NCAA Basketball: 3 thoughts on the 2018 AP All-American teams

Favoritism towards bigger names

Michigan State’s Bridges had another quality season for the Spartans, but was it really second-team worthy? There was a point in time throughout the season where all of the listed names had their moment in the spotlight, but not the Spartan.

Part of it was the supporting cast, who makes it hard for the sophomore to have that big scoring night. The Big Ten itself also didn’t do any favors for coverage either. It might be nick-picking, but a third-team placement might have been better suited for Bridges.

Another high-profile player on this list was Jock Landale, who was dominant in the WCC this season. I have no issue with his selection, but I do wonder why another mid-major star didn’t get the same kind of love?

Mike Daum of South Dakota State had an All-American season himself, averaging 23.9 ppg and 10.3 rpg. The Summit League Player of the Year had huge numbers against power conference teams such as Ohio State, Kansas, and Wichita State, just like Landale did against Gonzaga and Georgia.

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Take away Gonzaga from the WCC, there isn’t much difference between them and the Summit. So why didn’t Daum get a spot on the list? If he comes back for his senior year, hopefully he’ll get the recognition he rightfully deserves.