Alonzo Mourning Ranks McDonald’s Game Top 33

“Zo’s Top 33” list recognizes the top-33 former McDonald’s All Americans and ranks the top-five players based on the following criteria:

— A former McDonald’s All American
— Exceptional performance and conduct on the court
— Exceptional performance and conduct off the court

The remaining 28 are listed in alphabetical order:

1. Shaquille O’Neal (’89) – After Shaq was named the John Wooden MVP at the 1989 McDonald’s All American Games, he went on to become an NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion and 14-time NBA All-Star. He frequently donates time and money to charitable causes, including donating more than $1 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and hosting his own fundraising events for important causes.

2. LeBron James (’03) – LeBron brought down the house when he won the slam dunk contest during the 2003 McDonald’s All American Games. He went on to be the first overall NBA draft pick in 2003 and the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2004. He has been the NBA All-Star game MVP twice and was the 2008 NBA regular-season scoring champion. He empowers children and families through his own charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation. The Foundation has raised over $1 million to help communities and families.

3. Patrick Ewing (’81) – Ewing, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was the Naismith college player of the year in 1985 and has been named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He chaired the famous Stay in School program and has raised funds for children’s charities throughout his career.

4. Earvin “Magic” Johnson (’77) – Magic played on the first-ever McDonald’s All American Team, was selected first overall in the ’79 NBA draft, played on five NBA Championship teams and holds three NBA MVP awards. He also works tirelessly to develop programs that address the educational, health and social needs of urban communities with the Magic Johnson Enterprises and the Magic Johnson Foundation.

5. Alonzo Mourning (’88) – (Summary written by Inside the Games) Mourning is the truest definition of the athlete-philanthropist. From winning the John Wooden MVP at the ’88 McDonald’s All American Games to playing in seven NBA All-Star games and winning an NBA championship and to his countless charitable endeavors. He’s actively involved in Alonzo Mourning Charities and Athletes for Hope. He’s team captain of the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council.

Anthony, Carmelo (’02) – Melo led Syracuse University to its first-ever NCAA championship, played on two U.S. Olympic teams and won the POWERade slam dunk contest during the McDonald’s All American Games in 2002. Off the court, he runs the Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center and is involved with the Living Classrooms Foundation.

Billups, Chauncey (’95) – Billups played in three NBA All-Star games, was named a NBA All-Star game MVP as well as an MVP of the NBA Finals. Billups hosts golf tournaments and other fundraisers for organizations such as the Children’s Center and the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy. He was honored with the PBWA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2008.

Blue, Nikki (’02) – This UCLA Bruin turned Washington Mystics guard from Bakersfield, Calif. has demonstrated strength on and off the court. Ranked fifth on UCLA’s all-time player scoring list, Blue is a family person with a calming demeanor and quiet but strong leadership ability.

Bosh, Chris (’02)
– Bosh is a three-time NBA All-Star, the Toronto Raptors’ all-time leader in blocks, defensive and offensive rebounds and has received the NBA Sportsmanship Award. He established the Chris Bosh Foundation to help children in need, works regularly with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and has received the NBA Community Assist Award for his volunteer work.

Brand, Elton (’97) – Brand was the NBA’s first overall round draft pick in 1999 and is a two-time NBA All-Star. He is very involved in his own Elton Brand Foundation, which was created to support worthy causes across the country.

Bryant, Kobe (’96)
– This three-time NBA champion, two-time NBA most valuable player and 10-time NBA All-Star has supported the After School All Stars and advocated for aid to tsunami victims.

Carter, Vince (’95) – After winning the slam dunk contest at the McDonald’s All American Games in 1995, Carter went on to win an NBA slam dunk contest and play in eight NBA All-Star games. He gives back by managing his own Foundation, The Embassy of Hope.

Coleman, Derrick (’86) – DC was one of the greatest all around basketball players in high school and college basketball history. He was the first overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft, he won the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year award and is committed to helping youth through his own Derrick Coleman Foundation.

Durant, Kevin (’06) – Durant won the John Wooden MVP award at the 2007 McDonald’s All American Games, went on to Texas to win the 2007 National College Player of the Year and broke the Super Sonics’ 40-year-old record for PPG from a rookie. Durant has participated in several charity events, including Chris Paul’s Charity Bowling Tournament.

Fowles, Sylvia (’04) – Her role in winning gold for the U.S. women’s team in Beijing proves Fowles is a true leader. A major contributor to her campus and community at LSU, she continues her giving spirit in Chicago with the WNBA’s Sky through organizations that support youth development, health and athletics. Fowles has also received the WNBA’s Community Assist Award for her philanthropic work.

Garnett, Kevin (’95) – KG took home the John Wooden MVP award in the 1995 McDonald’s All American Games and is an NBA champion that has been named the NBA’s MVP and defensive player of the year. Garnett won the NBA Community Assist Award for his work helping kids through programs like Management Leadership for Tomorrow.

Hamilton, Richard (’96) – Rip is the Detroit Pistons’ all-time playoff scoring leader, an NBA champion and has played in three NBA All-Star Games. He manages his own philanthropic organization, the Rip City Foundation.

Hill, Grant (’90) – Since he was named ACC Player of the Year in 1994, Hill went on to win two NBA Sportsmanship Awards and was a co-NBA Rookie of the year. He gives back to the community through Habitat for Humanity, the Calvin Hill Scholarship Endowment Fund and the Grant Hill Achiever Scholarship program.

Howard, Dwight (’04) – Howard won the John Wooden MVP award at the McDonald’s All American Games in 2004. He is the youngest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and has an Olympic gold medal. Off the court, Howard created the Dwight D. Howard Foundation and participates in the Read to Achieve program. He is also a member of the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council.

Jordan, Michael (’81) – Jordan is widely known as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He has six NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals and has been named NBA MVP five times. Off the court, Jordan established the Michael Jordan Foundation and has supported the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls club and Family Life Center.

Kidd, Jason (’92)– Kidd broke the NCAA record for most steals by a freshmen and went on to be named co-NBA MVP of the year in 1995. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star who is dedicated to helping improve the welfare of children through the Jason Kidd Foundation.

McGrady, Tracy (’97) – T-Mac is a two-time NBA scoring leader and seven-time NBA All-Star who helps to enhance the lives of children through the Tracy McGrady Foundation.

Montgomery, Renee (’05) – The undisputed leader of her UConn Huskies team and a true leader off the court, Montgomery evokes respect from her teammates and adoration from Huskies fans, especially the children standing courtside who she greets before each game with a hug.

Mullin, Chris (’81) – Mullin was Mr. Basketball in New York, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a five-time NBA All-Star and current Golden State Warriors’ EVP of basketball operations who has given back by playing in countless charitable basketball games and tournaments. His favorite charities are the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia Society of America.

Oden, Greg (’06)
– One of the most dominant high school centers in history, Oden won the 2006 Morgan Wootten Player of the Year in 2006, was the No. 1 NBA draft pick in 2007 and currently gives back to many organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities. He also serves on the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council.

Parker, Candace (’04) – Parker cemented her place in history at the 2004 POWERade JamFest, becoming the first and only female ever to win the slam dunk contest. Parker went on to be the WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick and was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and MVP. She also supports the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council, D.A.R.E. and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Pierce, Paul (’95)
– Pierce is a six-time NBA All-Star, an NBA Champion and NBA Finals MVP who helps inner city children through his philanthropic foundation, The Truth Fund. He has overcome many obstacles to become the Celtics leader on and off the court.

Stoudemire, Amare (’02)
– Stoudemire was an NBA Rookie of the Year and three-time NBA All-Star who started the Amare Stoudemire Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to nonprofit organizations across the country.

Thomas, Isiah (’79)
– Thomas is an NBA Hall of Famer who has played in 12 NBA All-Star games where he was named MVP twice. He is known for advocating educational, anti-crime and anti-poverty programs and being active in Autism Speaks, the Association for the Help of Retarded Children and the Isiah Thomas Foundation.

Webber, Chris (’91) – Webber holds the McDonald’s All American record for most field goals in a Game, was a five-time NBA All Star, and created the Timeout Foundation in 1993.

Wiggins, Candice (’04)
– Wiggins overcame many obstacles to get where she is today: the all-time leading scorer at Stanford, the top scorer for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx and a national role model involved in anti-drug and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns.

Wilkins, Dominique (’79) – Wilkins is a two-time NBA slam dunk competition winner and nine time NBA All-Star who was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Wilkins is also involved in the Center for Health Transformation.

Worthy, James (’79)
– Worthy is a three-time NBA champion, seven-time NBA All-Star and NBA Finals MVP who was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2003. He dedicates a substantial amount of time supporting community organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers of America, YMCA and others.