Basketball: SI All-American Second Team
The inaugural SI All-American Boys Basketball Team features 15 of the top high school basketball players in the country broken up into three teams who have displayed exceptional dominance during the high school season. Each player has exhibited a level of play this season that will make them a household name at the next level and beyond.
We will unveil the First Team and Player of the Year on Friday.
RELATED: SI All-American Third Team
SG: Cameron Thomas, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 2020
Signed to: LSU
Why He’s an SI All-American: After leading the Nike EYBL in scoring last summer (30 ppg), Thomas didn’t get his just due as an elite player in the class. He channeled that frustration into dominance this season, pumping in 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Warriors, who finished ranked No. 7 in the ESPN 25. Thomas shot 56% from the field and 37% from the three-point line this season, despite seeing every defensive strategy imaginable aimed at stopping him. Thomas is Oak Hill’s all-time leading scorer.
What He Said: “It’s great because all of the sacrifice and hard work I’m putting in is paying off. It just feels great to be recognized for it.”
PG: Jalen Suggs, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.), 2020
Committed to: Gonzaga
Why He’s an SI All-American: Suggs’s dominance as a senior was just a carryover from the previous five years he’s dominated at the varsity level. In six seasons, Suggs won three state titles—which likely would have been four had the COVID-19 pandemic not canceled the state tournament this season—scored 2,945 points, grabbed 883 rebounds, dished out 735 assists, swiped 509 steals and swatted 103 shots.
What He Said: “To make this team means a lot to me. It’s another indication that my hard work and dedication is paying off. To be one of the chosen players from all of high school basketball is a blessing.”
F: Michael Foster, Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.), 2021
Schools of Interest: Georgia, Marquette, Florida State, Arizona, Michigan, among many others
Watch Foster’s Highlight Video
Why He’s an SI All-American: Foster is the lone underclassman on the second team, but his play this season warranted the appointment, averaging 26 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks a game despite playing alongside multiple elite players. Foster’s production is even more impressive considering Hillcrest’s rigorous schedule against elite teams and players. Foster was, arguably, the most dominant big in the country playing a national schedule.
What He Said: “It’s an unbelievable honor and accomplishment to be named with some of the greats in high school basketball from a place like Sports Illustrated. It’s super mode. I started in this journey as a 12-year-old, and it’s just amazing where I’ve come. I can’t wait for what’s next.”
SG: Brandon Boston, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), 2020
Signed to: Kentucky
Watch Boston’s Highlight Video
Why He’s an SI All-American: Boston played on a team with a cult-like following with LeBron James’ son, Bronny, Dwyane Wade’s son, Zaire, and a handful of elite players on the roster. Still, despite all of the potential distractions, Boston’s star shined the brightest this season for the Trailblazers, leading them to a 30-4 record. Sierra Canyon was the favorite to win its third CIF Southern California Open Division title, but the game was cancelled due to the COVID-18 pandemic. Boston averaged 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals a game.
C: Evan Mobley, Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.), 2020
Signed to: USC
Watch Mobley’s Highlight Video
Why He’s an SI All-American: Mobley came into the season wearing the proverbial bull’s-eye after receiving all of the accolades that accompany a dominant summer; still, he managed to dominate the competition to the tune of 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2.7 blocks a game. Mobley fought through double and triple teams all season to lead the Eagles to a 22-8 record.
What He Said: “I am truly blessed to have made the Sports Illustrated All-American team. I’m very excited about moving on to the next level, and this award adds to my motivation to continue to work hard, on and off the floor, to achieve my goals. Thank you. "