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Our college basketball writers give us their picks for the nation’s top players
USA TODAY college basketball writers Lindsay Schnell and Scott Gleeson provide their picks for the 2017-18 AllAmerican first, second and third teams.
First team
G Jalen Brunson, Villanova: The junior guard took the reins as the Wildcats’ go-to player, and his style of leadership fit perfectly for this veteran team. Brunson averaged more than 19 points and nearly five assists per game, but his imprint is felt off the stat sheet with his efficiency and consistency.
G Devonte’ Graham, Kansas: The senior guard stepped into the shoes of last year’s national player of the year, Frank Mason. He spearheaded the Jayhawks to their 14th consecutive Big 12 regular-season title, a terrific accomplishment because the league was as tough as it’s ever been. Graham averaged more than 17 points and seven assists.
G Trae Young, Oklahoma: Although the Sooners have plummeted — and so have Young’s shooting percentages — in the second half of the season, the electric freshman guard’s start to the
2017-18 campaign was the best we’ve seen in nearly two decades (on three occasions he had 40+ points). He finished the regular season leading the nation in scoring (27.5) and assists
(8.9).
F Marvin Bagley III, Duke: Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski has called him “the most unique” player he has coached, and it’s easy to see why. Bagley is astonishingly athletic and mobile for 6-11 and is a terrific rebounder. If he gets the ball inside, he’s likely to score; he shot 60.3% from the field, averaging a double-double (20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds).
F Deandre Ayton, Arizona: He’s 7-1 and 250 pounds with 6% body fat. The latest in a long line of Bahamian players who have left their mark in the last decade, Ayton is a double-double (19.9 Points, 11.4 rebounds) waiting to happen. He is a giant with a feathery touch around the rim, punishes defenders with his strength and passes well out of double teams. Did we mention he has a legit jump shot, too?
Second team
G Carsen Edwards, Purdue G Kyle Guy, Virginia
G-F Trevon Bluiett, Xavier F Miles Bridges, Michigan State C Jock Landale, Saint Mary’s
Third Team
G Landry Shamet, Wichita State G Jevon Carter, West Virginia G Grayson Allen, Duke
F Nick King, Middle Tennessee St. F Luke Maye, North Carolina
Just missed: Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State), Keenan Evans (Texas Tech), Angel Delgado (Seton Hall), Mikal Bridges (Villanova), Jared Terrell (Rhode Island), Marcus Foster (Creighton), Marcquise Reed (Clemson).