2025 McDonald's AA Day 1 Recap

[djct1999]

I think with the success we had the last two years, I forgot how weird the boneyard gets when our season is over and basketball is still being played. Mullins is a perfect fit for us.

 

[ctbro1999]

I've seen a lot of players over the years who shine in McD's, Jordan Brand and these all-star settings who don't pan out when it comes to actual games. I remember watching the McDonald's game live with Rip and I was thinking oh great, UConn got the skinny kid who can't dunk. That was one of the most stacked years ever with a lot of future big time NBA players but I was upset because UConn didn't land Corey Benjamin and Vassil Evtimov who looked like can't miss guys. Winfred Walton also dominated.

Found a reddit post from someone that watched the McD's game in 2023, and here are some true hot takes:

• "Cody Williams and Ron Holland look like the favorites to be picked first"
• "Bronny James put on a shooting clinic and played great defense"
• "Aaron Bradshaw can really shoot the ball"
• "Justin Edwards looked much more confident today"
• "Collier and DJ (Wagner) put on a great display and both were rewarded with Co-MVP. Absolutely the top 2 guys
• "Stephon Castle looks lazy in a more concerning way than I expected"

LOL

 

[Scrutineer]

Found a reddit post from someone that watched the McD's game in 2023, and here are some true hot takes:

• "Cody Williams and Ron Holland look like the favorites to be picked first"
• "Bronny James put on a shooting clinic and played great defense"
• "Justin Edwards looked much more confident today"
• "Collier and DJ (Wagner) put on a great display and both were rewarded with Co-MVP. Absolutely the top 2 guys
• "Stephon Castle looks lazy in a more concerning way than I expected"

LOL

We were excited to go to the McD's games in which Donyell Marshall and Richard Hamilton played but neither was given a chance to do much as best we recall.

The flashy dunkers and ball dominant players got the bulk of the shots while our guys were largely overlooked. Few if any passes to them and few opportunities to do anything.

We liked the way it worked out in the end for UConn!

 

[Scrutineer]

Like the way Adams moves and Braylon and Adam’s look like they shoot it well. Reibe looks like he’s not as advanced but you can never tell by videos like these. I’ve thought this before by videos and for all I know, Reibe comes in and is the most successful one of the three.

Adams and Mullins shot well and seemed to handle well but did look like high school kids physically, as opposed to the Boozers, who look like men.

Reibe looked like he didn't know where to be on defense, fumbled passes and just looked out of sorts.

Someone mentioned we're recruiting a 5 and after seeing how Reibe looked (admittedly in very limited time) that wouldn't be surprising. It would also be an indicator that Singare isn't developing as we hoped.

 

[superjohn]

Currently don’t have 247 so can’t check it out. From what I’ve read and watched with Mullins I don’t know if he has the same creativity to score putting the ball on the floor as McNeeley.

Like if teams start face guarding him and running him off the 3 point line could he still find success scoring? Everything I’ve read is that he’s elite off the ball but nothing about him creating for himself. Defensively it says he’s quick but is still slight at 185. I’m curious how all that will translate as a freshman. Do we really want our 3 that plays next to a 6’3 Ball to be 6’5 185 after the size concerns from this past year?

Adams, I’ll say again, is my favorite prospect of the class. He actually looked pretty good in the scrimmage. I just don’t know if he’ll be able to take the volume of shots he is used to as a freshman. And from everything I’ve seen he’s a volume scorer, not necessarily efficient.

So how much rope will he have if he struggles to get in a rhythm along with probably being smaller on the defensive side AND learning to play PG? Thats moreso what im worried about.

Donovan actually looked pretty good when he got around other great players. I remember when he went to that top 100 camp (or something similar) and kind of proved he could play against top talent there.

Reibe first and foremost will have to be tough to play for Hurley. I don’t see him playing a center who can’t hold his own in the paint.

He was one of their East practice standouts along with Shon Abaev, Darius Acuff Jr., Nate Ament, and Cameron Boozer. It's free content.

 

[ctbro1999]

Adams and Mullins shot well and seemed to handle well but did look like high school kids physically, as opposed to the Boozers, who look like men.

Reibe looked like he didn't know where to be on defense, fumbled passes and just looked out of sorts.

Someone mentioned we're recruiting a 5 and after seeing how Reibe looked (admittedly in very limited time) that wouldn't be surprising. It would also be an indicator that Singare isn't developing as we hoped.

Based on what I've heard from the grape vine, us portal recruiting a 5 is a definite must.

 

[Deleted at users request]

He was one if their East practice standouts along with Shon Abaev, Darius Acuff Jr., Nate Ament, and Cameron Boozer. It's free content.

View attachment 108325

The attached is what came up for me.

And that doesn’t address any of my concerns I talked about. He’s the best shooter in the country, we know that. But what else can he do? Especially if he’s expected to be the starting 3.

 

[superjohn]

The attached is what came up for me.

And that doesn’t address any of my concerns I talked about. He’s the best shooter in the country, we know that. But what else can he do? Especially if he’s expected to be the starting 3.

You can scout him yourself. It's going to he a tremendous amount of threes. He shot 47% from three on over 6 threes per game in AAU. He shot 48% from three his senior season on tremendous volume.

 

[Deleted at users request]

You can scout him yourself. It's going to he a tremendous amount of threes. He shot 47% from three on over 6 threes per game in AAU. He shot 48% from three his senior season on tremendous volume.

You said this same thing about the Mahaney, Liam, Karaban core for this year last summer. Lol

I remember you saying “we’ll outscore everybody”. You have to be able to do more than shoot 3s man.

Even Cam was great because along with being a terrific shooter, he could put the ball on the floor and create as a 3 level scorer. I haven’t seen anything about Mullins that he is good at anything besides shooting and off ball movement. But he is super elite at that skill.

 

[superjohn]

You said this same thing about the Mahaney, Liam, Karaban core for this year last summer. Lol

I remember you saying “we’ll outscore everybody”. You have to be able to do more than shoot 3s man.

Even Cam was great because along with being a terrific shooter, he could put the ball on the floor and create as a 3 level scorer. I haven’t seen anything about Mullins that he is good at anything besides shooting and off ball movement. But he is super elite at that skill.

What the hell are you talking about? I gave you video and his three point percentages on volume.

 

[Deleted at users request]

You can scout him yourself. It's going to he a tremendous amount of threes. He shot 47% from three on over 6 threes per game in AAU. He shot 48% from three his senior season on tremendous volume.

Got damn can he shoot though woo

 

[InKembaITrust]

The fact our burger boys get to be a sponge off of all this talent is invaluable. Very excited for them to get on campus and begin the Hurley gauntlet of practices.

 

[3rdbass]

I don’t know what to think about this group to be honest and these reports aren’t the best, but it’s free flowing practice.

Mullins looks like an A+ shooter but I’m not sure what else he brings to the table. McNeeley was great last season in large part because he can do a little bit of everything. So even if his 3 was falling he could still find other ways to score and was solid defensively.

For Mullins if there’s stretches where his 3 isn’t falling what will he be able to provide?

Adams being slender and possibly asked to play the 1 doesn’t bode well IMO for instant impact his first year. Even though I like his game the best and he played well in this scrimmage. I’m just unsure how his high volume game and shot selection will fit on next years team as a freshman off the bench.

Reibe seems like he needs to get stronger. I wonder if next year is a year Singare may be ready to get playing time just in case.

Sorry McNeeley was not a good defender as he was continously getting beat off the dribble. Just too slow at times and he wasn't good with his hands in getting steals like Cam who lacked foot speed too.

 

[Deleted at users request]

Sorry McNeeley was not a good defender as he was continously getting beat off the dribble. Just too slow at times and he wasn't good with his hands in getting steals like Cam who lacked foot speed too.

I don’t disagree. Don’t think Mullins looks to be any better. And he’s smaller while looking to start at the same position after playing at Indiana public schools compared to Liam at Montverde.

I love him coming off the bench as a flamethrower, similar to Joey C (but better than Joey C of course just talking about an energizer role here). But if we want to win at a high level I don’t think he’s a great fit as a starter next to Ball at the 3.

If Ball could play the 1 though so Mullins can move up to the 2 where he’d have a positional size advantage I’d be more encouraged!

 

[3rdbass]

Mullins is the best shooter in the class and can score from everywhere, he also should be very good on D because he has quick side to side movement. Adams isn't a great athlete and he's rail thin but he's highly skilled and has a lot of wiggle to his game and is great with his change of pace getting near the rim and finishing creatively. Reibe I've never seen play other than some short clips. He didn't look too good in the clips posted here at the McDonald's scrimmage and he may take some time but Donovan probably wouldn't have looked all that good in this type of setting either. They all need to gain strength and we need athleticism and strength in the portal.

I've seen a lot of players over the years who shine in McD's, Jordan Brand and these all-star settings who don't pan out when it comes to actual games. I remember watching the McDonald's game live with Rip and I was thinking oh great, UConn got the skinny kid who can't dunk. That was one of the most stacked years ever with a lot of future big time NBA players but I was upset because UConn didn't land Corey Benjamin and Vassil Evtimov who looked like can't miss guys. Winfred Walton also dominated.

These guys are McD's all-Americans for a reason. The write up I saw from 247 Saturday's practice said Mullins was the best shooter they saw and he was automatic. Write up from Sunday practice is good for Adams and Reibe...

Weiterleitungshinweis

Nowlll shined in that game last year but had a very sub-par season so I agree you can't tell from these type of scrimmages or games how they will perform when it is real.

 

[3rdbass]

I won’t disagree. I don’t think Mullins looks to be any better. And he’s smaller while looking to start at the same position after playing at Indiana public schools compared to Liam at Montverde.

I love him coming off the bench as a flamethrower, similar to Joey C (but better than Joey C of course just talking about an energizer role here). But if we want to win at a high level I don’t think he’s a great fit as a starter next to Ball at the 3.

If Ball could play the 1 though so Mullins can move up to the 2 where he’d have a positional size advantage I’d be more encouraged!

Is Mullins really going to start at the 3? I hope it is Stewart starting there and we get a decent PF to take over for Alex who might not come back. I think Mullins would be better suited to back up Ball at the 2 guard as he is very thin. At least McNeeley was built better to use his strength at SF.

 

[BugsyCT]

 

[aboogieee]

 

[aboogieee]

Full Scrimmage

 

[Son of Robert]

How often do ya see stuff like this. It's commendable is what it is, already locked in. Versatile scorer, Darius has a great shooting stroke, puts it on the floor, mixes it up with some contact, makes tough shots with his length. Got some Rip to him for sure.

 

[caw]

Full Scrimmage

Mullins got one shot off in the first half and missed. Quick release. Played solid defense but not a ton of work there for him. He's thin but not super thin. Second half got caught on a dribble hand-off and player scored. Flopped once when posted and got the charge called. Some good passing.

Reibe played a lot, solid rebounder when near the rim but they had him in the corner a lot on offense and setting high screens when not. On defense, the man he was playing seemed to be a stretch also, so not a ton of down low defense. His man hit one three IIRC. Got a nice dunk off a Mullins backdoor cut and dish. Made a decent head fake, two dribble to the rim and got fouled also. Missed a one dribble jumper from a bit beyond the foul line. In UConn fashion had a bad foul on a high hedge. Seemed the biggest player on the floor. Ran the floor decently, set decent screens.

Adams did not play a lot. He had some dribbling issues. High dribble that got away from him twice, he recovered both. Got one nice assist and two others where his teammate was fouled at the rim. Quick hands on defense but super skinny. I don't think he got a shot.

Pretty much what you would expect from a All-Star scrimmage though with very little passing, or plays being run. Boozer took a ton of shots for the East team and I do mean a ton.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[WNConn]

The attached is what came up for me.

And that doesn’t address any of my concerns I talked about. He’s the best shooter in the country, we know that. But what else can he do? Especially if he’s expected to be the starting 3.

Did you really suggest that mcneeley was a solid defender

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Adams and Mullins shot well and seemed to handle well but did look like high school kids physically, as opposed to the Boozers, who look like men.

Reibe looked like he didn't know where to be on defense, fumbled passes and just looked out of sorts.

Someone mentioned we're recruiting a 5 and after seeing how Reibe looked (admittedly in very limited time) that wouldn't be surprising. It would also be an indicator that Singare isn't developing as we hoped.

NBA scouts like Reibe, it’s one of the reasons he’s a 5, and not a 4. He also has a nice fluid outside shot. One scout was quoted as saying he’s confident Hurley and company will develop Reibe the same way they developed Clingan, Adama, Samson and company. I think Reibe could develop into another Kalkbrenner.

 

[giddyup]

Don't disagree, but we got 4 amazing recruits. I think there was a focus on kids with "great families" "high bball IQ" - and somehow that translated into slower players lol. Ultimately, you want the best combo like AJax or Castle.

Definitely need some high twitch, long super freaks.

 

[Mr. French]

Did you really suggest that mcneeley was a solid defender

Was McNeeley not a solid defender?

Is the boneyard getting weirder or am I?

 

[ctchamps]

Was McNeeley not a solid defender?

Is the boneyard getting weirder or am I?

Pre ankle injury he was.

 

[Ricker]

For next season I am all in on Mullins being a major contributor, but I have a tough time seeing the other guys as able to play more than spot minutes in matchups that are favorable for them. Each of them has glaring areas to work on that will be tough to remedy in just a few months despite how great they ultimately can be. We need a quality point guard, (ideally with size), and a rebounding defensive 5 with power. If Alex goes to the draft we need a 6'8 quality forward as well. (I personally sense he will be back vs going in the second round).
(Trfr PG, Ball, Stewart, Alex, Reed) (Mullins, Trfr 5 off the bench) (Everybody else sees time based on opponent matchups - Mahaney, Ross, Reibe, Adams, Furphy) I do think everybody will get a chance to show what they can do. I would love to truly have 15 fouls in the post.

I also remember Rip Hamilton in the game. Not only did he get stuffed by the rim attempting to dunk, but I recall it was a breakaway where he was all alone, (and potentially at the end of the game). Then he played PG when Ricky Moore was suspended and did a solid job as a freshman. Solid example of not pre judging a career based on a tiny sample.

 

[alexd]

NBA scouts like Reibe, it’s one of the reasons he’s a 5, and not a 4. He also has a nice fluid outside shot. One scout was quoted as saying he’s confident Hurley and company will develop Reibe the same way they developed Clingan, Adama, Samson and company. I think Reibe could develop into another Kalkbrenner.

Does that mean we'll have Reibe for five years???

 

[Scrutineer]

He was one of their East practice standouts along with Shon Abaev, Darius Acuff Jr., Nate Ament, and Cameron Boozer. It's free content.

View attachment 108325

Here we have three guys in the McD's game, but they were nowhere to be found during the "skills" competition last night except Reibe who looked very passive and went out after his first shot in the first event.

Mullins is apparently widely recognized for his 3 point shooting prowess, yet he wasn't one of the contestants.

Hard to understand unless he didn't do well in the preliminary competition.