2023 McDonald's All-American Game Stars Who Will Make an Instant Impact in CBB

While the college basketball world prepares for the Final Four, the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game in Houston offered an early look at the next wave of elite talent.

The exhibition itself made for a fun night, featuring a fourth-quarter comeback and a tight 109-106 victory for the East Team.

However, the result is more a sidebar to the major storylines. USC pledge Isaiah Collier and Kentucky-bound star DJ Wagner shared MVP honors from the showcase, showing off the kind of production and impact that we anticipate seeing from these players next season.

Ahead, we've highlighted five of McDAAG's top performers who seem likely to contribute right away in college.

Aaron Bradshaw shined brightest among the bigs, tallying 18 points and tying a game high with eight rebounds. Most notably, he grabbed six offensive boards and helped the East generate a plus-18 edge in second-chance points.

Next up: Kentucky.

The main question—and intrigue—for the 5-star Bradshaw is his versatility. If he's able to immediately contribute from the perimeter, that would be a sharp contrast to post-dwelling Oscar Tshiebwe and open up UK's offense.

Kentucky's level of activity in the transfer portal may affect Bradshaw's path to major minutes, and Tshiebwe theoretically could return for a final season. Based on current expectations, though, Bradshaw should quickly become a key contributor for the 'Cats next season.

The nation's top-ranked prospect looked excellent. Shocking!

Although he missed a couple of late free throws, Isaiah Collier otherwise had a tremendous night. He poured in a game-best 25 points, constantly attacking the rim and hitting nine of his 14 shots.

Obviously, USC fans are excited for his arrival because of that recruiting billing. Beyond that, however, Collier is the kind of playmaking guard the Trojans have lacked for a half-decade. He can provide a spark to a program that needs a jolt after consecutive first-round NCAA tournament exits.

Collier will head to Southern California with AAU teammates Arrinten Page and Silas Demary Jr., a pair of 4-star players.

Texas signee Ron Holland II did a bit of everything Tuesday night, collecting 11 points with six rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals for the West squad.

The all-around performance was a fitting result from an event in which the 5-star forward landed a ton of praise.

"He's been the best player in the gym," an NBA scout said of Holland's performance in practices and scrimmages ahead of the game, per Tobias Bass of The Athletic.

And the Longhorns absolutely need him to excel quickly. Key players Marcus Carr, Timmy Allen and Sir'Jabari Rice all exhausted their eligibility this season, so Texas has no fewer than three enormous vacancies on the perimeter to fill for 2023-24.

In addition to Bradshaw, Kentucky landed another 5-star prospect from Camden High in New Jersey.

DJ Wagner brought home co-MVP honors after leading the winners with 19 points. The standout guard knocked down seven of 14 shots, including three of his seven attempts from beyond the arc. Wagner chipped in three assists and two rebounds, steals and blocks.

And it's a safe bet you'll be watching Wagner often in 2023-24.

Cason Wallace is headed to the 2023 NBA draft, and Sahvir Wheeler entered the transfer portal. Even if Antonio Reeves stays for another year, UK has to replace two players who averaged 28-plus minutes per game.

Bronny James is easily the most recognizable name here. But the son of NBA legend LeBron James keeps showing he's a valuable player.

Sure, he was the lowest-rated prospect on the McDAAG rosters. However, the 4-star guard demonstrated his complementary appeal with 15 points—on five threes—and a game-high four assists.

"He plays the right way and has a three-point game that translates," an NBA scout told Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports. "With all the scrutiny he faces, he seems like a good kid and someone players like playing with."

James, who's uncommitted, reportedly has a finalist group of Ohio State, Oregon and USC.

All three schools have a path to meaningful minutes in what might be his lone college season. Bronny won't necessarily be the catalyst of any offense, but his well-rounded game fits the profile of an impact freshman.

Recruit rankings via 247Sports' composite list.