Where Is Every 2018 McDonald’s All-American Today?
Another week means another trip backward through basketball history. This time, we're rewinding eight years to 2018—a class overflowing with future stars, cautionary tales and some of the most overwhelming high-school hype the sport has EVER witnessed.
At the center? Zion Williamson, a 6'6", burly viral phenomenon whose thunderous dunks and once in a generation athleticism made ordinary high school gyms in South Carolina feel like must-see television. But Zion was far from the class’s only attraction. Darius Garland's deep range, Bol Bol's absurd skillset, and a loaded roster of five-star prospects looked destined to shape the next era of basketball.
Eight years later, it is time to revisit one of the most talented McDonald’s All-American classes ever assembled—and discover who fulfilled their promise, who exceeded it and whose seemingly limitless potential never quite became reality.
East
RJ Barrett (F)
Before setting foot at Duke and eventually the NBA, Barrett was the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the 2018 class after reclassifying from 2019. At Montverde Academy, he led the Eagles to an absurd 35-0 record and a national title in 2017–18, sweeping every major National High School Player of the Year award. At 6'6" with bounce, Barrett was dubbed "Maple Mamba". He was a relentless downhill attacker with a vicious competitive motor, elite transition finishing, and great vision. At Duke, he joined fellow All-Americans Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish to assemble what was meant to be the greatest team in college basketball. He set both the Duke single-season scoring record and the ACC freshman scoring record, averaging 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Drafted third overall to the Knicks, Barrett was a steady, durable starter who helped stabilize a fanbase that consumed just 17 wins the year prior.
Despite being controversially left off of an All-Rookie Team, Barrett's offense continued to improve each year, eventually averaging 20+ points per night. Still, the Knicks were far from exciting and struggled to make any competitive push. Everything clicked when he was traded to his hometown Toronto Raptors in December 2023. Not only did he begin playing the most efficient basketball of his career, he was winning. Barrett's been an above average scorer for the Raptors over the last few seasons, and notably went off for 24 points a night in the 2026 Eastern Conference playoffs. He didn't quite turn into the generational, top-five superstar he was hyped to be in high school, but he has carved out a remarkably durable, efficient, and high-level NBA career.
Moses Brown (C)
At Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York, Brown was a legitimate terror. Teamed up with fellow high school phenom Cole Anthony, he formed one of the most dominant prep duos in the country. Standing 7'2" with a 7'5" wingspan and a 9'5" standing reach, he was a natural rim protector who could control the glass in his sleep. However, scouts were terrified of his limited upper-body strength and inability to space the floor even from midrange. Brown committed to UCLA and dropped a historic 19 points and 17 rebounds against Purdue Fort Wayne, making him the first player since Kareem to a line like that in his debut. However, that lack of a jump shot plagued him and he shot 35% from the free throw line. Brown subsequently went undrafted, but managed to clinch a contract with Portland. After nine appearances in a microscopic role, he joined Oklahoma City and finally received a legitimate opportunity. Brown averaged 8.6 points and 8.9 rebounds in 43 games, exploding for 21 points and 23 boards against Boston in only his fifth career start.
For a moment, it appeared the Thunder had uncovered their center of the future. Instead, that performance became the peak of an increasingly nomadic NBA career. Brown was traded to Boston without ever suiting up for the Celtics, then cycled through Dallas, Cleveland, the Clippers, Brooklyn, Portland again, Indiana and another stint with the Mavericks. The story remained virtually identical everywhere he went: Brown could inhale rebounds, finish around the rim and block shots, but his nonexistent perimeter game made it hard to stick around. He's currently playing for Criollos de Caguas in Puerto Rico where is defensive skills are highly regarded.
Darius Garland (G)
This is a kid who 100% lived up to the hype. Son of former player Winston Garland, Darius grew up surrounded by basketball and was touted a prodigy at just thirteen years old, making his high school varsity team as a middle-schooler. He led Brentwood Academy to four consecutive state championships, was named Tennessee Mr. Basketball three years in a row and capped off his high school career as a consensus five-star recruit. A pure, crafty point guard with an elite handle, deep range, and an effortless passer, his jumper was pure poetry, and his court vision made everyone around him better. The kid chose to stay local and committed to Vanderbilt University, where a severe meniscus injury limited him to just five games.
Despite playing fewer than 150 minutes of college ball, the tape (as well as his pre-draft workouts) was so impressive that the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him 5th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. After a mediocre rookie season adjusting to the speeds of the NBA, Garland blossomed into one of the league's slickest dual-threat point guards. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2022 after averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists, then secured a five-year maximum extension worth up to $231 million. Garland followed that breakout by dropping a career-high 51 points the next season and successfully adjusting to life beside another ball-dominant guard in Donovan Mitchell. His Cleveland chapter came to an end in a blockbuster deal for James Harden, giving him a new opportunity on a rebuilding team elsewhere.
Louis King (F)
Louis King was a phenomenal high school baller, but unfortunately an example of what can happen if you leave college just a little bit too early. The New Jersey native suited up for multiple high schools, notably Hudson Catholic. At 6'7" with a 7-foot wingspan, King had the perfect frame for a perimeter wing. He was a smooth three-level scorer who could pull up off the dribble, dunk on smaller prospects and defend multiple positions. King committed to Oregon and missed the first month due to injury, but as he soon as he stepped into the starting lineup, he quickly reminded everyone why he was named an All-American. He earned Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors, averaging 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and was instrumental in Oregon's Sweet 16 run.
Despite showing clear potential, his decision to hire an agent and remain in the 2019 NBA Draft after just one season may have been the wrong decision. Going undrafted, King clinched a contract with the Detroit Pistons and spent most of his rookie season developing with the Grand Rapids Drive. He averaged 15 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in the G League but appeared in only 10 games for Detroit before being waived the following offseason. Across four seasons, King appeared in only 27 NBA games despite repeatedly proving he could score at the developmental level. He's currently playing for the same Puerto Rican ball club as fellow All-American Moses Brown.
Romeo Langford (G)
Romeo Langford is one of the biggest "what-if's" in recent memory. He didn't quite live up to the hype, but that's largely due to nagging injuries that repeatedly set him back. Langford was basketball royalty at Indiana. At New Albany High School, he led his team to a 2016 4A State Championship and was named Indiana's Mr. Basketball after finishing his career with over 3,000 points. The 6'5" shooting guard was nicknamed "Mr. Cool" for his smooth, unbothered demeanor on the floor. He was a master cutter who could draw fouls at will, finish through contact with either hand, and score in isolation with effortless footwork. Langford then sent the state into a frenzy by staying home to play for Indiana University. On paper, his freshman campaign looked solid—he averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and earned All-Big Ten honors. But the red flags were in his jumper—just 27% from three. It was later revealed that he played almost the entire season with a thumb injury, which didn't sway the Celtics from picking him up 14th overall.
Boston remained committed to his development for the better part of three seasons, but every stretch seemed to be interrupted by another setback. Langford entered the league recovering from thumb surgery, later underwent wrist surgery and battled additional ankle, groin and hamstring issues. He appeared in only 94 regular-season games for Boston, averaging 3.6 points while never receiving enough healthy, uninterrupted playing time to find a groove. Boston eventually included Langford in a package for Derrick White. In the 2022–23 season, Langford started 21 games and averaged career highs of 6.9 points while shooting 46% from the field. Still, the larger breakout never arrived. Following a stint in France in 2024, he hasn't been employed since.
David McCormack (C)
Despite not making a name for himself at the NBA level, David McCormack will go down in Jayhawk's history as one of the greatest prospects to ever wear the blue. He etched his name into Kansas lore as national championship hero. Raised in Virginia, McCormack blossomed into one of the country's most formidable interior forces. He played his high school ball at the legendary Oak Hill Academy and notably transformed his body, losing over forty pounds by his senior year. At 6'10" and 250 pounds with a wide frame and long arms, McCormack was a traditional, blue-collar "bruiser" center. He controlled the glass, excelled at sealing defenders deep in the paint, and brought an energetic, physical edge on both ends of the floor. While he didn't space the floor or have much of a perimeter game, he shot a promising percentage from the free throw line. McCormick committed to Bill Self and proceeded to make college history.
He was by no means an instant one-and-done star, but he developed steadily year after year, earning Big 12 Most Improved Player and All-Big 12 honors as a junior. His college career reached its absolute apex in April 2022 during the NCAA National Championship Game against North Carolina. Down by 15 at halftime, Kansas staged the largest comeback in championship history, and McCormack was the ultimate closer. He posted 15 points and 10 rebounds, including two clutch post buckets in the final 90 seconds to put Kansas ahead for good and seal the 2022 National Title. After going undrafted in 2022, McCormack bypassed the traditional G-League path to build a career in Europe. His size, strength, and post play translated seamlessly to the physical style of European basketball, but he hasn't been able to clinch an NBA role. He's currently playing for Bayern Munich in Germany.
E.J. Montgomery (F)
Montgomery started his high school career next to Ben Simmons at Montverde, hailed as a 6'8" freshman phenom who could score at will. Unfortunately, Montgomery couldn't have picked a worse time to be at Montverde. He ultimately transferred to Wheeler, a devoted program that produced projects including Jaylen Brown, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and more. At Wheeler, he exploded into a legitimate national powerhouse, averaging an absurd 25.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game as a senior. He was later the subject of a signing war, eventually committing to Kentucky and after receiving interest from Duke, North Carolina and more. At 6'10" with a 7'0" wingspan, Montgomery was a fluid, left-handed face-up prospect who resembled Michael Beasley. He was notoriously lean and needed to add strength, but scouts figured he could do that later.
Unfortunately, that physical transformation and offensive growth never materialized with the Wildcats. Expected to be John Calipari’s next one and done star, Montgomery struggled to find consistency on a crowded frontcourt, averaging just 3.8 points as a freshman. Even after stepping into a starting role as a sophomore, his production capped out at 6.1 points per game. Declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft anyway, he predictably went undrafted, forcing the former top-10 recruit onto the grueling G League and international trail instead of the NBA spotlight.
Immanuel Quickley (G)
Going from a backup freshman in college to SEC Player of the Year, and then transforming from a late 1st-round draft pick into a $175 million lead point guard, Quickley has surpassed every projection and has one of the more phenomenal career trajectories on this list. Immanuel starred at the John Carroll School in Bel Air, Maryland, becoming one of the most lethal perimeter scoring threats in the country. He had the confidence to score from anywhere, infamously hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer over fellow All-American big man Jalen Smith to win the Baltimore Catholic League title as a sophomore. By his senior year? He was a five-star recruit. Standing 6'3" with a long 6'8" wingspan, Quickley was a smooth, high-IQ combo guard with deep range on his jumper, an elite free-throw stroke, and a floater game that was already near-automatic. Questions emerged whether or not he'd be able to be a substantial point guard since he loved to score so much.
At Kentucky, Quickley found his calling as a combo guard would eventually become the Wildcat's main assassin. As a freshman, he saw little playing time and came off of the bench for Tyler Herro. As a sophomore, he put up 16 points on an absurd 42% from three, and was subsequently drafted 25th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. He became a beloved fan favorite at Madison Square Garden as the ultimate spark plug off the bench, and finished as the runner-up for 2023 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He was eventually traded to the Raptors alongside RJ Barrett, where injuries were a serious hurdle, but he finally managed to suit up for more than 40 games in the 2025-26 season, where he put up 16 points as one of the Raptors' main offensive weapons.
Naz Reid (F)
Going from an undrafted big man burdened with conditioning questions to an NBA Sixth Man of the Year, cult icon, and now a frontcourt anchor for the Charlotte Hornets is as legendary a turnaround as you will find. At Roselle Catholic in New Jersey, Reid wasn't just a consensus five-star recruit—he was the culture. As a headliner of the viral Jelly Fam crew alongside All-American Jahvon Quinerly, "Big Naz" brought guard skills to the big man position. He led Roselle Catholic to a New Jersey Non-Public B state championship and made scouts salivate with his ball handling. At 6'10" with a 7'3" wingspan, Reid had a mesmerizing skill package: smooth handles, deep three-point range, and footwork that allowed him to drop finger-rolls in transition like a point guard. In his lone college season at LSU, he posted 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game while hitting over 33% of his threes.
Despite showing clear NBA upside, poor combine testing and concerns over his conditioning caused his draft stock to plummet. On draft night, all 30 teams passed. That didn't stop Naz from clinching a two-way deal with Minnesota. Reid became a beloved fan favorite at Target Center and evolved into one of the most dangerous big men in the game, culminating in the 2023–24 season, where he averaged 13.5 points on 41.4% shooting from deep to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and help propel Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals. In July 2026, Reid was traded in a package that sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, and he'll be crucial to their rebuild.
Jalen Smith (F)
Starring at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, Smith was a dominant local legend. He earned back-to-back Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year honors and earned the nickname "Stix" due to his long, slender frame. At 6'10" with a long wingspan and smooth athleticism, Smith possessed an intriguing inside-out game. He had a high motor, ran the floor well, blocked shots effortlessly, and showed rare touch on a face-up mid-range jumper for a player his size. However, critics questioned whether or not he'd get bodied in the paint by physical bigs. Jalen stayed close to home and committed to Maryland. After a solid freshman campaign where he earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, he exploded as a sophomore in 2019–20, putting up a massive 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, while knocking down 36.8% of his 3-pointers.
He swept Consensus Third-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten, and Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors before declaring for the 2020 draft, where he was picked 10th overall. Unfortunately, his NBA journey hit an immediate speed bump. Drafted by a contender, Smith struggled to find minutes behind Deandre Ayton. After averaging just 4 points per game in 56 games played with Phoenix, Smith was traded to the Pacers where Smith found his stroke as a stretch five, shooting an efficient 42.4% from three during the 2023–24 season. For the last two seasons, he's been a reliable back up big for the Chicago Bulls, and north of 50% for his career.
Coby White (G)
Coby White is underrated in my opinion. Going from a high-volume prep scorer in North Carolina to passing Michael Jordan on UNC's freshman scoring list, and then developing into a 20-PPG lead guard who earned a $74 million deal in his home state, makes him a straight up crown jewel. White wasn't just a high school star—he became the most prolific prep scorer in North Carolina history. He racked up an absurd 3,573 career points, shattering the state scoring record previously held by JamesOn Curry. Standing 6'4" with his iconic trademark afro, White was an absolute nightmare in the open floor. He possessed elite end to end speed, a quick-trigger pull-up jumper from deep, and a relentless attacking mentality that overwhelmed defenders in transition.
White eventually committed to Roy Williams and North Carolina where he fit in like a glove. He took over starting point guard duties and put on a show, averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. White became the first Tar Heel drafted by Chicago in the 1st round since Jordan after going seventh overall in 2019. He exploded as a streaky bench spark plug—becoming the first rookie in NBA history with back-to-back 30+ point games off the bench. Through sheer work ethic, he elevated his defense, playmaking, and efficiency, exploding into a 2024 NBA Most Improved Player runner-up after averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 assists. White was traded to the Hornets in February in 2026, and will be suiting up next to fellow All-American Naz Reid next season.
Zion Williamson (F)
Zion Williamson was the single most hyped high school basketball prospect since LeBron James. While injuries have periodically stalled his career momentum, calling him anything less than a major success ignores the fact that when he's on the floor, he is a historically efficient, multi-time All-Star force that defenses can't contain. At Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina, Zion wasn't just a high school star—he was a global pop-culture phenomenon. His Ballislife and Overtime mixtapes generated tens of millions of views, featuring a 280-pound teenager pulling off free-throw line dunks and swatting shots into the third row. Drake famously wore Zion's high school jersey on Instagram, and every gym Spartanburg Day visited turned into a standing-room-only arena. Standing 6'6" and 280+ pounds with a 45-inch vertical leap, Zion possessed an unprecedented combination of explosive power, speed and handle. He shocked the recruiting world by committing to Duke alongside All-Americans RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish, where he averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting a mind-boggling 68.0% from the field.
He swept every major national award, winning consensus National Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and First-Team All-American honors before being chosen 1st overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, Zion's career in New Orleans has been defined by two distinct themes. Absurd efficiency, and injuries. Starting with his rookie season where he played just 24 games due to a preseason torn meniscus, physical setbacks have repeatedly interrupted his momentum—most notably missing the entire 2021–22 season with a foot fracture. Yet, when he is on the court, his dominance is undeniable: he earned two All-Star selections (2021, 2023) and consistently posts 20+ points per game on near-60% field goal shooting with Shaquille O'Neal-like paint efficiency. Though durability concerns have prevented him from achieving uninterrupted superstardom, Zion is still a physical anomaly with hopefully tons left in the tank.
West
Darius Bazley (F)
Bazley didn't exactly have the career fans expected, but he's still a trail blazer for numerous reasons. He proved that a top recruit could skip college hoops, sign a million-dollar shoe internship, and still become a first-round NBA draft pick. However, from a pure basketball development standpoint, missing a full year of high-level competitive 5v5 play exacerbated his weaknesses, leading to a polarizing career. After starring at Princeton High School, Bazley initially committed to Syracuse, but then made headlines after rescinding his letter to join the G-League's developmental program instead. Months later, he pivoted again, decommitting from the G-League to work out independently, while simultaneously signing a million-dollar deal with New Balance. At 6'8" with a 7'0" wingspan, Bazley was a long, fluid, left-handed combo forward with athletic upside and versatility. But having not played organized 5v5 basketball for over a year, scouts worried about his game comfort, decision-making, and lack of a reliable jumper.
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired him 23rd overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, and he was given heavy minutes from the jump post-Russell Westbrook. He showed promise during the 2020 NBA Bubble as a rookie and expanded his role in 2020–21, averaging a career-high 13.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as OKC's starting power forward, but offensive efficiency remained a major hurdle. He shot just 41.4% from the field and 30.9% from three over his NBA career. As OKC drafted more polished talent like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, Bazley's role quickly receded. He played for four teams in just under two years, lastly with Utah, where he averaged 8 points on 62% from the field in just six games. Since then he's been playing several stints overseas. He's only 26 however, and the NBA could be in reach again in the future.
Bol Bol (C)
Bol Bol is one of the most enigmatic "unicorn" prospects in modern basketball history. As the son of 7'7" NBA icon Manute Bol, he possessed a surreal, almost glitchy skill set. He was handling the ball like a guard and shooting with deep range in a 7'2" frame. While serious foot injuries and draft-night medical concerns altered his trajectory, he has transformed into a viral cult hero and a reliable NBA stretch-big. Bol was a top-5 national prospect for two powerhouse high school programs. With a sprawling 7'7" wingspan, Bol had a skill set rarely seen in players his size prior to Victor Wembanyama. He could snatch a defensive board, push the fast break himself with a fluid crossover, pull up smoothly from beyond the arc, and swat shots without leaving his feet. Bol committed to Oregon for the 2018–19 season, and his brief collegiate run was nothing short of staggering. Through his first 9 games, he averaged 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, while shooting a blistering 52.0% from 3-point range before suffering a season ending navicular stress fracture.
Projected as a top-5 lottery pick before his injury, medical red flags caused him to famously slide down the board into the second round, where the Denver Nuggets acquired him 44th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Bol flashed potential in the 2020 NBA bubble but struggled to gain minutes. After barely cracking the rotation in Denver, Bol's career finally began to look positive after getting traded to the Orlando Magic in 2022. He put up a career high 9 points on 54% from the field before getting moved to the Phoenix suns, we're he didn't to get much playing time, but when he did play, was efficient. Bol is one of those players who can generate efficient buckets when given the opportunity, but it seems as if teams are almost prehensive to put him in. Following a brief stint in the Philippines, Bol's next chapter is unclear.
Jordan Brown (C)
Finding the right system is tough, and for Jordan Brown, it was exceptionally tougher. After starting his prep career dominating at Woodcreek High School in Roseville, California, Brown transferred to powerhouse Prolific Prep in Napa for his senior year. Despite battling a foot injury, he posted 23.5 points and 13.1 rebounds per game and earned gold medals with Team USA at the FIBA U16 and U17 championships. Standing 6'11" with soft hands and excellent ambidexterity, Brown was a phenomenal finesse interior scorer. He featured advanced footwork in the low post, a reliable jump hook with either hand, and great mobility running the floor in transition. But Brown's college career took him across the country as he navigated coaching changes searching for the right fit, starting with Nevada.
Playing behind an experienced veteran core on a top-10 team, he played limited minutes (3.0 PPG) before transferring to Arizona. He was a more than efficient reserve at earned Pac-12 Sixth Man honors averaging 9 points and 5 boards. He then transferred to Louisville where he played his best basketball by far, erupting for 19.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. In a surprise twist, he used his final year of eligibility to suit up for Memphis, where averaged just 4 points in 18 games played. After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Brown transitioned overseas to launch his professional career in Europe, building a solid role as a skilled big across leagues in Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.
Devon Dotson (G)
A bona fide star at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dotson finished his high school career as a scoring machine, accumulating 2,607 career points whilst putting up 28.5 points per game as a senior. Standing 6'1" with elite speed, Dotson was one of the fastest guards with the ball in his hands. He possessed a relentless, aggressive downhill attacking mentality, elite open-floor vision, and pesky on-ball defensive instincts. Sure enough, those skills would translate to Kansas, and Bill Self was prepared to give Dotson the keys to the offense immediately. He started all 36 games as a freshman, averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, but rather than chase the NBA after one season, Dotson returned for year two and developed into one of college basketball’s premier guards.
As a sophomore, he led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 points per game and steals at 2.1. Kansas finished 28–3, won its final 16 games and sat atop both major national polls when the pandemic erased what appeared destined to be a deep NCAA Tournament run. Despite his decorated sophomore campaign, Dotson went undrafted in 2020. NBA teams loved his speed, competitiveness and ability to collapse a defense, but remained concerned about his size and outside shooting. Chicago signed Dotson to a two-way contract, but he never received a sustained opportunity. He appeared in 22 games across two seasons with the Bulls before joining Washington, where he played six more. His NBA career currently stands at only 28 appearances and an average of two points per game. Dotson remained productive in the G League, but eventually took his career overseas, most notably Turkey.
Quentin Grimes (G)
Starring at College Park High School in The Woodlands, Texas, Grimes was the best shooting guard in the South by far. He swept Texas Gatorade Player of the Year honors, led Team USA to Gold at the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship (earning MVP honors), and capped off his high school career as a consensus five-star recruit. Standing 6'5" with a strong 210-pound frame, Grimes was a powerful combo guard with deep range, a strong athletic jumper, and the physicality to finish through contact or guard multiple positions. Grimes committed to Kansas as a marquee freshman, but despite starting every game, he struggled to find his rhythm in Kansas' system, averaging 8.4 points on 38.4% shooting, leading him to enter the transfer portal. Houston changed everything.
Grimes balled out for the next two years, and as a junior exploded: averaging 17.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game and led Houston to its first NCAA Final Four appearance since 1984. He could declare for the draft with his stock fully restored. Selected 25th overall, Grimes became a fan favorite in New York for his aggressive defensive mentality and three point shooting. Grimes was crucial in helping the Knicks rebuild into a playoff team alongside fellow All-American RJ Barrett, but was later traded to the Pistons and then Mavericks before settling down in Philadelphia last season. In a late season surge in 2025, Grime averaged 22 points, five rebounds and four assists per game over a 28 game stretch. In July 2026, Grimes signed a major four-year, $60 million dollar contract to the Lakers for his next chapter.
Keldon Johnson (F)
Keldon Johnson's transition from Kentucky to San Antonio turned out to be an absolute home run. Selected 29th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, he proved to be one of the biggest late first-round steals of his entire class—evolving from a developmental project into an Olympic Gold Medalist, a 22-PPG lead scorer, and the Sixth Man of the Year. At Oak Hill Academy, Johnson established himself as one of the most competitive, high-motor wings in high school basketball. Standing 6'5" with a thick 220-pound frame, Johnson earned his nickname "Big Body" for his ability to overpower defenders on downhill drives, finish through heavy contact at the rim, and crash the defensive glass with relentless authority. Johnson committed to John Calipari at Kentucky, stepping into a primary wing role for a stacked 2018–19 roster alongside Tyler Herro, Immanuel Quickley, and PJ Washington.
He averaged 13.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting a surprisingly efficient 38.1% from three. Drafted 29th overall to the Spurs, Keldon has played several different roles throughout his San Antonio career. He spent much of his rookie season developing in the G League before forcing his way into the rotation, eventually becoming a full-time starter in 2022-23 where he averaged 22 points a night. The arrival of Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio’s growing collection of young talent eventually required Johnson to sacrifice touches, where he reinvented his role to become the league's best bench player on a Conference title team. Did Keldon Johnson live up to the hype? Absolutely—and then some.
Tre Jones (G)
Tre Jones is one of the most reliable, high-IQ floor generals to come out of high school, and while he didn't enter the NBA with the fanfare or explosive vertical of some of his superstar Duke teammates, he carved out a long, lucrative career by mastering point-of-attack defense, his ball handling, and textbook decision-making. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Tyus Jones, Tre starred at Apple Valley High School in Minnesota. He led Apple Valley to two state championships, swept Minnesota Mr. Basketball honors in 2018, and earned consensus top-15 national rankings alongside a 2018 McDonald's All-American jersey. Standing 6'1" with a strong lower body, Jones was the ultimate pure pass-first point guard. He brought relentless on-ball defensive toughness, exceptional floor vision, and a microscopic turnover rate. But, fairly, evaluators questioned whether or not a guy of his size could survive as a non shooter.
Jones began putting those notions to rest, serving as the connective tissue for Duke's historic 2018 roster. As the floor general, he put up 9.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. However, he returned for his sophomore season and dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference, averaging 16.2 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The lack of shooting scared off several teams however, and he slipped to 41st to the San Antonio Spurs in 2020. Under Gregg Popovich, Jones steadily climbed the depth chart. By his third season, he earned San Antonio's starting point guard job with 13 points and 6 dimes a game. In 2025, he was traded in a three team deal that brough De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio. Jones had his best season yet in 2025-26, putting up 14 points as Chicago's lead playmaker.
Nassir Little (F)
Winning MVP of the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game made him look like a top-5 lock, but an awkward collegiate role at UNC followed by nagging injuries in the pros kept him from establishing a long-term NBA foothold. Starring at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida, Little had a damn good senior year in Spring of 2018. He completely swept the high school showcase circuit, taking home MVP honors at both the McDonald's All-American Game (putting up 28 points and 5 rebounds) and the Jordan Brand Classic. A few dominant weeks pushed him up national recruiting boards into consensus top-5 status. At 6'6" with an imposing 7'2" wingspan and explosive vertical athleticism, Little was built like an NFL linebacker. He was a physical, high-energy transition force who could attack the rim with aggression, clear the defensive glass, and guard positions 2 through 4. Although his offensive skills were unrefined, it was clear he had the potential to overwhelm any opponent athletically. Unfortunately his lone season at UNC didn't produce the numbers everyone wanted.
Playing behind upperclassmen wings like Cameron Johnson and Luke Maye, Little never started a single game for the Tar Heels. Off the bench alongside Coby White, he averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, going off for back-to-back 19+ point games to kick off March Madness. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him 25th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, where he carved out a solid role as a 3-and-D guy. His best season came in 2021-22, where he averaged 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while taking on primary perimeter defense duties. However, injuries—including a torn labrum in his shoulder and an abdominal strain—affected his momentum. Traded to Phoenix in the 2023 Damian Lillard blockbuster, Little struggled to hold a spot in the Suns' rotation. After being waived by Phoenix in 2024, he's found smaller stints in the G-League and Japan.
Reggie Perry (F)
Reggie Perry may not have stuck around in the NBA long. But going from bringing Thomasville High its first state title to winning SEC Co-Player of the Year and FIBA U19 World Cup MVP, Perry proved his talent was real—even if his pro path turned into mainly a G League and overseas journey. At Thomasville High School in Georgia, Perry was a beast. As a senior, he posted a dominant 22.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, leading Thomasville to its first-ever title. Standing 6'8" and 250 pounds with a 7'0" wingspan, Perry mixed raw physical strength with soft hands and face-up jumper. He was a relentless glass-cleaner who could overpower interior defenders in the post and run the floor smoothly. Mississippi State was a perfect fit for the kid.
After earning SEC All-Freshman honors (9.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG), Perry spent the summer of 2019 starring for Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Greece. He led the USA to a 7-0 gold medal run and was named Tournament MVP after averaging 13.1 points and 7.9 rebounds. He then returned to Mississippi State for his sophomore campaign, completely taking over the SEC. He averaged 17.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shot 50% from the field. Selected 57th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the LA Clippers, his rights were immediately traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he only appeared in 26 games as a reserve frontcourt body for a championship-contending roster alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. He averaged just 4.7 points in his NBA career over about a year and half and just 36 games played. But, Perry proved to be a high-level producer in the G League, earning All-NBA G League Second Team honors in 2022 with Raptors 905. He's currently playing for the Beijing Royal Fighters in China.
Jahvon Quinerly (G)
Jahvon Quinerly is one of the ultimate streetball-to-college icons of his era. Going from a founding pioneer of the viral Jelly Fam movement in New Jersey to surviving a disastrous, headline-heavy freshman year at Villanova, before completely resurrecting his career as an SEC champion at Alabama and finishing at Memphis, makes his trajectory a wild story. Starring at Hudson Catholic in Jersey City, Quinerly was a household name long before stepping into the NCAA spotlight. Alongside Naz Reid, he helped build Jelly Fam—viral internet culture centered around crafty, stylish finger-roll finishes, deep range, and swagger. Standing 6'1" with silky-smooth handles, Quinerly possessed elite hesitation moves, acrobatic layups, and effortless pull-up range out to the logo. He was a wizard in transition who could break down entire defenses off the dribble. Scouts were, however, worried about his height, turnovers, and off-court noise, notably decommitting from Arizona due to an FBI investigation.
Quinerly eventually committed to Villanova, where his street ball play clashed with Jay Wright's discipline. After getting minimal minutes, he posted an infamous Instagram story, averaged just 3.2 points, and transferred to Arizona. There, Quinerly evolved into a 13 point per game scorer. He became the undisputed engine of the Crimson Tide, capturing SEC Tournament MVP honors in 2021 while leading the program to its first conference tournament championship in 30 years. For his final collegiate chapter, Quinerly took his talents to Memphis to play under another iconic guard, Penny Hardaway. Averaging 13.5 points and a career-high 4.9 assists, he capped off his college career on his own terms. Unfortunately, Quinerly was already 25 years old by 2024, and even though the NBA window has closed, he's currently balling out in Shanghai.
Cam Reddish (F)
Cam Reddish is the ultimate "eye-test vs. reality" paradox. Reddish was named by several NBA prospects the "toughest to guard" at the NBA Draft combine. Scouts salivated over his skill sets both on the offensive and defensive ends but it never really translated to the NBA. At Westtown School in Pennsylvania, Reddish was viewed by many scouts as having the highest ceiling of any perimeter scorer in the 2018 class. Standing 6'8" with a 7'1" wingspan, Reddish featured fluid ball-handling, effortless range and the lateral quickness to guard positions 1 through 4. At Duke, he was right in the middle of Coach K's mega-recruitment plan that featured Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, averaged 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. However, he struggled immensely with shot selection, shooting just 35.6% from the field and 33.3% from deep.
Despite his inefficient lone season, NBA front offices remained enamored with his potential and the Hawks picked him up 10th overall. Reddish's field goal percentage remained an issue, but he showed flashes of elite upside—most famously dropping 21 points on 6-of-7 shooting from deep in Game 6 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals coming off an injury. However, streaky shooting and defense led Atlanta to trade him to New York, where he played just 35 games before getting traded to Portland, and then LA. Following stints in Lithuania and then the G-League, it seems Cam's career is at a crossroads. Despite being a "perfect wing" on paper, shooting slumps were a serious killer to his long term potential.
Simisola Shittu (F)
Before a devastating knee injury in high school, Simi Shittu was viewed as a potential top-10 NBA talent—a hyper-versatile, modern big man. Born in England and raised in Canada, Shittu balled out at Vermont Academy after struggling to crack the rotation at Montverde. At 6'10" and 240 pounds, Shittu had a rare package of size, open-floor handling, and passing vision. He could grab a defensive rebound, push the pace himself, and finish with power at the rim. Unfortunately, in January 2018, during his senior season, Shittu tore his ACL. The injury sidelined him for the McDonald's All-American Game and robbed him of crucial development time right before stepping onto the college stage. Shittu committed to Vanderbilt alongside fellow five-star guard Darius Garland. However, the season turned into a disaster.
Garland was sidelined to just five games due to injury, and it was Simi's time to shine. He put up solid stats—10.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game—but shot just 5% from three and 57% from the free throw line. Subsequently, Vanderbilt went 0-18 in conference play and 9-23 for the season. He declared for the draft after his freshman season, but concerns over his mobility and jump shot caused him to go undrafted. Instead of giving up, Shittu has carved out a reliable pro career for several different basketball avenues, including the G-League, Israel, Canada, Greece and Germany. He's become a full-on dominant journeyman across the globe.
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It's clear that no basketball career can be perfectly predicted. Player's with lower expectations surpassed players with potential higher than the moon. Which player’s career trajectory surprised you the most? And for those who have fallen short of expectations, is there still enough time to turn things around—or have we already seen who they're destined to become?
Let us know who exceeded the hype, who disappointed you and which former McDonald’s All-American you still has more in the tank!
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-Joel Piton
(@jpiton7)
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