PRESEASON PICKS FOR TOP PLAYERS

Leading to the start of college basketball, USA TODAY Sports college basketball reporters Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell offer predictions for 2012-13. Today: All-Americans and players of the year.

Auerbach’s picks

First team Isaiah Canaan, Murray State, Sr. C.J. McCollum, Lehigh, Sr. Doug McDermott, Creighton, Jr. Peyton Siva, Louisville, Sr. Cody Zeller, Indiana, So.

Second team Trey Burke, Michigan, So. Tony Mitchell, North Texas, So. Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, Fr. Otto Porter, Georgetown, So. Phil Pressey, Missouri, Jr.

Player of the year: Zeller Does this come as a surprise? It shouldn’t, as many expect Zeller to build off last season (15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds a game). The Hoosiers are expected to be among the best teams in the nation, and the main reason for that is Zeller.

Freshman of the year: Noel He’s pegged as Anthony Davis 2.0, but Kentucky coach John Calipari doesn’t like to compare the two. One thing’s for sure: Noel will block a lot of shots and be an integral part of the Kentucky defense.

Prisbell’s picks

First team C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State, Jr. James Michael McAdoo,

North Carolina, So. C.J. McCollum, Lehigh, Sr. Doug McDermott, Creighton, Jr. Cody Zeller, Indiana, So.

Second team Trey Burke, Michigan, So. Isaiah Canaan, Murray State, Sr. Tony Mitchell, North Texas, So. Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA, Fr. Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State, Jr.

Player of the year: Zeller The nation’s best player plays in the nation’s best conference and under a bright spotlight. If Zeller doesn’t win national player of the year, consider it an upset.

Freshman of the year: Muhammad He could have been the latest in a long line of one-and-done talents at Kentucky. Instead, he decided to stay in the West and try to solidify Ben Howland’s job security and lift the Bruins back to national prominence.