Post by 01- PirateDave on Mar 11, 2015 10:15:40 GMT -6
USA TODAY Sports All-America college basketball team
Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell, USA TODAY Sports 9:44 a.m. EDT March 11, 2015
(Photo: Mary Langenfeld, USA TODAY Sports)
USA TODAY Sports college basketball reporters Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell identify the top players and coach in men's college basketball this season:
C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.: Kaminsky is a rarity in today's one-and-done era: After averaging fewer than five points per game in each of his first two seasons, the 7-footer has blossomed into the nation's best overall player. With the ability to post up, penetrate and shoot three-pointers, he is a matchup nightmare, as well as the only major conference player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, Fr.: Blessed with tremendous physical attributes — standing 6-foot-11 with a 7-5 wing span — the 270-pound Okafor has authored an outstanding season offensively, becoming the first freshman ever to win ACC Player of the Year honors. He ranks second nationally in field goal percentage (66.8%) and has shot 70% or better 18 times this season.
G Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, Sr.: Grant's return from a suspension last season set the stage for one of the sport's most remarkable redemption stories. The dynamic point guard has led the Irish in points, assists and steals — and more importantly, led them back to the center of the national discussion in their second season in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Kentucky forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15)
(Photo: Mark Zerof, USA TODAY Sports)
C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, Jr.: On a team that's gained notoriety for its youth, this junior was the team's anchor, both offensively and defensively. His numbers aren't gaudy — 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game — but that's because he only has played 25 minutes a game. His presence was felt every single moment he was on the court for the unbeaten Wildcats.
G D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, Fr.: Russell is one of the breakout stars of the 2014-15 season, one of the most electrifying guards in the country. Though he has proved he can be a dominant scorer, Russell is perhaps even more impressive as a passer, finding teammates no other guard could possibly have even seen.
SECOND TEAM
G Delon Wright, Utah, Sr.
F Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, Fr.
G Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia, Jr.
F Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse, Sr.
G Ron Baker, Wichita State, Jr.
THIRD TEAM
G Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga, Sr.
F Seth Tuttle, Northern Iowa, Sr.
F Stanley Johnson, Arizona, Fr.
F Bobby Portis, Arkansas, Soph.
G Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, Jr.
Player of the Year: C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, Fr.
Coach of the Year: John Calipari, Kentucky: This team may be Calipari's greatest masterpiece, and not just because it is chasing a perfect season. It's because Calipari has handled the egos of an incredibly talented crop of players perfectly. They're selfless — averaging fewer minutes and baskets than they'd probably like — and team-oriented. They've sacrificed individual acclaim for team success, and that's a credit to their coach.
Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell, USA TODAY Sports 9:44 a.m. EDT March 11, 2015
(Photo: Mary Langenfeld, USA TODAY Sports)
USA TODAY Sports college basketball reporters Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell identify the top players and coach in men's college basketball this season:
C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.: Kaminsky is a rarity in today's one-and-done era: After averaging fewer than five points per game in each of his first two seasons, the 7-footer has blossomed into the nation's best overall player. With the ability to post up, penetrate and shoot three-pointers, he is a matchup nightmare, as well as the only major conference player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, Fr.: Blessed with tremendous physical attributes — standing 6-foot-11 with a 7-5 wing span — the 270-pound Okafor has authored an outstanding season offensively, becoming the first freshman ever to win ACC Player of the Year honors. He ranks second nationally in field goal percentage (66.8%) and has shot 70% or better 18 times this season.
G Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, Sr.: Grant's return from a suspension last season set the stage for one of the sport's most remarkable redemption stories. The dynamic point guard has led the Irish in points, assists and steals — and more importantly, led them back to the center of the national discussion in their second season in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Kentucky forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15)
(Photo: Mark Zerof, USA TODAY Sports)
C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, Jr.: On a team that's gained notoriety for its youth, this junior was the team's anchor, both offensively and defensively. His numbers aren't gaudy — 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game — but that's because he only has played 25 minutes a game. His presence was felt every single moment he was on the court for the unbeaten Wildcats.
G D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, Fr.: Russell is one of the breakout stars of the 2014-15 season, one of the most electrifying guards in the country. Though he has proved he can be a dominant scorer, Russell is perhaps even more impressive as a passer, finding teammates no other guard could possibly have even seen.
SECOND TEAM
G Delon Wright, Utah, Sr.
F Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, Fr.
G Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia, Jr.
F Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse, Sr.
G Ron Baker, Wichita State, Jr.
THIRD TEAM
G Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga, Sr.
F Seth Tuttle, Northern Iowa, Sr.
F Stanley Johnson, Arizona, Fr.
F Bobby Portis, Arkansas, Soph.
G Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, Jr.
Player of the Year: C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, Fr.
Coach of the Year: John Calipari, Kentucky: This team may be Calipari's greatest masterpiece, and not just because it is chasing a perfect season. It's because Calipari has handled the egos of an incredibly talented crop of players perfectly. They're selfless — averaging fewer minutes and baskets than they'd probably like — and team-oriented. They've sacrificed individual acclaim for team success, and that's a credit to their coach.
good luck to all!