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Ronald McDonald’s big red shoes will hit the hardwood on March 28 for the 30th anniversary of the McDonald’s All American Games. The best high school players in the nation will showcase their skills at Freedom Hall for the annual charity event.

The week leading up to the main event will feature the high school hoopsters’ special visit to the local Ronald McDonald House Charity, a slam-dunk competition, a visit to the Muhammad Ali Center and a photo opportunity where the stars of tomorrow will flip burgers and serve customers.

“Being selected for the McDonald’s All American Games is one of the greatest accomplishments in a basketball player’s career,” said John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach and chairman of the All American Game. “Not only will these youth contribute to the list of the best basketball players of all-time, but they will aid in raising money for this very important cause.”

Alonzo Mourning, a former McDonald’s All American and current center for the defending NBA champion Miami Heat, was named the game’s first ambassador this year. His role is to help shape the future of the game as well as educate the players.

“It’s hard to believe that I was in these players’ shoes nearly 20 years ago, thinking about going pro and living the life,” Mourning said. “But the McDonald’s All American Game has always reminded me that life is about more than just basketball. It’s about giving back to those less fortunate.”

As always, this year features a talented group of high school seniors. OJ Mayo is the highly touted athlete from Huntington High School. When Mayo played in Cincinnati he drew the largest crowd in Cincinnati history to see a high school basketball game, bringing in over 16,000 fans.

Five of the 12 players on the East Team signed letters of intent to attend Big East schools. Chris Wright, a 6-1 guard from Washington DC, and Austin Freeman a 6-5 forward from Maryland, both signed to play at Georgetown University.

Jonny Flynn, a 6-0 guard from New York, and Donte Green, a 6-9 forward from Maryland, both signed to play at Syracuse University. Corey Stokes, a 6-6 forward from New Jersey, signed to play with Villanova University.

The West team features Eric Gordon, a 6-4 guard from Indianapolis, who signed to play at the University of Indiana. Gordon originally made a verbal commitment to the University of Illinois but he revaluated his options when the Hoosiers made a coaching change.

While the University of Louisville doesn’t have any commitments playing in the game, Cardinal fans will recognize one of names on the court.

Nolan Smith, who plays for Oak Hill Academy, is the son of the late Derek Smith. Derek helped lead the Cardinals to the 1980 National Championship before his career in the NBA. Derek passed away at the age of 34 of an apparent heart attack. Nolan, a 6’3 guard who declared to Duke despite a scholarship offer from Louisville, will be playing for the East squad.

Gary Forrest of Oldham County High School and Steve Wright of South Laurel High School will coach the East squad. Forrest has led Oldham County to 14 consecutive 20-win seasons while Wright has produced 25 NCAA players from South Laurel. Helping out with the coaching duties will be Mike Listerman of Covington Catholic High School.

Derrick Taylor and the coaching staff of Taft High School in Woodlands, California will be leading the West squad.

A pair of teammates leads the women’s West side from Fenwick High in Chicago. Alison Jackson and Devereaux Peters have signed to play at Ohio State and Notre Dame respectively. Donna Moir will coach the team.

Both the men and the women will be taking part in the Jam Fest. The Jam Fest features a slam-dunk and three point contest as well as a skills competition that will be aired on ESPN. The Jam Fest takes place at Bellarmine University’s Knights Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 26th.

The women will tip off their 6th annual game at 5:30 p.m. in Freedom Hall, followed by the men at 8:00 p.m.