UNC target Cole Anthony wins McDonald’s All-American Game MVP

Last night concluded this year’s McDonald’s All-American game festitivies, as the East defeated the West for a 115-100 victory. It was exactly what one expects from a high school all-star game, with very little intrigue. As we mentioned yesterday, North Carolina had one current commit participating and three additional targets who still have to decide on their future destinations.

The biggest news of the night was Cole Anthony being named Most Valuable Player. On a night that no one player truly stood out, Anthony finished with 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. It was a complete performance in every facet of the game and he rightfully took home top honors. The award was Anthony’s second trophy of the week after winning the 3-point competition on Monday.

If Anthony commits to UNC, as is highly expected (but certainly not a foregone conclusion), it would be the Heels’ second consecutive McDonald’s All-American game MVP performance by an incoming recruit. Nassir Little took home the award last season. Check out some of Anthony’s highlights below.

Armando Bacot, UNC’s current signee and 5-star center, joined Anthony on the East squad. As a more traditional post player, Bacot was as effective as one might expect in an up-and-down affair that exhibited little defense and/or organized structure. He finished with 4 points and 4 rebounds. His most important work this week, however, has been trying to recruit other top players to come to UNC.

One of the more surprising performances of the night may have belonged to Precious Achiuwa, who joined Bacot and Anthony on the East team. Another uncommitted target who has received intense interest from the UNC coaching staff, the 6-9 forward out of Monteverde Academy in Florida was active all over the court. He scored above the rim, in the paint and from deep. Achiuwa finished with a game high 22 points and 9 rebounds.

Those points came on a game high 20 shots, but it’s an all-star game. These things are supposed to be fun. Besides, when you can do really cool basketball things like this dunk, why wouldn’t you take 20 shots?

The only UNC recruiting target on the West was Matthew Hurt. The 6-9 forward from Minnesota finished with a quiet, but efficient, 8 points and 5 rebounds in the losing effort. He recently announced a decision date of April 19th.

Finally, here is a picture of the final box score. East on top. West on bottom.

All four players are likely to stay busy through the spring, with college announcements and other all-star events. Last year, Coby White stayed busy through the summer playing for Team USA, so there will be plenty of news and updates in the coming weeks as the class of 2019 officially shakes out and reaches a conclusion. Stay tuned for more information as it become available.

In the meantime, it’s time to turn your focus to the Sweet 16 matchup against Auburn.