy. Like Dwight, J-Smoove decided to bypass heading to Bloomington to play for the Hoosiers and headed straight to the NBA where he was named the 17th pick overall by the Atlanta Hawks. The high flying Smith was an athlete first, basketball-player second to many. He didn’t have a polished offensive game, but could attack the basket with the best of the NBA and could block shots better than the rest. Josh posted solid numbers as a rookie for the Hawks, averaging 9.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 27.7 minutes per game. His numbers would increase over the next two seasons placing him among the border-line all-stars in the east.
Potential: Rising a little. If the 26-year-old can continue to improve his shooting percentages and attack the basket, he can improve his numbers even more. He is already one of the best rebounding Small/Power forwards in the league and is only 26. With some work, Josh could push himself in to the 20 points/10 boards range.

Robert Swift: 7’1″ 245lbs C. Bakersfield, California.
Baskersfield HS: Rivals #3 Center. #14 Nationally.
USC: Unintelligently never went.
Current: Not sure. He last played in Tokyo and I can’t find any stats. He was rumored to go to the Celtics this summer after the lockout, but that didn’t happen. So, basically, no idea.
Robert Swift was ranked ahead of other members of this squad like Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, Daniel Gibson, J.R. Smith, and Arron Afflalo. The 7’1″ inch big man was obviously a big draw, but the red flags should have shown themselves when Swift was almost declared ineligible for his senior season after transferring to his third school within one year. Swift eventually got the ruling overturned and he turned it into the #3 ranked center in the country by Rivals. Swift signed to stay close to home at USC, but decided to head to the NBA instead. The Seattle Supersonics decided to make him the 12th pick overall. The big man barely played in year one, and saw 20 starts in 47 games in his second season. He posed decent averages of 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 21 minutes. Swift looked to be the starting center the following season but tore his ACL in a preseason game and basically couldn’t come back from it. He thought about quitting basketball all-together after Tokyo in 2010, but it may not have been his choice. As of now he is MIA.
Potential: None.

Sebastian Telfair: 6’0″ 160lbs PG. New York, New York.

Sebastian Telfair failed to live up to the hype out of Coney Island and is now a backup in Phoenix.

Lincoln HS: Rivals #2 PG. #6 Nationally.
Louisville: Never attended.
Current: (2011) Minnesota T-Wolves: 19.2mpg, 7.2ppg, 3.0apg, 1.5rpg.
There may not have been a more hyped player out of high school than Sebastian Telfair. From the documentary “Through the Fire” profiling his big-time success as a high school player in Brooklyn, Telfair was supposed to be a can’t miss point guard. He was the all-time leading scorer at Lincoln when he left and was heading to Louisville to play for Rick Pitino after his senior season. Telfair, however, would join many of his fellow McDonald’s All-Americans by bypassing college and heading to the NBA. Sebastian would be selected 13th overall despite his perceived lack of size and scoring ability at the next level. His ability to handle the ball and set up teammates was enough to entice the Blazers to take a chance. Telfair saw significant action throughout his first five seasons, starting 179 out of the 349 games he played in. Legal troubles and an three-years of probation for gun charges has contributed to the decline in Telfair’s playing time along with his continued lack of improvement from when he entered the league. He is now signed on with the Phoenix Suns as a backup point guard.
Potential: Declining. I don’t think Telfair had the drive and determination to be a player in the league. He hasn’t improved his game from the time he entered the league and until he does, he will simply be a backup wherever he goes.

Darius Washington Jr.: 6’0″ 165lbs SG. Orlando, Florida.
Edgewater HS: Rivals #5 SG. #23 Overall.
Memphis: So Year. 26.5mpg, 13.4ppg, 3.1apg, 2.8rpg.
Current: Turkish League: 32.1mpg, 18.5ppg, 5.3apg, 3.6rpg.
Darius Washington was one of the biggest recruits to head to Memphis to play for former UMASS coach John Calipari. Washington, who had excelled as a scorer at Edgewater High in Florida, wasted no time making an impact for the Memphis Tigers. Washington started immediately and played 35 minutes per game as a freshman. He poured in 15.4 points per game, but barely had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. Year two saw a decline in minutes for Washington which led to a decrease in numbers across the board. This wasn’t a bad thing for Memphis, however, as they had a much deeper squad with guys like Rodney Carney and Antonio Anderson seeing more minutes in the back court. Even though Washington was perceived as a shoot first point guard who lacked the skills to be a true point in the NBA, Washington declared for the draft and signed an agent two days before the draft. He went undrafted and began bouncing around the EuroLeague although he did play for the Austin Toros of the D-League and also 18 games for the Spurs.
Potential: Stagnant/none. Washington is a still a shoot-first point guard in Turkey. His refusal to adapt his game to being a true point guard has kept Washington from getting another chance in the league.

D.J. White: 6’7″ 230lbs PF. Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Hillcrest HS: Rivals #4 PF. #15 Nationally.
Indiana: Sr Year: 33.5mpg, 17.4ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.6bpg.
Current: (2011 stats) Charlotte: 19.4mpg, 8.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 0.5bpg.
D.J. White, along with fellow All-American Josh Smith, were supposed to be the players that elevated Indiana to another title chance. Few thought Smith would attend, but there was little question that D.J. White would don the candy striped pants for the Hoosiers. After posting 20 points and 15 boards a game as a senior, D.J. stepped onto the court at IU and made a big impact as a freshman. White led all freshmen in the Big Ten in scoring with 13.3 points per game. He would play in only five games his sophomore season due to a broken foot but rebounded to be a big-time player in his junior and senior seasons. White averaged a double-double and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year after his senior season. While White had a lot of intangibles that made him a solid NBA prospect, he lacked the range and ball-handling skills needed as a 6’7″ power forward in the NBA. White did enough in the pre-draft camps to be selected 29th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. White was then traded to OKC where he saw limited action in his first two and a half seasons with the Thunder. Since being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats, White has played more and has started in the 3 games played so far this season.
Potential: Rising. White is seeing the most minutes he has in his career and has the potential to be a factor for Charlotte, although he will never be more than a borderline starter, productive bench guy.

Marvin Williams: 6’9″ 225lbs PF. Bremerton, Washington.

Marvin Williams has had a productive career, but failed to live up to expectations for the Hawks.

Bremerton HS: Rivals #2 PF. #11 Nationally.
North Carolina: Fr. Year: 22.2mpg, 11.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.1spg.
Current: (2011 Stats): Atlanta Hawks: 28.7mpg, 10.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.4apg.
On a long list of solid power forwards on this All-American squad, Marvin Williams was looked at to be one of the most talented. Williams averaged 28.7 points, 15.5 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 assists per game during his senior year at Bremerton. He headed east to play for Roy Williams and North Carolina Tar Heels after his senior season and made an immediate impact. In his one season as a Tar Heel, Williams played 22.2 mpg and averaged 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds. More importantly, he was a big part of the team that would win the NCAA National Championship. Several felt Williams would benefit from another year at North Carolina, but he left after his one season and would be drafted #2 overall by the Hawks based on his potential and current talent. Williams played 24.7 minutes per game in his first season for the Hawks and averaged 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. His best season came in his third season in which he averaged 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds. Williams’ numbers have declined over the last two seasons and his lack of aggressiveness has kept him from making a leap into where many think his talent should take him.
Potential: Stagnant. Williams has the physical tools and talent to be an All-Star in the league, but he often blends into the background and is content with doing what he has since his freshman season at North Carolina.

Mike Williams: 6’7″ 225lbs PF. Camden, Alabama.
Wilcox Central HS: Rivals #5 PF. #20 Nationally.
Cincinnati: 9.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7apg, 0.4bpg.
Current: Not a clue.
Mike Williams is one hard guy to track down thanks to having the most common name in the world (reference needed). Mike Williams originally committed to play for the Texas Longhorns after his senior season at Wilcox Central in which he averaged 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game. Williams played two seasons at Texas and  saw back up duty averaging only 2.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in two seasons as a Longhorn. After his sophomore year Williams would transfer to Cincinnati where his return to college basketball would be delayed even further after he ruptured his Achilles during preseason workouts before his senior season. Williams would return to the lineup the next year and post solid numbers for the Bearcats in his one season. After that, he has been nearly impossible to track down so I am not positive if he is playing or not. How is that for thorough research?
Potential: No idea. He could be dominating in Luxembourg for all I know.

That will wrap up the 2004 McDonald’s All-American class, and it may turn out to be the best one yet. Lets have a look who I feel the starters and bench players should be.

STARTERS:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: Dwight Howard

BENCH:
F: Josh Smith
F: Al Jefferson
F: Glen Davis
G: J.R. Smith
F: Marvin Williams
G: Daniel Gibson
G: Jordan Farmar

That is one solid squad. Although it is power forward heavy, it is still a pretty well-rounded group with 4-5 all-star caliber players on the team. Josh Smith isn’t even good enough to be in the starting line-up for this squad and he is a border line all-star every year. The Rudy Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dwight Howard front court would be an absolute nightmare to defend. This team would definitely be a contender for the hypothetical RewindSports finals.

Up next, the 2003 McDonald’s All-American squad. Who headlines this squad? You might know this guy.

Anybody know this guy?