The Archbishop Mitty basketball team went to McDonald’s on Tuesday and was “lovin’ it” more than usual.
Monarch senior center Aaron Gordon was honored by the popular fast food chain, posing for pictures with the restaurant’s brass and Monarch coach Tim Kennedy and receiving his McDonald’s All-American Game No. 13 jersey that he’ll wear in the prestigious game April 3 at the Chicago Center.
“That’s raw,” said one Monarch player as Gordon was handed the slick gray, black, red and white jersey.
Fortunately the burgers served up Tuesday were anything but raw, including the ones that Gordon himself took the orders for.
The 6-foot-8 standout, after a brief ceremony, met restaraunt employees and actually got behind the register and waited on a customer or two.
“What else do you want, man?” Gordon said to a teenager who was surprised to see a possible future NBA lottery pick behind the counter.
“It’s a huge game — the McDonald’s All-American Game,” Gordon said. “I’ve been watching it ever since I was a little kid. To think of all of the great names that have gone through it and to come to McDonald’s and be sent off like this it kind of (makes it more real).”
The McDonald’s game is an institution with a glittering list of alumni that includes Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Alameda’s Jason Kidd.
“It’s a big deal,” Kennedy said the day Gordon was named to the team.
Gordon has been a force for Mitty, leading the Monarchs to two consecutive state Division II titles.
Last Saturday at Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena, he scored 29 points and took a regional title-game record 22 rebounds in a 70-50 title victory against Sheldon.
Saturday at 8 p.m. Mitty will shoot for a third consecutive state championship, this time in the new Open Division when it takes on powerhouse Mater Dei of Santa Ana, again at Sleep Train Arena.
But Tuesday the Monarchs were staying in the moment as the entire team and Mitty officials turned out to celebrate one of the best best prep players in Bay Area history. Gordon is the reigning state Mr. Basketball (as chosen by CalHiSports) — the Monarch big man who happens to have his ego very much in check.
“I think he takes (the adulation) in stride,” Mitty guard Brandon Abajelo said. “He’s so used to it that he doesn’t let it go to his head. He has a good attitude.”
Added Kennedy: “He’s dealt with (the attention) for a while and he doesn’t like to put the team out, but they wanted to be here to support him."
The Monarchs also got to sample the restaurant’s fare — though Kennedy wouldn’t allow the players to eat the french fries. There will be plenty of opportunity for that after the Mater Dei game.
*****
John Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@Prep2Prep.com.
