The head honchos here at RTC gathered over the weekend to separate the cream of the crop in college basketball and concoct our official first and second All-American teams. There’s a catch, though: the voting included postseason competition. You’ll notice a certain National POY award changed because of this all-important caveat. Without further ado, the ten players that have taken us on a wild ride from mid-November to early April, making their mark on the sport we so passionately adore:
First Team
G- Kemba Walker, Connecticut, JR (23.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 43% FG, 82% FT, 33% 3pt)– Walker was the captain of the most improbable championship run since Danny Manning’s Jayhawks in 1988. The diminutive scoring guard captivated the country from his heroics in Maui to an incredible 11 wins in 28 days to finish a memorable season. Walker finished fourth in the nation in scoring, was named Big East Tournament MVP and carried a Huskies team packed with underclassmen to unimaginable heights.
G- Jimmer Fredette, BYU, SR (28.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 45% FG, 89% FT, 40% 3pt)– Jimmer moved into All-American lock status the moment his first name became a verb. Fredette led the country in scoring and captured the attention of even the most casual hoops fans with his in-the-gym shooting range. Fredette will forever be remembered as one of the best shooters in collegiate basketball history.
G- Nolan Smith, Duke, SR (20.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG, 46% FG, 81% FT, 35% 3pt)– Smith nearly became the first player in ACC history to lead the conference in scoring and assists during a commendable senior campaign. A multi-dimensional scorer and distributor, Duke’s most valuable player manned both guard spots this season and excelled with flying colors. He was the glue that held the Blue Devils together from November to March.
F- Derrick Williams, Arizona, SO (19.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 60% FG, 75% FT, 57% 3pt)– The most efficient player in the nation, Williams displayed awe-inspiring athleticism and versatility. A dynamo in isolation situations, Williams led the nation in free throw attempts and shot an incredible 57% from deep as a power forward. The sophomore is likely to be chosen #1 overall in June’s draft for good reason.
F- Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, FR (17.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 54% FG, 70% FT)– Unanimously voted as this season’s freshman of the year, Sullinger lived up to his billing as a low-post force to be reckoned with. Sully averaged a double-double as a freshman in the rugged Big Ten and his capabilities in the paint opened up countless shot opportunities for a willing and able supporting cast. Sullinger is the early favorite for NPOY in ’11-’12 if a sophomore season happens as promised.
Second Team
G- Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame, SR (18.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 48% FG, 82% FT, 44% 3pt)– Many agree that this year’s Big East was the top conference in recent memory and nobody played better during that 18-game stretch than Hansbrough. The fiery senior transformed his game from merely a spot-up shooter to dynamic point guard, relentless defender and floor general. This year’s Irish team exhibited remarkable chemistry all season long and Hansbrough was the primary reason.
G- Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin, JR (18.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.1 RPG, 43% FG, 83% FT, 43% 3pt)– Taylor’s value to the Badgers, either as lead distributor, pick-and-roll playmaker or big shot taker, cannot possibly be quantified. Taylor’s 3.83 A/T ratio won’t be topped in the Big Ten for years to come. He orchestrated an offense that turned the ball over with about as much frequency as a full moon.
F- Marcus Morris, Kansas, JR (17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 57% FG, 69% FT, 39% 3pt)– The subtraction of two lottery picks and a senior captain opened the door for Morris to jump into stardom and he gladly accepted the invitation. Practically unguardable at times, Morris’ versatility and shooting range resulted in a much-deserved Big 12 Player of the Year award. Despite a capable supporting cast and shared frontcourt duties with a talented twin brother, Morris still managed 17/8 on an efficient 57% from the floor.
F- Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State, JR (15.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 44% FG, 76% FT)– The late-blooming Leonard was the face of one of the top frontcourts in the nation at SDSU. Kawhi spearheaded a remarkable turnaround for a program that ascended from the doldrums of Division I to a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The ultra-athletic future lottery pick is equally adept from the post or the mid-range and scored in double figures in all but one Mountain West contest.
F- JaJuan Johnson, Purdue, SR (20.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 49% FG, 81% FT)– Over four years in West Lafayette, Johnson transformed himself into a multi-dimensional force from anywhere on the floor. Johnson mastered a mid-range game to compliment his plethora of post moves and patented fadeaway jumpers. Johnson and fellow senior E’Twaun Moore should have their jerseys lifted to the rafters at Mackey Arena any day now.
Also receiving votes: Kenneth Faried, Jacob Pullen, Jordan Hamilton.
National Player of the Year: Kemba Walker, Connecticut
National Coach of the Year: Jim Calhoun, Connecticut
National Freshman of the Year: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State