Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Konchalski: Whitehead Expected to Be McDonald’s All-American
The rosters for the McDonald’s All-American Game won’t be revealed until February, but at least one member of the selection committee believes Isaiah Whitehead should make the game.
“First of all, I think he made the McDonald’s All-American Game with his performance in the Elite 24,” Konchalski told SNY.tv in reference to Whitehead’s 26-point outing in the game last month in Brooklyn.
“I think he’s one of the top five guards in the nation. I really think he’s had a very good summer. He’s improved tremendously. He worked purposely on his game. He’s become a very, very good shooter thanks to [his trainer] Jason Hernandez and he’s a guy who can really pass.”
Konchalski believes Whitehead played better ball this summer than Rashad Vaughn of Findlay Prep, considered by many the top two guard in the Class of 2014.
“Rashad Vaughn is bigger and stonger and people think he’s going to be one-and- done,” Konchalski said. “He’s closer phsycially to being able to take that step to the level beyond.
“But Isaiah Whitehead I think is a better basketball player. He can do more things and has a better understanding of the game.”
On Saturday, Whitehead took an unofficial visit to Seton Hall following school visits this week with Minnesota and Pittsburgh. He is also considering Arizona, UCLA, Syracuse and Louisville, among others.
Although Whitehead has kept his recruitment close to the vest, he said at the Elite 24 Game that one of his goals was to make the McDonald’s Game.
“Oh definitely,” he said. “McDonald’s All-American is my dream so hopefully I get chosen for it.”
Photo: Kelly Kline / UA
Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.
The rosters for the McDonald’s All-American Game won’t be revealed until February, but at least one member of the selection committee believes Isaiah Whitehead should make the game.
“First of all, I think he made the McDonald’s All-American Game with his performance in the Elite 24,” Konchalski told SNY.tv in reference to Whitehead’s 26-point outing in the game last month in Brooklyn.
“I think he’s one of the top five guards in the nation. I really think he’s had a very good summer. He’s improved tremendously. He worked purposely on his game. He’s become a very, very good shooter thanks to [his trainer] Jason Hernandez and he’s a guy who can really pass.”
Konchalski believes Whitehead played better ball this summer than Rashad Vaughn of Findlay Prep, considered by many the top two guard in the Class of 2014.
“Rashad Vaughn is bigger and stonger and people think he’s going to be one-and- done,” Konchalski said. “He’s closer phsycially to being able to take that step to the level beyond.
“But Isaiah Whitehead I think is a better basketball player. He can do more things and has a better understanding of the game.”
On Saturday, Whitehead took an unofficial visit to Seton Hall following school visits this week with Minnesota and Pittsburgh. He is also considering Arizona, UCLA, Syracuse and Louisville, among others.
Although Whitehead has kept his recruitment close to the vest, he said at the Elite 24 Game that one of his goals was to make the McDonald’s Game.
“Oh definitely,” he said. “McDonald’s All-American is my dream so hopefully I get chosen for it.”
Photo: Kelly Kline / UA
