College Basketball’s Finest: Preseason All-Americans Lead the Charge
The 2024-25 college basketball season is just around the corner, and the excitement is building. The Associated Press has released its preseason All-America team, and it’s packed with talented players from the nation’s top programs. Alabama’s Mark Sears and North Carolina’s RJ Davis are among the headliners, both of whom opted to return for another season in pursuit of a national championship.
Sears and Davis: Leaders of the Pack
Sears, a near-unanimous selection, earned all but one vote from the 55-person national media panel. The 6-foot-1 guard was instrumental in Alabama’s first trip to the Final Four last season, averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Davis, meanwhile, was right behind Sears, garnering 51 votes. The 6-foot guard was an AP All-American last season and the ACC player of the year, leading North Carolina to the Sweet 16.
Newcomers and Returnees Join the Fray
Joining Sears and Davis on the preseason All-America team are Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson, Auburn forward Johni Broome, Arizona guard Caleb Love, and Duke freshman Cooper Flagg. Love and Flagg tied for the final spot, creating a six-man team that represents the ACC, Big 12, and SEC.
Big Expectations for Top Programs
With these talented players leading the way, their teams are expected to make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Alabama, ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25, is looking to build on last season’s success. North Carolina, meanwhile, is eyeing a return to the Final Four. Kansas, with Dickinson at the helm, is ranked No. 1 going into the season.
Coaches Weigh In
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praised Love’s decision to return for a second season, saying, “He’s had a very successful college career thus far… He’s kind of this last generation of player that’s going to get better with this extra year.” Duke coach Jon Scheyer is excited about Flagg’s potential, saying, “He’s got the skills of a guard, but he can also play inside.”
The Road to March Madness Begins
The 2024-25 college basketball season tips off on November 4, and fans can’t wait to see these talented players in action. With the NCAA tournament just a few months away, the excitement is building. Will Sears, Davis, and their teammates lead their programs to glory? Only time will tell.
Leave a Reply