McDonald’s All-American Games: Q&A with Jay Williams

Last week, McDonald’s celebrated its continued investment in communities and the next generation of basketball players by unveiling the 48 players who have made the prestigious Games’ 2019 final roster. These 24 boys and 24 girls — destined to be future college and pro stars — were selected by a committee of high school basketball coaches and media from over 800 nominees across the country. They will take to the court on Wednesday, March 27 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Here’s a look at some player highlights heading into Games Week.

Boys Teams:

• The Boys teams feature talent from 17 different states including New York (3), Florida (3) and New Jersey (3)
• Duke has the most commits with three with Florida, Villanova, Arizona and Kentucky coming in second with two each
• Five boys still remain undecided in their college decision next year

Girls Teams:

• Four girls hail from Ohio, the most represented state
• South Carolina and Stanford have the most commits with three girls each
• All girls on the East and West teams have committed to a college

In addition to investing in the future of basketball, McDonald’s is committed to investing in the future of its employees through Archways to Opportunity™, a program designed to increased education access for eligible U.S. McDonald’s employees. The McDonald’s All American Games will also continue to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) through its network of local Chapters.

Jay Williams has been around the McDonald’s All-American games since 1999 when he participated himself. He continued onto a successful career at Duke where he was ultimately selected No. 2 overall in the NBA Draft. Now, he gives back as he has been a part of the Games for the past decade. He is a great personification of the Games in their entirety. Fittingly, I spoke with him to hear a bit about his thoughts on the McDonald’s All American Games.

The Step Back: What does the legacy of this game mean?

Jay Williams: ‘Next up.’ Who is the next talent coming up? Who is the future of this game? Who’s next. It is not just how talented, it’s about character and who these people [not players] are.

The Step Back: With all the pressure nowadays, what is the best way to make sure that these boys and girls still have FUN?

Williams: I don’t call it pressure. I always say it is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to showcase their skill set. It is their first chance to dip their toe into the water they have always dreamed of. They are not like everyone else and they must look at themselves as their own personal brand.

The lights are bright earlier than ever, is it okay to be cocky or how do you advise these athletes to keep their humility (especially in the one and done era)?

Everyone has goals, but don’t skip over the college level. These players have never been challenged at the collegiate level. They do not know what it is like to play James Harden one night, Kyrie Irving the next, LeBron the next, and Giannis the next night. They have no idea how much work it takes and the collegiate level has value. Guys want to on whether you want to enter their second contract when they are 22 instead of 24 or 25  and I understand that. However, there is nothing wrong with going to college for a year, two, or whatever they need. It is important to appreciate the moment.

The Step Back: Who is the most talented player you have seen during the McDonald’s All-American Games?

Williams: LeBron was ridiculous. The things he could do at his age were incredible. Kevin Durant must be mentioned as well. He was tall and lanky but had the skills of a guard unlike anything we had ever seen before. I don’t care how much you can bench. Also, I have to include Kyrie [Irving] as well. His ball control was elite.

The Step Back: Who was the most mentally mature player who really got it?

Williams: Not one guy was the most mentally mature but Chris Paul really stuck out. I remember he really knew how the game worked, was always poised, and the thoroughness of answers. No matter the topic, he always knew how to naturally direct the conversation in a mature manner. De’Aaron Fox was another player with that impressive ability.

The Step Back: What is it that the makes the McDonald’s All American Games better than all the other games?

Williams: This is the McDonald’s All-American Games. I repeat, this is the McDonald’s All-American Games. It is the most prestigious game. No other game has the prestige. The greatest of the greats wore that jersey. This is not just about basketball. It is way bigger. When you get a chance to go to the Ronald McDonald house […] basketball is so minute. It discovers who you are as a person and what your character is. It is about how you can teach who is up next. It is the future of the game [on and off the court].

The Step Back: What opportunities, besides the actual game itself, does the process in participating present?

Williams: One of the most electrifying moments is the scrimmage. You can match the No. 1 guard against the No. 2 guard. It sets the tone for the week. I want to see that competitive fire guys have. That is where you showcase you are the best of the best.

The Step Back: How do you maintain the excitement and competitive nature of the Games?

Williams: We have a lot of stuff in the works right now.

The Step Back: Could you name one change we may see within the next 2 to 3 years?

Williams: You are asking for the secret keys. Can’t give those away!

The Step Back: What was your favorite memory from when you played in the Games?

Williams: I played AAU against some of them but I had never played against most of them. It was the first time I ever got to see and play against them. It was a moment of confirmation. I realized not just that I belong but I could be great. I learned the psychology of guys, where they liked their passes[…] I was taking notes. I found this is the blueprint on where to take my game to the next level.