The AP has announced their All-American teams for the 2017-18 season. What were the takeaways from the listed players and teams?
The Final Four is a few days away, so for us college basketball fans there needs to be some news to help pass the time.
That’s where the Associated Press has come in, with the announcement of the top-15 players in the country, grouped by the first, second, and third teams. Here is who made the cut:
First team
JR Jalen Brunson – Villanova
FR Trae Young – Oklahoma
SR Devonte’ Graham – Kansas
FR Marvin Bagley – Duke
FR DeAndre Ayton – Arizona
Second team
SR Jevon Carter – West Virginia
SR Trevon Blueitt – Xavier
SO Miles Bridges – Michigan State
JR Keita Bates-Diop – Ohio State
SR Jock Landale – Saint Mary’s
Third team
SR Keenan Evans – Texas Tech
SO Carsen Edwards – Purdue
SO Kyle Guy – Virginia
JR Mikal Bridges – Villanova
JR Luke Maye – North Carolina
This was a historical list, as it was the first time in the 70 years of the AP having All-American lists having three freshmen on the first team. On two other occasions were there a couple of freshmen. It’s a bit surprising that this is the first time since the “one and done” era has begun.
That doesn’t mean that there wasn’t experienced players receiving recognition, with nine of the 15 being upperclassmen. This could also be a completely different list next season, with there being a real possibility that all 15 leaving for the NBA.
Besides that, there are other reactions and takeaways from the lists, including the placement of players and snubs.