All-Americans 1st Team (2nd and 3rd Teams Coming Soon!)
First Team:
PG Fred Van Vleet, Wichita State, Jr.
There is no doubt in my mind that Van Vleet is the number one point guard in the country. Although he is not a big scorer (only about 12 ppg last year), he can pass (over 5 apg last year) and rebound (about 4 rpg last year). The thing that makes him so great is his ability as a floor leader, or coach on the floor. He seems to always know what to do and how aggressive to be. Also, at the end of the shot clock, he is the guy who creates, not only for himself, but for teammates as well. To add on, he may be one of the top 5 defensive PGs in the country
PG/SG Marcus Paige, North Carolina, Jr.
Paige can light it up on the basketball court. He may be the best in the country at getting good shots. He comes off screens and shoots, he sets screens for others, he drives and shoots, he has a great step back, the list goes on and on. The big question for Paige is if he can lead this Carolina team to the final four, where they haven't been since 2009 (quite a drought for them, but 90 % of the teams in the country wish their drought was this short).
SG Caris LaVert, Michigan, Jr.
I know most people don't have LaVert rated this high, but I think he has shown he deserves it. He was probably the second best player on an elite 8 team, and a team that was one shot away from the final four. You never know, if Aaron Harrison doesn't make that three, Michigan could have won the title. This year, they lose most of their top players, but return LaVert. LaVert is an incredible athlete and a great scorer. His athleticism helps him be one of the best defenders in the conference. He can drive, dish and shoot from beyond the arc as well.
PF Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, Jr. (Yes, a 4th Junior!)
Harrell reminds me a little of Greg Oden, they are similar athletes and similar low post threats. I don't know if there is a better pure rebounder in the country right now than Harrell. I love the way he goes for everything, and never stops competing. You may see some star players take plays off, or not give their all on defense, but not Harrell. I think Rick Pitino does a great job of getting everything out of his players, and making them work on both defense and offense.
C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.
I recently saw a comment by a sportswriter, saying that he didn't know why so many people were ranking Duke center Jahlil Okafor over Kaminsky. He said that Okafor was basically a less polished version of Kaminsky, who couldn't shoot (nothing against Okafor). I completely agree with this statement. People say Okafor is the best post threat in years, but these people don't understand that Kaminsky is a low post threat as well, and not just a three point shooter (and also Montrezl Harrell can play in the post).
PG Fred Van Vleet, Wichita State, Jr.
There is no doubt in my mind that Van Vleet is the number one point guard in the country. Although he is not a big scorer (only about 12 ppg last year), he can pass (over 5 apg last year) and rebound (about 4 rpg last year). The thing that makes him so great is his ability as a floor leader, or coach on the floor. He seems to always know what to do and how aggressive to be. Also, at the end of the shot clock, he is the guy who creates, not only for himself, but for teammates as well. To add on, he may be one of the top 5 defensive PGs in the country
PG/SG Marcus Paige, North Carolina, Jr.
Paige can light it up on the basketball court. He may be the best in the country at getting good shots. He comes off screens and shoots, he sets screens for others, he drives and shoots, he has a great step back, the list goes on and on. The big question for Paige is if he can lead this Carolina team to the final four, where they haven't been since 2009 (quite a drought for them, but 90 % of the teams in the country wish their drought was this short).
SG Caris LaVert, Michigan, Jr.
I know most people don't have LaVert rated this high, but I think he has shown he deserves it. He was probably the second best player on an elite 8 team, and a team that was one shot away from the final four. You never know, if Aaron Harrison doesn't make that three, Michigan could have won the title. This year, they lose most of their top players, but return LaVert. LaVert is an incredible athlete and a great scorer. His athleticism helps him be one of the best defenders in the conference. He can drive, dish and shoot from beyond the arc as well.
PF Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, Jr. (Yes, a 4th Junior!)
Harrell reminds me a little of Greg Oden, they are similar athletes and similar low post threats. I don't know if there is a better pure rebounder in the country right now than Harrell. I love the way he goes for everything, and never stops competing. You may see some star players take plays off, or not give their all on defense, but not Harrell. I think Rick Pitino does a great job of getting everything out of his players, and making them work on both defense and offense.
C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.
I recently saw a comment by a sportswriter, saying that he didn't know why so many people were ranking Duke center Jahlil Okafor over Kaminsky. He said that Okafor was basically a less polished version of Kaminsky, who couldn't shoot (nothing against Okafor). I completely agree with this statement. People say Okafor is the best post threat in years, but these people don't understand that Kaminsky is a low post threat as well, and not just a three point shooter (and also Montrezl Harrell can play in the post).
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