Archbishop Mitty’s Aaron Gordon is rated the sixth-best high school player in the nation by Rivals.com. (MAX PREPS)
Aaron Gordon is one of the most talented high school players in North America, and he certainly didn’t disappoint at the 2013 McDonald’s All-American Game in Chicago.
The 6-8, 205-pound forward from San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty High School) shined the brightest in a game that has become more of a glorified scrimmage than an all-star showcase for the best high school players. Gordon was 10-for-17 from the field, scored 24 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and had a game-high nine dunks to lead the West squad to a 110-99 victory on Wednesday night. About 24 hours before the game, Gordon committed to the University of Arizona, making Sean Miller the happiest coach on Earth.
Gordon has all the physical tools and skill set to be considered the top prep player in the U.S. And when you see the light skin, the well-chiseled body, the high motor, and the major-league hops, the first player that comes to mind is: Blake Griffin.
“I haven’t seen anyone do what Aaron Gordon is doing since Blake Griffin,” said Dave Telep, ESPN’s senior national basketball analyst.
Analyst Malcolm Huckaby added about Gordon, “I’ve never seen anything like it. Unbelievable versatility. Whoever gets him is going to get a steal.”
Arizona will definitely benefit from having Gordon next season. The Wildcats are expected to return McDonald’s All-Americans Kaleb Tarczewski, Brandon Ashley and Grant Jerrett, and Coach Miller also recruited Rondae Jefferson-Hollis to play alongside Gordon, who can play small or power forward. Despite a roster filled with high school stars, Gordon will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of Arizona’s 2013-14 squad. He’s expected to play just one season of college basketball then turn his attention to the NBA.
At the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., Gordon finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds against Utah’s Lone Peak. He received rave reviews from ESPNU analysts for his rim-rattling dunks during the nationally televised game won by Lone Peak, 81-46, at the birthplace of basketball. Gordon was one of many headliners at the Hoophall Classic, which also featured Huntington Prep’s Andrew Wiggins (ranked No. 1 by Rivals.com) and Chicago Simeon star and Duke-bound forward Jabari Parker (No. 3 on Rivals.com).
Parker and Gordon will play for the U.S. Junior National Select Team that will compete in the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Ore., in April.
Gordon, rated the sixth-best college prospect by Rivals.com, is the younger brother of Drew Gordon, who played one season at UCLA before transferring to New Mexico. Watch Aaron Gordon attack the rim against Lone Peak: