The highly anticipated 2025 McDonald's All-American Game is set to take place on Tuesday at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This annual event serves as a prestigious platform for showcasing the nation's top high school basketball talents, and this year promises to be no different. The spotlight will shine brightly on AJ Dybantsa, a BYU signee and the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Dybantsa's selection marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first BYU pledge to participate in the McDonald's All-American game since Garner Meads in 2000.
The 2025 McDonald's All-American Game features a host of elite players, including five-star recruits such as Darryn Peterson from Kansas and Cameron Boozer from Duke. These players are not only set to compete against Dybantsa but are also primed to make their mark in the highly anticipated 2026 NBA Draft. Cameron Boozer is particularly notable, as he is one of three future Blue Devils highlighted in the game, joined by his brother Cayden Boozer and the sharpshooter Nikolas Khamenia. The Boozer brothers continue the legacy of their father, Carlos Boozer, who was a McDonald's All-American selection back in 1999.
The reigning champions, UConn, will have a strong presence at the McDonald's All-American Game, represented by players such as Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, and Darius Adams. In total, 14 schools will be showcased during this prestigious event, highlighting a wealth of emerging storylines, including the notable impact of first-year coaches across the nation.
Even in a new environment, John Calipari of Arkansas continues to attract top-tier talent. His recruits, dazzling point guard Darius Acuff Jr. and standout wing Meleek Thomas, have earned their spots in the game. Arkansas and Houston join Duke and UConn as the only programs with multiple players selected for this elite showcase.
In addition, two contenders for National Coach of the Year will get significant attention. Mark Pope from Kentucky has successfully secured big man Malachi Moreno, while Pat Kelsey has Louisville thriving both on the court and in recruiting, highlighted by five-star point guard Mikel Brown Jr.. Meanwhile, Washington's Danny Sprinkle features McDonald's All-American Niko Bundalo as the centerpiece of his inaugural recruiting class. Notre Dame’s Micah Shrewsberry is also making waves with Jalen Haralson, who is regarded as the highest-rated player to ever commit to Notre Dame in the modern recruiting era.
This year's game also includes a quartet of highly sought-after five-star players who have yet to make their college decisions. Leading the pack is Nate Ament, a sleek scoring wing ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. He possesses one of the highest ceilings among his peers. Other notable five-star prospects include Koa Peat, Alijah Arenas, and Brayden Burries, all of whom are causing coaching staffs across the nation to hold their breath as they approach their respective Decision Days.
Here are the confirmed rosters for the upcoming 2025 McDonald's All-American Game:
East TeamF Shon Abaev, CincinnatiG Darius Acuff Jr., ArkansasG Darius Adams, UConnF Nate Ament, undecidedF Cameron Boozer, DukeG Cayden Boozer, DukeF Jalen Haralson, Notre DameG Isiah Harwell, HoustonG Trey McKenney, MichiganC Malachi Moreno, KentuckyG Braylon Mullins, UConnC Eric Reibe, UConnWest TeamThe players representing the West team will also showcase exceptional talent that will certainly make headlines in the future.
The 2025 McDonald's All-American Game is not just a showcase of talent; it is a glimpse into the future of college basketball and the NBA, making it a must-watch event for fans and scouts alike.