By: David Kay
When the AP All-American team was announced I received a text message from fellow TSB.net writer Peter Christian that read, “Talk about the least appealing pre-season All-Americans ever… 3 boring white dudes and a decent PG. Patterson is the only dude I don’t hate.” Pretty much sums it up.
Have no fear, I am hear to save the day once again. The Sports Bank’s college basketball preview has spanned across six conferences and the mid-majors, now it is time for me to hand out my pre-season awards that I promise will be more appealing that any list of college basketball players a bunch of overweight, disgruntled 60-year old sports writers can put together.
All-American First Team:
(POY) Luke Harangody, PF, Notre Dame- As much as I dislike Harangody and the simple sight of him makes me throw up in my mouth, you cannot deny the numbers he puts up. The possessor of the ugliest fadeaway jumper ever has averaged 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in each of the last two seasons and is the favorite for player of the year honors.
Evan Turner, SF, Ohio State- My man crush on Turner began before he posted a triple-double in the Buckeyes’ season opener. He is one of the best all-around players in college hoops and can take over a game in so many different ways.
Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma- He chose to return to the Sooners so he could be “the guy” now that Blake Griffin is gone. There is no question he will be “the guy” and will be one of the most lethal scorers in college basketball.
Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas- Collins or Cole Aldrich will without a doubt be on the first team as a result of playing for the top ranked team in the nation. I give Collins the edge because of his ability to lead a team and hit big shots.
Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown- I’m rolling the dice on Monroe here, but for a player his size, he is an amazing all-around threat. I expect him to have a breakout year for what should be a much more competitive Hoya team.
All-American Second Team:
Kalin Lucas, PG, Michigan State- The defending Big Ten Player of the Year will reap the benefits of playing for a top ten team.
Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas- Putting his goofiness aside, Aldrich is a guaranteed double-double guy who also blocks shots and will be playing for the best team in country.
Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State- He puts up big numbers and will be playing for a much improved Cyclones squad.
Greivis Vasquez, G, Maryland- Another guy who puts up solid numbers across the board is my prediction for ACC Player of the Year.
Terrico White, SG, Mississippi- Maybe I’m buying all the hype surrounding White from his play for the U.S. team this summer, but he should become a household name by March, assuming that household cares about college basketball.
All-American Third Team:
Kyle Singler, F, Duke- If he played for any other school but Duke, I highly doubt he is a first team pre-season AP All-American.
John Wall, PG, Kentucky- It’s becoming more and more common to find a freshman make the All-American team, and Wall is that good to make a huge impact right away.
Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky- Patterson is a great player, but the Wildcats have a very deep, talented roster which might limit his production.
James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State- A big-time scorer who lights it up from deep, Anderson could average 20-plus points a game this season.
Jarvis Varnado, F/C, Mississippi State- One of the best shot blockers in college, Varnado could post some big numbers on a very good Bulldog team.
Coach of the Year:
John Calipari- Considering what he has done in just a few months on the job in Lexington, he should win this award unless Kentucky craps the bed.
More college hoops previews this week:
Monday: College Hoops 101
Tuesday: Mid-Majors Preview
Thursday: The Field of 65
Friday: My Final Four Predictions
The Sports Bank Big 10 Preview/Power Rankings:
Teams 8-11 (Northwestern, Penn State, Indiana, Iowa)
Teams 4-7 (Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin)
Teams 1-3 (Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State)
The Sports Bank Big 12 Previews/Power Rankings:
Teams 10-12 (Colorado, Texas Tech, Nebraska)
Teams 7-9 (Missouri, Baylor, Iowa State)
Teams 4-6 (Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M)
Teams 1-3 (Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma)
The Sports Bank ACC Previews/Power Rankings:
Teams 10-12 (Virginia Tech, Virginia, N.C. State)
Teams 7-9 (Wake Forest, Miami FL, Boston College)
Teams 4-6 (Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech)
Teams 1-3 (UNC, Duke, Maryland)
The Sports Bank SEC Previews/Power Rankings:
SEC East Teams 4-6 (Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Georgia)
SEC East Teams 1-3 (Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida)
SEC West Teams 4-6 (Arkansas, Auburn, LSU)
SEC West Teams 1-3 (Mississippi State, Mississippi, Alabama)
The Sports Bank Pac-10 Preview/Power Rankings:
Teams 8-10 (Washingon State, Arizona State, Stanford)
Teams 5-7 (Arizona, USC, Oregon)
Teams 1-4 (Oregon State, UCLA, Washington, Cal)
The Sports Bank Big East Previews/Power Rankings:
Teams 13-16 (Rutgers, South Florida, Providence, DePaul)
Teams 9-12 (Notre Dame, Pitt, Marquette, St. John’s)
Teams 5-8 (Syracuse, Louisville, Cincinnati, Seton Hall)
Teams 1-4 (Villanova, West Virginia, UConn, Georgetown)
Post-Season Award Predictions
For all the latest college basketball info, you can also follow David Kay on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB