McKinnie was raised on the West Side of Chicago, where he was born.
He characterizes himself as an avid Chicago Bulls follower in his boyhood, having grown up in East Garfield Park about 15 minutes from the United Center.
McKinnie attended Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago for his first two years of high school basketball.
He started his last high school season at Marshall Metropolitan High School, where he averaged 11.2 points and 8.5 rebounds while earning All-Red West Conference accolades.
During his one year at Marshall HS, McKinnie was not a prolific scorer and was not heavily recruited.
He had the opportunity to play for Eastern Illinois. He had a 10.2 point and 7.0 rebound per game average as a sophomore.
Where did Alfonzo McKinnie go?
He went to Capitanes de Ciudad de México.
Why is Alfonzo McKinnie not playing?
Tristan Thompson, who had made a commitment to join the Bulls, was given a spot when McKinnie was dismissed.