The 2012 McDonald's All-American rosters were announced today on ESPNU. Two of Kentucky's signees, shooting guard Archie Goodwin (Sylvan Hills, AR) and small forward Alex Poythress (Clarksville, TN), made the team. Poythress will represent the East squad in the game, which will be played on March 28 in Chicago, while Goodwin will play for the West. Both were also previously announced as participants in the Jordan Brand Classic, another prestigious high school All-Star game.
The McDonald's All-American game is the longest running and most well-known of the All-Star games, and Kentucky has been well represented in recent years. Last year, all four of Kentucky's current freshmen--Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, and Kyle Wiltjer--played in the game.
Kentucky isn't done recruiting 2012 kids, and could still add another McDonald's All-American or two to its recruiting class. In fact, head coach John Calipari is currently recruiting all five McDonald's players that are currently undecided. Amile Jefferson and Tony Parker, teammates with Poythress on the East team, are two names on Kentucky's radar. From the West, Shabazz Muhammad and Anthony Bennett are the two prospects that have been most closely linked with Kentucky. West player Devonta Pollard has also expressed interest in taking an official visit to Kentucky in the near future.
Jefferson has expressed interest in committing shortly, with Duke and NC State rumored to be the two finalists, but the remaining four players likely will remain uncommitted when the game is played. Aside from Jefferson, none of the four seniors have completed taking their official visits. Muhammad took his official to Lexington for Big Blue Madness, while Parker, Bennett, and Pollard all remain candidates for a visit this spring.
One notable name that is missing is Nerlens Noel, who recently reclassified to the 2012 class and took over the #1 overall spot on many 2012 recruiting Top 100 boards. The selection committee for the McDonald's All-American game has notoriously disallowed any fifth-year high school seniors from participating. Noel, who would have been a fifth-year senior next year, is technically now considered a fourth-year senior. However, his reclassification apparently did not take place in time for his inclusion in the game.
For a complete list of game participants, check out the McDonald's All-American game's official website.