Everyone's All-American: The Best of College Basketball

The conference tournaments and the dance are looming. As we close out the regular season, it is time to recognize those players who shined on the court this year. Within this slideshow, you will see the top 40 players along with this year's top freshmen as we celebrate another great season of college hoops.

Let the list and the debate begin.

Honorable Mention

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 15: Kalin Lucas #1 of the Michigan State Spartans takes a jump shot while playing the Ohio State Buckues on February 15, 2011 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The fifteen players here demonstrated that they have the skills to lead their teams during the season. While they were successes on the court, they just could not crack the top 25.

Chandler Parsons—Senior Forward, Florida
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 3.6 APG, 7.8 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 1 SPG

Charles Jenkins—Senior Guard, Hofstra    
Stats: 23.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.4 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.8 SPG

C.J. McCollum—Sophomore Guard, Lehigh   
Stats: 21.8 PPG, 2.1 APG, 7.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.5 SPG

Isaiah Thomas—Junior Guard, Washington
Stats: 16.6 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.7 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.2 SPG

John Henson—Sophomore Forward, North Carolina
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 0.9 APG, 9.7 RPG, 3.1 BPG, 0.5 SPG

Jon Leuer—Senior Forward, Wisconsin
Stats: 19 PPG, 1.8 APG, 7.4 RPG, 1 BPG, 0.6 SPG

Jordan Taylor—Junior Guard, Wisconsin
Stats: 18.6 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 0.7 SPG

Jordan Williams—Sophomore Center, Maryland
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 0.5 APG, 11.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 0.7 SPG

Ken Horton—Junior Forward, Central Connecticut State   
Stats: 20 PPG, 1.9 APG, 9 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 1.5 SPG

Keith Benson—Senior Center, Oakland      
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 1 APG, 10.2 RPG, 3.8 BPG, 0.9 SPG

Kalin Lucas—Senior Guard, Michigan State
Stats: 17 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.1 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Norris Cole—Senior Guard, Cleveland State   
Stats: 21.8 PPG, 5.4 APG, 6 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.2 SPG

Papa Dia—Senior Forward, SMU
Stats: 18.5 PPG, 2 APG, 9.1 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 0.7 SPG

Reeves Nelson—Sophomore Forward, UCLA
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 1.7 APG, 9 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.4 SPG

Tyler Zeller—Junior Forward, North Carolina
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 0.4 APG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.7 SPG

All-Freshman Team

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 15: Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives against Adreian Payne #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half on February 15, 2011 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan State

Before starting into the top 25, it is time to take a look at some future stars. 

First Team All-Freshman

Brandon Knight—Guard, Kentucky 
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.6 SPG

Jared Sullinger—Center, Ohio State
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 1.3 APG, 9.8 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 1 SPG
 
Harrison Barnes—Guard, North Carolina
Stats: 14.1 PPG, 1.4 APG, 5.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.7 SPG 

Terrence Jones—Forward, Kentucky
Stats: 17.2 PPG, 1.7 APG, 9.1 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.2 SPG

Tristan Thompson—Forward, Texas
Stats: 13.5 PPG,1.3 APG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 1 SPG

Second Team All-Freshman 

Aaron Craft—Guard, Ohio State
Stats: 7.1 PPG, 4.6 APG,  2.6 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.1 SPG

Doug McDermott—Forward, Creighton   
Stats: 14.3 PPG, 1.1 APG, 7.6 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 0.3 SPG

Josh Selby—Guard, Kansas
Stats: 9.6 PPG,  2.7 APG,  2.4 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Tim Hardaway Jr.—Guard, Michigan
Stats: 13.8 PPG, 1.7 APG, 3.8 RPG, 0.2 BPG, 1 SPG

Trey Zeigler—Guard, Central Michigan
Stats: 16.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 5.4 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.5 SPG

Honorable Mention All-Freshman 

Allen Crabbe—Guard, California
Stats: 13 PPG,  2 APG, 5.5 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG

Augustine Rubit—Center, South Alabama       
Stats: 13.3 PPG, 0.9 APG, 11.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.6 SPG

C.J. Leslie—Forward, North Carolina State
Stats: 11.2 PPG, 0.9 APG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.6 SPG

Cleveland Melvin—Forward, DePaul
Stats: 14.3 PPG, 0.7 APG, 5 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1 SPG

Perry Jones—Forward/Center, Baylor
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 1.2 APG, 7.2 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 0.5 SPG

Ray McCallum—Guard, Detroit
Stats: 13.5 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.6 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.7 SPG 

Rayvonte Rice—Guard, Drake       
Stats: 13.8 PPG, 1.7 APG, 4.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG, 1.4 SPG

Terrell Stoglin—Guard, Maryland
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG

Tobias Harris—Forward, Tennessee
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 1.4 APG, 7.5 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 0.7 SPG

Freshman of the Year

Jared Sullinger—Center, Ohio State

5th Team

Nick Laham/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: Dwight Hardy #12 of the St. John's Red Storm fakes in front of Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden on January 30, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Ryan Rossiter—Senior Forward, Siena   
Stats: 19.1 PPG, 1.4 APG, 13.4 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG

John Jenkins—Sophomore Guard, Vanderbilt
Stats: 19.4 PPG, 1.2 APG, 3.1 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.8 SPG

Klay Thompson—Junior Guard, Washington State
Stats: 21.4 PPG, 4 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1 BPG, 1.8 SPG

Dwight Hardy—Senior Guard, St. John’s
Stats: 17.9 PPG, 1.9 APG, 3 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.4 SPG

Malcolm Delaney—Senior Guard, Virginia Tech
Stats: 18.8 PPG, 4.1 APG, 3.5 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.6 SPG

4th Team

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

LAWRENCE, KS - JANUARY 22: Jordan Hamilton #3 of the Texas Longhorns scores during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on January 22, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Nikola Vucevic—Junior Forward, USC
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 1.5 APG, 10.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 0.5 SPG

Marshon Brooks—Senior Guard, Providence
Stats: 24.8 PPG, 2.5 APG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.5 SPG

Alec Burks—Sophomore Guard, Colorado
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 2.6 APG, 6.2 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.8 SPG

Jordan Hamilton—Sophomore Guard, Texas
Stats: 18.5 PPG, 2.2 APG, 7.6 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.8 SPG

Jacob Pullen—Senior Guard, Kansas State
Stats: 19.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, 3 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.6 SPG

3rd Team

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 29: Brandon Knight #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball during the SEC game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on January 29, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 66-60. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Brandon Knight—Freshman Guard, Kentucky 
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.6 SPG

Derrick Williams—Sophomore Forward, Arizona
Stats: 18.8 PPG, 1.1 APG, 8.2 RPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.9 SPG

E’Twaun Moore—Senior Guard, Purdue
Stats: 18.3 PPG, 3.2 APG, 5.2 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.3 SPG

Markieff Morris—Junior Forward, Kansas
Stats: 13.5 PPG, 1.5 APG, 8.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 0.9 SPG

Tristan Thompson—Freshman Forward, Texas
Stats: 13.5 PPG, 1.3 APG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 1 SPG

2nd Team: Kyle Singler, Duke

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots a free throw against the Oregon Ducks on November 27, 2010 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Kyle Singler—Senior Forward, Duke
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 1.6 APG, 6.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 1 SPG

The 6'8" senior from Medford, Oregon returned for his senior season after giving serious consideration to turning pro. The Final Four Most Outstanding Player has not had the same level of success this season, but has still turned in numbers that are worthy of being on the second team. While not leading the Blue Devils in any of the statistical categories, he has had a good balance and provided the leadership that Duke has needed this season.

2nd Team: Kenneth Faried, Morehead St.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Morehead State Eagles drives to the hoop against the Louisville Cardinals during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2009 in Day

Kenneth Faried—Senior Forward/Center, Morehead State    
Stats: 17.6 PPG, 1.1 APG, 14.3 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 2 SPG

The 6'8" senior from Newark is drawing comparisons to one of the best rebounders in the history of the game, Dennis Rodman. Dana O'Neil from espn.com said "rebounding is his thing and no one is going to stop him" and that definitely seems to be the case. The nation's leading rebounder has had 25 double-doubles this season and has 13 games with at least 15 rebounds.

While it is unclear where Faried will be taking his talents next year, according to Andy Brown, B/R feature columnist, it will be to a team picking in the middle of the first round. So those who have not seen his game yet, the time will come soon enough.

2nd Team: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Forward Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores against the Florida Gators November 16, 2010 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Jared Sullinger—Freshman Center, Ohio State
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 1.3 APG, 9.8 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 1 SPG

The 6'9" freshman from Columbus has been a spark to the Buckeye's success this season. He has 14 double-doubles this season and has lead Ohio State in scoring and rebounds. We see that Sullinger influences his team and opponents, as teams have had to focus on him and it gives the talent around him a chance to show their skills.

Head coach Thad Matta sung his praises, saying in an interview with Adam Jardy, “His intellect for how to play, taking charges—he’s a guy that will shot-fake a guy, lean into him and as he’s laying the ball in, say, ‘That’s your third foul’ before the ball goes in. He knows what’s going on at all times.” With this likely to be his lone year in college, we will see if he can take those skills to the next level. 

2nd Team: Marcus Morris, Kansas

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

LAWRENCE, KS - FEBRUARY 21: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on February 21, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Marcus Morris—Junior Forward, Kansas
Stats: 17.3 PPG, 1.5 APG, 7 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.7 SPG

The 6'9" junior from Philadelphia has been a dominating fixture for the Jayhawks. Not only is he in the top 10 in scoring and rebounds in the Big 12, his presence draws attention from others helping Kansas be in a position to make a tournament run. 

Morris stepped up his play in conference, as he has averaged 18.8 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60.6 percent from the field in the Big 12. Morris' play has not gone unnoticed, as he was named the Big 12 Player of the Year on Sunday.

2nd Team: Terrence Jones, Kentucky

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LEXINGTON, KY - MARCH 01: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats grabs a rebound during the SEC game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena on March 1, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Terrence Jones—Freshman Forward, Kentucky
Stats: 17.2 PPG, 1.7 APG, 9.1 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.2 SPG

The 6'8" freshman from Portland, Oregon has had a season to remember for the Wildcats, from having coach John Calipari calling him a "selfish mother-(expletive)" to setting a the record for the most points in a game for a UK freshman. Gabe Zaldivar, B/R feature columnist, pointed out that Jones compares favorably to Lamar Odom.

Unfortunately for Wildcat nation, they may get to compare Jones to recent Kentucky stars, including John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe, and turn pro after one season at Rupp Arena. Regardless of what next year holds, Jones has been a treat this year, being among the SEC leaders in scoring, rebounds and blocks.

1st Team: Ben Hansbrough, Norte Dame

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 08: Ben Hansbrough #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dribbles the ball during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2010 DIRECTV SEC/BIG EAST Invitational at Freedom Hall on December 8, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ben Hansbrough—Senior Guard, Notre Dame
Stats: 18.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.3 SPG

The 6'3" senior from Popular Bluff, Missouri took the most interesting route to being an All-American. After spending two pedestrian seasons at Mississippi State, he transferred to Notre Dame. Last season, he was more known for being the young brother to Tyler than for his prowess on the court, averaging only 12 points and 4.4 assists a game.

This season has been the season of Ben, arguably being the best guard in the nation. While not being a ball chucker, he led the Irish in scoring with an 18.5 average, which was good for third in the league.  He also was third in the Big East in three-point shooting, making 45.1 percent in route to being named the lone unanimous All-Big East pick.

1st Team: Jimmer Fredette, BYU

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 05: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young University Cougars shoots a technical free throw during a game against the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center January 5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. BYU won 89-77. (Photo by Ethan

Jimmer Fredette—Senior Guard, BYU
Stats: 27.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 0 BPG, 1.5 SPG

The 6'2" senior from Glen Falls, New York has been the center of attention this season. He has had 11 games over 30 points this year, as well as being a double-digit scorer in every game this season.

Fredette stepped onto the stage last season with his performance in the NCAA tournament and has not stopped since then, leading the Cougars to a share of the Mountain West title and a 28-3 regular season record.

He has left his mark on the MWC and BYU record books, as he set records for points scored in a season and in a career while lacing them up for the Cougars. Projections are all over the place, but regardless of that, he has put on a scoring season that will not be forgotten soon.

1st Team: Kemba Walker, Connecticut

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 27: Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies drives to the basket against Ashton Gibbs #12 of the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on December 27, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Gett

Kemba Walker—Junior Guard, Connecticut
Stats: 23.1 PPG, 4.3 APG, 5.2 RPG, 0.2 BPG, 1.8 SPG

The 6'1" junior from the Bronx has been an offensive force, as he has led the Huskies to a surprising 21-9 record entering the Big East Tournament.

He has terrific quickness and ball-handling ability and that has been a factor in his success, being second in the Big East in scoring, and uses his ability to help him defensively, where he ranks fifth in steals.

The Huskies are planning on Walker to take his game to the next level next year, as they honored him at their recent senior day. No matter where he goes, it will be fun to watch him play.

1st Team: Nolan Smith, Duke

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 09: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 9, 2011 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Nolan Smith—Senior Guard, Duke
Stats: 21.6 PPG, 5.2 APG, 4.8 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.3 SPG

The 6'2" senior from Louisville has stepped up and taken the leadership of the Blue Devils this season. While being a significant part of Duke's title run last season, this year he has moved past Kyle Singler and been the go-to man, leading the team in points and assists.

He can create his own opportunity offensively and has been in double-digits in all but one game this season. Additionally, he is viewed as a strong defender, being 10th in the ACC in steals. Those factors played a role in his being named Player of the Year by NBC Sports and why he is a first team All-American on this list.

Player of the Year: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Chris Chambers/Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue won 75-52. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

JaJuan Johnson—Senior Forward, Purdue
Stats: 20.5 PPG, 1 APG, 8.1 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG

The 6'10" senior from Indianapolis has taken control of the Boilermakers with the loss of Robbie Hummel. He is a complete player, with James Evens, B/R Featured Columnist, saying that Johnson "has a mid-range dagger that kills defenses, and is one of the most versatile players in the nation."

Johnson has dominated the Big Ten this year, leading the conference in scoring and blocks and being fourth in rebounds. He had 10 double-doubles this year and was a double-digit scorer in every contest this season.

His efforts might not be known by all, as he has not received the spotlight to the degree of some of the others on this list, but his efforts are noted by his peers. An impressive endorsement for Johnson came from fellow All-American Jared Sullinger, who said he has had "consistent scoring, consistent rebounding, consistent winning. JaJuan Johnson has been doing it all for them."

He will definitely will be missed at Purdue, as he is the only active player who in the nation with career numbers of more than 1,800 points, 800 rebounds and 250 blocks—impressive numbers for an impressive player.