Rant Sports 2012-13 College Basketball Preseason All-Americans
2012-13 College Basketball Preseason All-Americans
The 2012-13 college basketball season is inching closer and with less than a month to spare before opening night, Rant Sports' College Basketball Network Manager Paul Seaver takes a look at the top players from coast to coast.
This slideshow will first begin with a number of All-American honorable mentions and will continue with our preseason selections for the Third, Second and First team choices.
With another season on the horizon, each college basketball team across the country is gearing up for a regular season campaign that fans alike can hope extends into the postseason next March. With a number of candidates ranging from all four collegiate classes, the 2012-13 season will once again bring excitement to the landscape that is college basketball.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the Rant Sports 2012-13 College Basketball Preseason All-Americans:
Shabazz Muhammad, Fr., UCLA
We start the list off with a bonus selection and that is UCLA freshman, Shabazz Muhammad. Muhammad has been widely recognized as one of the top prospects at the high school level for a number of years now and his talent level undoubtedly should provide the Bruins with a boost this season. However, that is, if he becomes eligible to play. If the NCAA clears Muhammad to suit up this season, this Bruins' freshman has the intangibles to to be amongst one of the top players in college basketball.
Phil Pressey, Jr., Missouri
Phil Pressey averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 assists per game last season as a sophomore. The Missouri Tigers' play maker and floor general will be amongst the nation's more elite guards this season.
Tony Mitchell, So., North Texas
Expectations continue to rise for North Texas and that's thank in large part to the production of sophomore forward, Tony Mitchell. Mitchell averaged 14.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in 2011-12 and has all the tools to be a lottery pick in next year's NBA Draft.
Otto Porter, So., Georgetown
If you want a breakout candidate for the 2012-13 season, Georgetown forward Otto Porter may just fit that bill to perfection. Porter should certainly see an increase in his 9.7 points and 6.8 rebounds from a season ago.
Kyle Anderson, Fr., UCLA
Another UCLA freshman, another chance for head coach Ben Howland and the Bruins to improve this season. Kyle Anderson was a top-10 recruit coming out of high school and his size and versatility gives him the opportunity to impact the collegiate level immediately.
Marcus Smart, Fr., Oklahoma State
Highly-praised from a number of collegiate coaches, Oklahoma State freshman guard Marcus Smart should provide instant stability in the Cowboys' back court for head coach Travis Ford. Smart has yet to play a collegiate game, but his expectations are through the roof.
Aaron Craft, Jr., Ohio State
Aaron Craft is one of the top defensive guards in the nation and his play making and leadership on the perimeter makes him one of the more elite floor generals in the nation. Ohio State has the potential to make another run to the Final Four in 2013 and Craft is the back court presence that can help them achieve that.
Pierre Jackson, Sr., Baylor
Pierre Jackson was tabbed as the preseason Big 12 Conference Player of the Year last week, marking the second consecutive year that a Baylor player has achieve that accolade. Jackson provides the leadership and play making ability that will once again have the Bears in the hunt for conference supremacy.
Steven Adams, Fr., Pittsburgh
An original native of New Zealand, Steven Adams is certainly a player to watch in the Big East Conference this season. The Pittsburgh forward has yet to play a game for the Panthers, but already has expectations of being among the top big men in the conference.
Patric Young, Jr., Florida
After averaging 10.2 points and 6.4 rebounds a season ago, Florida forward Patric Young has the talent and strength to once again boost those numbers. Young will once again provide low post stability for a guard-oriented squad in Gainesville.
Jarnell Stokes, So., Tennessee
After joining the Vols' programs at the midway point of the season in 2011-12, Tennessee forward Jarnell Stokes has raised expectations this upcoming season. Stokes is poised for a breakout season in 2012-13 after nearly guiding the Volunteers to the Big Dance late last year.
Andre Roberson, Jr., Colorado
After making the decision to return to Colorado this season, Andre Roberson looks to build off a season in which he averaged 11.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
Rodney McGruder, Sr., Kansas State
Bruce Weber takes over the program at Kansas State this season and the fact that Rodney McGruder returns to the lineup is huge for Wildcat fans. McGruder averaged 15.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game a season ago.
Mason Plumlee, Sr., Duke
Mason Plumlee's older brother, Miles has moved onto the NBA, so Duke's front court now belongs solely to him. Mason looks to provide leadership and build off his 11.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game numbers from a season ago.
Le'Bryan Nash, So., Oklahoma State
With incoming freshman Marcus Smart guiding Oklahoma State in the back court, sophomore wing Le'Bryan Nash should have the potential to break out in 2012-13. Nash averaged 13.3 points per game last season as a freshman.
Christian Watford, Sr., Indiana
Indiana forward Christian Watford hit the shot heard around the college basketball world last December, shocking then-No. 1 Kentucky and virtually putting the Hoosiers back onto the national scene. Watford is back for one more run in 2012-13 and that's huge for head coach Tom Crean and Indiana's expectations.
Matthew Dellavedova, Sr., Saint Mary's
After leading the Australian national team in assists at the 2012 London Olympic Games, Saint Mary's guard Matthew Dellavedova looks to carry over that success and relay it into another tournament run for the Gaels. Dellavedova averaged 15.5 points and 6.4 assists per game last season.
Ray McCallum, Jr., Detroit
As a sophomore, Ray McCallum helped guide Detroit to a 15-seed in the NCAA Tournament. With the 6-foot-2 guard returning in the back court and looking to build off a year in which he averaged 15.4 points per game, the Titans will have an ample opportunity to return to the Big Dance in 2013.
Myck Kabongo, So., Texas
Texas guard Myck Kabongo made the decision to return to Austin this season and that's big news for Longhorn fans. The loss of J'Covan Brown in the back court should give Kabongo all the space to break out offensively in 2012-13.
Sean Kilpatrick, Jr., Cincinnati
Cincinnati guard Sean Kilpatrick looks to emerge as a back court leader for the Bearcats in 2012-13. After averaging 14.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore, expectations only rise heading into this season.
B.J. Young, So., Arkansas
B.J. Young averaged 15.3 points per game last season as a freshman and his return to Arkansas should provide continued stability and production in the Razorbacks' back court. Young is a crafty play maker and one of the more elite guards in all of college basketball.
College Basketball Third Team All-Americans
With the All-American honorable mention candidates now out of the way, let's move forward in our countdown with the 2012-13 Third Team All-Americans:
G C.J. McCollum, Sr., Lehigh
Know the name C.J. McCollum? Well, you should. McCollum lead Lehigh to one of college basketball's biggest NCAA Tournament upsets a season ago, helping the Mountain Hawks shock Duke in the Round of 64. McCollum has averaged at least 19 points per game in each of his first three seasons at Lehigh.
G Jamaal Franklin, Jr., San Diego State
If you want the definition of a breakout candidate, San Diego State guard Jamaal Franklin can provide you with that. Franklin averaged 17.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last year as a sophomore after averaging under three in each category two seasons ago.
C Jeff Withey, Sr. Kansas
No more Thomas Robinson down low for Kansas this season, but the anchor inside belongs to senior forward, Jeff Withey. Withey averaged 9.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game a year ago, but his 3.6 blocks is what can help change a game in favor of the Jayhawks in 2012-13.
F Trevor Mbakwe, Sr., Minnesota
After being cleared to play for another season after a gruesome injury a season ago, Minnesota forward Trevor Mbakwe will be looking to make the most out of his final season. What does that mean? How does a run to the NCAA Tournament sound for the Golden Gophers?
F James Michael McAdoo, So., North Carolina
With Tyler Zeller and John Henson moving forward to the NBA, North Carolina head coach Roy Williams will turn to James Michael McAdoo down low. Expectations are soaring for the sophomore forward as he looks to emerge as one of the top players within the ACC.
College Basketball Second Team All-Americans
With the Third Team All-American candidates now out of the way, let's move forward in our countdown with the 2012-13 Second Team All-Americans:
G Peyton Siva, Sr., Louisville
The senior leader for one of college basketball's most dangerous teams, Louisville point guard Peyton Siva is looking to guide the Cardinals back to the Final Four in 2013. Louisville has more than enough talent to do so, but Siva's play making and leadership capabilities will play a vital role in their success.
G Michael Snaer, Sr., Florida State
Florida State guard Michael Snaer predicted some lofty expectations for himself this season and as a senior, the time is now. Snaer looks to build off a season in which he averaged 14.0 points per game and pace the Seminoles back court into the NCAA Tournament.
C Nerlens Noel, Fr., Kentucky
Ah yes, what would an All-American list be without a Kentucky freshman? Following Anthony Davis' stellar season in Lexington, it's time for Nerlens Noel to carve out his own path at UK. Noel was highly-regarded as one of the top high school players in the country throughout his time at the Tilton School in New Hampshire.
F Mike Moser, Jr., UNLV
After one season at UCLA, Mike Moser burst onto the scene at UNLV in 2011-12. Moser averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore and his decision to return to the Runnin' Rebels bodes huge potential for their continued success.
F C.J. Leslie, Jr., North Carolina State
When C.J. Leslie announced his decision to return to North Carolina State last spring, expectations began to soar. Leslie will look to build upon a year in which he averaged 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game and help guide the Wolfpack to ACC supremacy.
College Basketball First Team All-Americans
With the Second Team All-American candidates now out of the way, let's move forward in our countdown with the 2012-13 First Team All-Americans:
G Isaiah Canaan, Sr., Murray State
Remember the undefeated run and season-long success the Murray State had a season ago? Well, their top play maker is back and Isaiah Canaan has expectations that supersede anyone in Racers' tradition. Canaan averaged 19.0 points per game a season ago and that number has the potential to increase in 2012-13.
G Trey Burke, So., Michigan
After waffling on the decision to go pro or not, Michigan point guard Trey Burke ultimately decided to return to Ann Arbor for his sophomore season. Expectations are through the roof for Burke after averaging 14.8 points and 4.6 assists per game a season ago. His impact on the perimeter makes the Wolverines a Final Four candidate in 2013.
C Cody Zeller, So., Indiana
Cue the National Player of the Year talks because Indiana big man Cody Zeller has all the characteristics to win that accolade in 2013. Zeller averaged 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a freshman and his play helped usher the Hoosiers back into national contention. With that being said, Indiana now has its sights set on a national championship with the return of their anchor down low.
F Doug McDermott, Jr., Creighton
Could their be any more dangerous weapon in college basketball than what Creighton forward Doug McDermott provides the Blue Jays? McDermott averaged 22.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game a season ago, so there is no denying the potential he has in 2012-13.
F Deshaun Thomas, Jr., Ohio State
Anyone remember what Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas did in the NCAA Tournament a season ago? He averaged 19.2 points in helping guide the Buckeyes to the Final Four. With that being said, expectations are on the rise for the junior in 2012-13 and fans can expect to see a lot more production like that this upcoming season.
