Hard work pays off for Dawson

Updated: March 31, 2011 4:00PM

CHICAGO - Branden Dawson was certainly good enough to play in the McDonald's All-American game.

Sometimes, good just isn't enough to get a date to the most prestigious high school all-star contest in the country.

Getting there involves banking a well full of publicity as well as talent.

The billboard that rolls around the upper deck of the United Center spelled out the MVPs of past games: Derek Rose, Michael Jordan, Kemba Walker, Brandon Knight and Lebron James were just some of the names up there.

For Lew Wallace coach Renaldo Thomas and Dawson that meant going full tilt for three years with a grass roots campaign that revolved around lots of games in Chicago and other Midwest spots like Detroit and Indianapolis.

Getting to the state finals as a junior helped Dawson build his name recognition.

Thomas, sitting in courtside seats, watched his star like a proud papa Wednesday.

It was vintage Dawson stuff early. Playing for the West team, he came off the bench about five minutes into the game, grabbed a rebound and put one back in for a layup.

He left five minutes later with four points - his second basket came on a turnaround 10-foot jumper on the baseline - and three boards. Dawson also missed a pair of free throws. He finished the first half with five points, four rebounds and one assist, playing alongside Cody Zeller from Washington. Zeller and Washington beat the Hornets in the 2010 state championship game. At halftime, the East was leading the West 57-44.

It was a satisfying moment for Thomas, who has worked hard to keep Dawson grounded and in front of the public eye.

Thomas estimated that about 200 people from Northwest Indiana were at the game, which had more than 19,000 people in attendance.

"I'm not sure the people of Gary appreciate what my staff had to do to get him here," he said. "We tried to take advantage of the third largest media market (Chicago). They play a different style of basketball."

Thomas said the best is yet to come for Dawson, who he talked to briefly before the game. He noted that a high percentage of McDonald's All-Americans end up in the NBA. Indeed, virtually every MVP played in the NBA, is playing in the NBA or will play in the NBA someday.

The game, said Thomas, is a measuring stick for how far Dawson has come and how far he has to go to keep hanging with the best.

"It's all about positioning yourself and seeing what you're up against," Thomas said.

For sure, Thomas and Dawson already have a global view of what lays ahead for Dawson.

Clearly, everyone involved is aiming for an NBA career for Dawson. Next year, Dawson expects to have an immediate impact at Michigan State.

"He just needs to surround himself with the right people and keep his circle small," Thomas said.

Thomas also said Dawson needs to black out all the background noise.

"The biggest thing for Brandon is he can't listen to the naysayers and haters," he said. "He's going to be successful. I'm so proud."

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