ESPN Recruiting Nation Basketball

The NBA released its All-NBA teams this week and guess what? In a shocker, most of these guys were elite players long before they traveled on charter planes or needed bodyguards to keep admirers at bay. In fact, once upon a time, these guys were regular prospects who probably thought making the McDonald's All-American Game was the most important thing in their basketball life at the time.

Fifteen players were honored as part of the NBA's best and nine of the 15 players were McDonald's All-Americans in high school. Three of the guys -- Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzki -- didn't play high school basketball in America. Al Horford and Russell Westbrook made at least one Top 100 list. However, Dwyane Wade wasn't on a Top 100 list, at least not one that I can remember.

So, you still think the McDonald's game isn't important? This is why some committee members passionately stick up for what the game means and ask that the selection process be held to a higher standard. The proof is in the pudding and this game can help project the stars.

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