2011-2012 College Basketball Preview: Preseason All-American Picks

Choosing a preseason All-American team is no easy task. When you think about all the great players in college basketball, narrowing it down to three teams of five is almost impossible.

But Jamal and I have tried our best, as we present to you our first, second, and third team All-Americans.

Our preseason Top 25 poll was somewhat tough. But we can both honestly say that narrowing down our particular lists were a whole lot tougher.

As with our poll, we’ll offer up our individual thoughts instead of condensing it into one list. Also, you can continue to follow our 2011-2012 preview series by clicking here.

And with that, let us begin!

Jamal Murphy

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Harrison Barnes – 6’8 sophomore forward, North Carolina

We all know the story; he got off to a slow start freshman year and rounded into easily one of the best players in the nation. For my money, he is the best player in the nation right now. The smooth forward averaged 15.7 points and 5.8 rebounds a game last year, so expect those numbers to rise significantly along with his 42% field goal percentage.

Jared Sullinger – 6’9 sophomore forward, Ohio State

Last year as a freshman, the big man averaged a double-double (17.2pts/10.2rbs) and shot 54% from the field. More impressively, Sullinger averaged only 2.4 fouls per game. He was the unquestioned leader of an Ohio State team that was #1 for much of the year before bowing out to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. Word is he checked in this year at a svelte 20lbs under last year’s playing weight.

Jordan Taylor – 6’1 senior guard, Wisconsin

You think of this guy as the consummate solid point guard who does whatever it takes to win. It’s easy to forget that he averaged 18.1 points per game last year, while shooting 43% from long range. He added an effortless 4 rebounds and 5 assists a game for good measure. Look for Taylor to have a dominant senior year.

Terrence Jones – 6’9 sophomore forward, Kentucky

With the current instability of the NBA, Jones and his advisers look like geniuses. Jones must’ve shocked Calipari when he decided to return to Lexington after averaging very close to 16 points and 9 rebounds and reaching the Final Four. He would have been a sure fire lottery pick, minus the paycheck. Instead, he can improve his skills, gain valuable experience and receive 1st Team All America recognition.

Jeremy Lamb – 6’5 sophomore guard, Connecticut

While the college great Kemba Walker deservedly received the lion’s share of the credit for UConn’s 2010-11 National Championship season, Jeremy Lamb played as valuable a role as any during the Huskies’ NCAA Tournament run. In fact, he could have passed for the “go-to guy” if we knew better. The unflappable Lamb averaged 15.3 points per game in the post season. He should be scarier now that he knows what he’s capable of.

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Tyler Zeller – 7’0 senior center, North Carolina

The highly skilled big man tied Harrison Barnes for the team lead in points per game last year at 15.7. Zeller also contributed 7.2 rebounds per game and shot 55% from the field with a deft touch around the basket, ala Antawn Jamison. An improved Zeller will only get better looks this season with so much more talent around him.

John Jenkins – 6’4 junior guard, Vanderbilt

Renowned as college basketball’s best shooter, Jenkins led a good Commodore squad by scoring 19.5 points per game, shooting 46% from the field, 41% from three, and 89% from the free throw line. He’s back to lead an even better team this year with everyone returning.

Tu Holloway – 6’0 senior guard, Xavier

Tu Holloway became a household name to college basketball heads last year. You might be sick of hearing his name this year. The hard-nosed, do-it-all point guard from Long Island should dominate from start to finish this winter and spring. Holloway averaged 19.7 points, 5.4 assists, 5 rebounds and shot 87% from the foul line last year.

Tim Hardaway Jr. – 6’5 sophomore guard, Michigan

Killa Crossover Jr., without the crossover, wasn’t supposed to be as good as he was last year. At times, Hardaway was Michigan’s best player, as he averaged 14 points and 4 rebounds his freshman year. My bet is that Hardaway will be better than people expect again this season, since he will be the undisputed go-to guy.

Ashton Gibbs – 6’2 senior guard, Pittsburgh

Gibbs was another kid who made the smart decision to put off his NBA dreams for a year and return to school. He led the Panthers last year with 17 points per game and shot 49% from three and 89% from the foul line. Gibbs should be even better this year as he tries to prove that he is a complete player.

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Perry Jones III – 6’11 sophomore forward, Baylor

If the talented sophomore can put it all together this year, he’s 1st Team All America material. I think he’ll come close. Jones averaged 13.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and shot 55% from the field as a freshman.

John Shurna – 6’9 senior forward, Northwestern

Shurna put up 24 points a contest for the first 8 games of the 2010-11 season. After that, injuries nagged him and severely diminished his production. He finished with averages of 16.6 points and 4.9 rebounds and he shot 48% from the field and 43% from three point range. If Shurna stays healthy, look for him to average 20 plus points per game and have the Wildcats in the hunt for their first ever NCAA Tournament bid.

John Henson – 6’10 junior forward, North Carolina

The Tar Heels’ third best player averaged a double-double (11.7pts/10.1rbs) last season. That’s scary. Henson also swatted away 3.2 shots a game and shot 50% from the field. If those numbers improve, a 3rd Team All America selection may be a disservice.

Andrew Nicholson – 6’9 senior forward, St. Bonaventure

The Canada native is doing big things under the radar. Last season, Nicholson ran through the Atlantic 10 by scoring 20.8 points per game. He also grabbed 7.3 rebounds, blocked 1.5 shots and shot a ridiculous 57% from the field. Nicholson carried the Bonnies to an 8-8 conference record. If he can get his team over .500 this year, Nicholson will be on everyone’s radar.

Robbie Hummel – 6’8 senior forward, Purdue

A feel good story maybe, but Hummel averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and shot 90% from the free throw line in 2009-10, prior to two knee surgeries that forced him to miss Purdue’s last 42 games. Those 2009-10 numbers are especially impressive considering Hummel shared the court with NBA draft picks JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore. Hummel has worked hard to rehab and strengthen his knee. If he’s healthy, look for a return to the big time.

Blake Lovell

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Harrison Barnes – 6’8 sophomore forward, North Carolina

Barnes will be in the Naismith Award race with Jared Sullinger, and is the best player on the best team in college basketball entering the season. I’d say that makes him first team All-American material. Opposing teams won’t be able to just key in on him, given all the weapons around him.

Jared Sullinger – 6’9 sophomore forward, Ohio State

I talked about this in our Ohio State preview piece with Joe Dexter, but think about how good Sullinger was last year for the Buckeyes. Now think about all the work he’s put in during the off-season, specifically on his body. He would have been the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and now he’s even better. Scary, scary thought for the opposition.

Jeremy Lamb – 6’5 sophomore guard, Connecticut

We saw what Lamb could do last year alongside Kemba Walker, but now we get to see what he can do as THE man on this team. I have no fear though that this guy can step his game up even more, and if he does that, then give UConn the chance to repeat as national champions. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to have Andre Drummond on the inside to relieve some pressure outside the paint.

Jordan Taylor – 6’1 senior guard, Wisconsin

The only worry I have about putting Taylor first team is the team around. Wisconsin is still gonna be a great team, but losing guys like Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil hurts. So Taylor is gonna be expected to do even more than he did during his outstanding junior season. The good thing is, he can, and he will.

Perry Jones III – 6’11 sophomore forward, Baylor

Baylor might be the best team in the Big 12 entering the season. And that is the case because of this incredibly talented player. He has to take his game to an even higher level this year though. He has all the potential in the world, and in terms of skill set, there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best in the country.

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

John Henson – 6’10 junior forward, North Carolina

Jamal showed you this guy’s numbers above. It’s my belief that those numbers are only going to improve given the type of season we expect the Tar Heels to have. He’s one of the best defenders in college basketball, he can score, and he can block a whole lot of shots. The man can do it all.

Andre Drummond – 6’10 freshman center, Connecticut

We all know this kid could move up even higher. An absolute beast in the post. If anybody thinks they can take on the challenge score on this guy consistently, then be my guest. One of the best athletes in the country that will change the game for UConn.

Tu Holloway – 6’0 senior guard, Xavier

Could easily see this guy making the jump to the first team. The Musketeers are going to be really, really good this year, and it all starts with Holloway. He can do anything he wants at the point guard position. Yet again, another case of “great last year, gonna be even better this year.”

John Jenkins – 6’4 junior guard, Vanderbilt

He’s the absolute best shooter in the country. If you give him more than a few inches of space, he’s gonna hit the shot. The word is that his game off the dribble hasn’t improved big time, which makes him an even bigger threat for a Commodore team that has Final Four aspirations.

Terrence Jones – 6’9 sophomore forward, Kentucky

A lot of people didn’t expect him to return to Lexington this season. Or should I say, a lot of people (opponents) didn’t wanna see him return to Lexington. He’s got first team All-American potential, but with so many new weapons around him, his numbers might not show how fully valuable he is.

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Ashton Gibbs – 6’2 senior guard, Pittsburgh

Another could’ve been NBA draft pick, as Jamie Dixon has to be thrilled that Gibbs has returned for another season. He’ll carry the scoring load for the Panthers, and will likely be one of the best players in the best conference in America.

Tyler Zeller – 7’0 senior center, North Carolina

Let’s go ahead and add another North Carolina player to the mix, as Zeller is simply a dominating presence inside for the Tar Heels. Helped carry the scoring and rebounding load last season. Will help carry the scoring and rebounding load once again this season.

Anthony Davis – 6’10 freshman forward, Kentucky

This freshman stud will do it all for the Wildcats this season. One of the most athletic players in the entire country that will completely control the paint. He’ll get a lot of rebounds and he’ll block a whole lot of shots. That’s a guarantee.

Terrence Ross – 6’6 sophomore guard, Washington

Here’s my sleeper in the group. Ross only averaged 8 points per game last season. Let me say this: he’s not averaging less than 15 this season. He can score any way that he wants to and he’s going to have Washington right in the mix for a Pac-12 title.

Kendall Marshall – 6’3 sophomore guard, North Carolina

Yes folks, another UNC player. But hey, there’s a reason why they are on this list. We’re talking about a team that will be favored in probably every game they play this year. And Marshall is going to be the distributor to all of these great players. Thing is, he can score too.

Well there’s our list. What do you think? Who are your preseason All-American picks?

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