McDonald’s All American Will Host Virtual Celebration Instead of Live Games
For the second consecutive year, McDonald’s has decided not to host its prestigious All American Games due to health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, the 48 boys and girls All Americans will be named later this month and honored during a virtual celebration at a later date.
On Thursday, McDonald’s released its list of more than 700 boys and girls players who were nominated for the games.
Each player in the SI99 was nominated for the boys game.
“Even during an unprecedented year, we were so impressed seeing high school athletes continuing to celebrate the game we all love, while making an impact both on and off the court,” said Joe Wootten, McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee Chairman. “Recognizing that many of these student-athletes had their senior seasons altered or shortened, we wanted to honor them for their skill and dedication to the game of basketball. While we’re disappointed, we can’t hold an in-person Games this year, that does not take away from the accomplishments of this class and they will forever be a part of the legendary group of past and present McDonald’s All Americans.”
Still, multiple elite players who were virtual locks to make the game posted frustrated emojis on their social media platforms at the news of no live games.
Last March, McDonald’s announced the cancellation of its games in Houston. Shortly thereafter, both GEICO High school Nationals and the Jordan Brand Classic announced cancellations.
No word from either of those events yet.
A complete list of 2021 McDonald’s All American Games Nominees is available at mcdaag.com.