Taylor Ready to Shine Tonight

Here is Dante Taylor's game-day journal as he prepares for tonight's McDonald's All-American Game in Miami. And here is a linkto my story on the National Christian star in today's paper. Below is some video.

Tuesday was the last day to prepare for the McDonald's All American Game. We started out the day with practice and I'm pretty confident that the Boys East team will be bringing home the title tonight. After practice we had Media Day and I couldn't believe how many reporters were there, all to see us!

We did our interviews and answered questions and then hit the court again for our scrimmage. We scrimmaged against eachother for an hour and I was really impressed by everyone on the floor. It was nice to get out there and prepare before the actual game on Wednesday at the BankUnited Center.

Last night we attended the player banquet at Jungle Island. All the guys got dressed up in these shirts called Guyaberas that are really popular in Miami. We were announced in front of everyone and Alonzo Mourning handed each of us a ring. Pat Riley also gave a speech and it was really cool to hear from two of Miami's biggest basketball legends about life and basketball. Both of them talked about how important it is to use your gifts to help others, and our visit to Ronald McDonald House Charities was a perfect example of that. Looking back, I've experienced so many great things during my time here and it all leads up to tonight. Don't forget to watch me live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.