Daimion Collins and Nolan Hickman named McDonald’s All-Americans

Last week, it was announced that there will be no McDonald’s All-American Game this year due to COVID-19.

However, a select group of high school players are still getting McDonald’s All-American nominations, and that includes a pair of Kentucky Wildcats.

On Tuesday, Kentucky signees Nolan Hickam and Daimion Collins were both named 2021 McDonald’s All-Americans.

Collins, a 6-9 power forward from Texas, is currently ranked 11th nationally by 247 Sports Composite, which measures all of the major recruiting rankings. His highest ranking is 10th overall by both Rivals and 247. He was widely expected to get a McDAA nomination.

Hickman, a 6-2 point guard from Utah, is ranked 30th overall by 247 Sports Composite. His highest ranking is 28th by ESPN. He was much closer to the cut line, so it’s great to see he was able to secure one of the final spots.

Unfortunately, Bryce Hopkins did not get a nomination, despite the fact he’s actually ranked higher (27th) than Hickman by 247 Sports Composite. Also, no Kentucky women’s basketball signee made the cut.

Kentucky has now signed 71 McDonald’s All Americans since the game began in 1977, including current Wildcats Brandon Boston Jr. (2020) and Terrence Clarke (2020). The Wildcats have signed 39 McDonald’s All-Americans out of high school during the John Calipari era, more than any other school in the country during that time period. Multiple players from each of Calipari’s signing classes have been tabbed McDonald’s All Americans, including five each in 2013 and 2017.

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