Tonight is the annual Kentucky Derby Basketball Classic that showcases some of the best high school players in the country. Some of the past players include Jamal Washburn, Moses Malone, Rex Chapman, Pervis Ellison, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Darrell Griffith, Derek Anderson, Anfernee Hardaway, and Michael Beasley. This year the game doesn’t lack in talent, as there are tremendous players participating.
The Silver Team: Deng Adel (Louisville), Prince Ali (UCLA), Bryant Crawford (Wake Forest), Jawun Evans (Oklahoma State), Ryan McMahon (Louisville), Donovan Mitchell (Louisville), Justin Patton (Creighton), Denjel Purifoy (Auburn), Matt Ryan (Notre Dame), Ray Spalding (Louisville), Diamond Stone (Maryland).
This team consists of two McDonald’s All-Americans in Diamond Stone and Jawun Evans. They will be a one-two punch that can light up the scoreboard. Donovan Mitchell proved last night that he is the best dunker in the field and will throw down some even better slams tonight. Ryan and McMahon will be the perimeter threats as they let them fly. This team is very balanced as it does have 4 future Louisville Cardinals on the squad.
The Purple Team: Jalen Adams (UCONN), OG Anunoby (Indiana), Thomas Bryant (Indiana), Daniel Giddens (Ohio State), Austin Grandstaff (Ohio State), Dedric Lawson (Memphis), KJ Lawson (Memphis), Juwan Morgan (Indiana), Brandon Sampson (St. Johns), Justin Simon (Arizona).
This team consists of two McDonald’s All-Americans in Dedric Lawson and Thomas Bryant. They will be a force down low as they hope to contain Diamond Stone. This roster does not contain as much talent as the Silver team but they are still a tremendous group of guys. Austin Grandstaff will be the main perimeter threat with his crazy shooting ability. Thomas Bryant will be the focal point in the paint as he goes head to head with Diamond Stone. This team consists of mostly Indiana players, so the crowd will have more to cheer for.
Tonight is just about the players and a glimpse of what they will bring on the college level. The finals of the 3-point shootout and dunk contest will be held at halftime. Louisville recruits Ryan McMahon and Donovan Mitchell will be the favorites to win the events. If anyone didn’t come to the “Night of Future Stars” then they better stick around for halftime.
This will be a high scoring affair with barely any defense played like in every all-star game. The game begins at 7:00 PM and is held at the legendary Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. It should be an excellent turnout as it will be a star studded night. All of these players are looking to be named the next pro player like the past NBA players that came through this event.