By JACOB POLACHECK
After scoring a game-high 28 points and leading the West Team to a 131-128 victory over the East Team, North Carolina commit Nassir Little took home MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American Game on Wednesday.
“Winning MVP puts me on the list of legends,” said Little. “I think LeBron James won MVP, so to be on the list of McDonald’s All-American MVP’s is amazing.”
Little’s 28 points were tied for the third most in the event’s 41-year history. Only Jonathan Bender and fellow Tar Heel Michael Jordan, who scored 31 and 30, respectively, have finished with more points in the event’s history.
“It’s great. I think that people count me out,” said Little. “People have always counted me out, so to showcase it on this stage at this time is just a great feeling. I felt like I showed the world what I could do.”
Duke commit R.J. Barrett, who wound up on the losing end of the game, talked about Little’s game and both players joining the famous rivalry between Duke and UNC.
“Nassir is a good player. It was our second time going head to head and we’re 1-1 now,” he said. “There are going to be some great battles between us next year. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
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