Camden senior D.J. Wagner, the first third-generation McDonald’s All-American, got crowned as the 2023 South Jersey Boys Basketball Player of the year. The 17-year-old from Camden, New Jersey, wowed the crowd with his impressive skills on the court.
The McDonald’s All-American game, one of the most prestigious high school basketball games in the United States, showcases some of the top high school basketball talents from across the country, including several players who are expected to play in the NBA.
Two of the highlighted gossip of the event were Wagner and Sierra Canyon’s Bronny James, the son of LeBron James.
Who is DJ Wagner named MVP of McDonald’s All-American Game?
DJ Wagner is the son of former NBA shooting guard Dajuan Wagner. Dajun was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2002 NBA draft and was supposed to be their LeBron James, albeit he had to bid adieu to his career earlier due to injury.
The Kentucky Commit’s grandfather is Milt Wagner, a former University of Louisville and NBA player.
Wagner was named co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game in the renowned event Tuesday night in Houston after racking 19 points on 7 of 14 shooting.
#McDAAG MVP 🤩
DJ Wagner's got next. pic.twitter.com/maPykk0zIJ
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 29, 2023
The future UK guard showcased his scoring ability and athleticism throughout the game, leading the East team to an incredible 109-106 comeback victory over the West squad.
“It was a great experience. I’m just honored to be able to come out here and step on the court with these guys on this. It’s a great feeling”, Wagner told ESPN after the mesmerizing win.
The NBA legend LeBron James was spotted congratulating the young star after his magnificent performance.
LeBron James congratulating Kentucky commit DJ Wagner after his MVP performance pic.twitter.com/enWibCsatg
— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) March 29, 2023
What is the NIL value of DJ Wagner?
Wagner ranks sixth among high school boys basketball players with a NIL(Name, Image, Likeness) Valuation of $690K. The NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value, signifying a player’s value at a certain moment in time.
The high school all-star game is sponsored by Adidas, making the players wear uniforms, gear, and shoes provided by the company, however, Bronny James and DJ Wagner have signed NIL deals with Nike.
With Wagner’s combination of scoring ability, playmaking skills, and athleticism, he could be a top draft pick in the NBA in a few years’ time. For now, though, he can bask in the glory of being named the MVP of one of the world’s most prestigious high school basketball events.
Congratulations to Kentucky Commit on an outstanding performance and being named MVP!
