A few weeks ago the McDonald’s All-American Game committee released its initial list of 492 boys nominated for the annual showcase and gave Louisville men’s basketball fans something to smile about. Three of the Cardinals class of 2015 signees – Deng Adel, Raymond Spalding, and Donovan Mitchell made the first cut. They will now be eligible to make the final team of 24 boys selected to play in the 2015 Game. The final teams will be announced during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on ESPNU tomorrow night Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. ET.

The Cardinals coaching staff were ahead of the curve in identifying and landing three of the biggest stock risers in the class of 2015. In the ESPN rankings Deng Adel went from No. 81 to No. 30, Donovan Mitchell rose from No. 72 to No. 37, and Raymond Spalding, a local kid was identified by the Cardinals’ staff early in the process, before he went from unranked to No. 52.

(Photo Cred SourceHoops)

Deng Adel is ranked #57 by Future150, #32 by 247Sports, #18 by Scout, #30 by ESPN, and #50 by Rivals. Defensively he plays with strength, length and lateral quickness. Offensively, he scores with spot-up 3-pointers and straight-line attacks off the dribble with athletic finishes. He is a player who competes hard, plays with energy and is still on the rise.

“We know that Wayne is leaving and we had to have an impact player who could physically play right away. Deng is a highly ranked basketball player and he’s good at all phases of the game, he can flat out defend you on one end, then turn around make a great pass, make a great shot and then get to the offensive glass. He’s an outstanding basketball player with size and the physical ability to play right away” –Coach Pitino

(Photo Cred 247Sports)

Donovan Mitchell is ranked #31 by Future150, #29 by 247Sports, #21 by Scout, #38 by ESPN, and #31 by Rivals. He emerged as one of the biggest summer stock-risers in the country last year. According to those who have followed that progression closely his shooting and ball handing has made progress, but it’s his physical tools that have allowed him to begin separating from his peers. An excellent defender he uses his broad shoulders, long arms, and a chiseled frame to oppose his will. Offensively he has a tremendous first step and he has the strength to make plays in the tightest of situations.

“Immediately In the first five minutes I absolutely fell in love with the way he played, his game, everything about him, the way he carried himself. I watched another game, then another game and just fell in love with his game athletically, the way he leads. Then after speaking with him on the phone I realized I had another person with the character of Peyton Siva. On his visit he reconfirmed all of my thoughts, the way he treats his family, the way he carries himself, this is a special young man on and off the basketball court.” –Coach Pitino

(Photo Cred VerbalCommits)

Raymond Spalding is ranked #49 by Future150, #39 by 247Sports, #41 by Scout, #52 by ESPN, and #39 by Rivals. Defensively he is a good rebounder and contest, alters and blocks shots on the ball and from the weak side to aid a teammate that has been beat. Offensively his length and mobility allow him to run the floor very well where he is an above the rim finisher. Spalding has hands and shooting touch that allow him to be a good shooter in and round the lane. He also can face and straight line drives down the lane. Just last night twitter was buzzing about Spalding’s big game against St. X, where he took over scoring 26 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. He also had 5 monster dunks. This kid is a great local talent and the Cards were lucky to get him.

“I have not seen too many people improve like him. I knew we had to nail this one down and we couldn’t let him get away from Louisville, he’s too good of a basketball player, one of the best to come out since Rondo. When he gets to the point that he says I’m gonna impact every play on the court offensively and defensively, when he reaches that point then look out because we’ll have one of the best players in the country.”-Coach Pitino

These three guys obviously have the talent, background and off the court integrity to be McDonalds All-Americans. All three are worthy of one of those final 24 spots. It never works out like that but still it doesn’t take away from the fact that these guys are very worthy. I read one guy at MAXPREPS today that doesn’t have any of the Louisville guys on his list. I really hope one of them gets to represent the Cardinals in this game but if not it is still a great honor to just be mentioned with the other great athletes in the country on that first list. I know that their supporters and families are very proud of this achievement and I know Cardinal Nation is very proud of these guys.

Louisville has had 19 McDonald All-Americans since 1978.

We will find out tomorrow if one of the 2015 guys will join this list. I want to congratulate each of them on making the first list and wish them good luck in making the final cut. GO CARDS!