College Basketball: An Early Look at Next Season's All-American Teams

With all of the returning talent coming back to college basketball next season, the races for Player of the Year and All-American honors should be as hotly contested as ever.  But you don't have to wait until next season to find out who will make the first and second team All-American squads...because I'm going to tell you who will make the teams right now.

Obviously, there will be some easy selections for first team honors.  Without giving too much away, there are a couple of guys at North Carolina and Ohio State that are locks to get selected.  You know who they are.

There will be a couple of shockers by the end of the year though, and it says here that there will be at least two freshman that make the first team.  Unlike some years though, the drop-off from the first team to the second team will not be very much at all, if any.  So for all of you second teamers don't worry: you're still great players.

And all of these guys will be studs in the NBA, no Jimmers here.

So without further ado, here is your early look at next years 10 best players in college basketball.  Your 2011-2012 All-Americans.

First Team: Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)

If Barnes had played like he did the last month of the season all of last year, he likely would have made the All-American team in his first season like many thought he would.  Still, making honorable mention last season was a great accomplishment for Barnes.

But this year will be much better.

Not only will Barnes have a year of experience under his belt, but he will likely be playing under less pressure than last year when he was anointed as the greatest player in the history of the world.  And with less pressure on his shoulders this season I expect Barnes to come out of the gate strong on his way to POY honors.

Look for Barnes to lead UNC to the Final Four and for Barnes to rack up the hardware.

First Team: Jared Sullinger (Ohio State)

Sullinger was the only freshman to make the All-American first team last year and he will without a doubt make a return trip this season.  In fact, outside of Harrison Barnes, Sullinger will most likely be the best player in college basketball next year.

Coming off of a season in which he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds a game last year, look for Sullinger's numbers to be even better this year.  I'm thinking something along the lines of 22 points and 12 rebounds this year.

Unfortunately for Sullinger, I don't look for the Buckeyes to be as good relative to last year.  They will still be a threat to make the Final Four and win it all but they won't be the overall top seed.  Still, Sullinger should be in beast mode all year long.

First Team: Tu Holloway (Xavier)

Holloway will easily have the numbers to make the first team next year, but that's not why I'm making him a lock to make the first team.  I think he's a shoo-in because of where he goes to school.

No, I'm not saying that the voters will play favorites because they love Xavier.  But he will get some favoritism as being the only mid-major player good enough to have a shot at the first team.  And voters love nothing more than boosting up guys that play at lesser known schools.

Again, that's not saying he won't deserve it.  Holloway will likely be the best scoring point guard in the nation next year and Xavier will be very tough next year with him leading the way.  I just think that all things being equal between Holloway and a couple of other options, his being the only mid-major guy that can make first team will put him over the top.

First Team: Michael Gilchrist (Kentucky)

I know what you are thinking.  If I'm going to pick any of Kentucky's freshman for the first team it has to be Anthony Davis...you know, the guy that will be the number one pick in next year's draft.  The freakishly long former point guard that could be even better than Kevin Durant when it's all said and done.

Well, I'm not.  While I love Davis for next year and think he will be the better player down the road, Gilchrist is ready to dominate now.  And he will.

I foresee Gilchrist averaging around 17 points and 8 rebounds next year.  And I also think he will be the best defensive player at his position and maybe in the country next year.  He's that good.  So good in fact that I predict he will finish in the top three for player of the year honors next year.

And he will definitely make first team All-American.

First Team: Austin Rivers (Duke)

Rivers will have two big things going for him next year.

First, he will be playing for Duke.  And if there is anything that voters like when it comes to All-American teams other than finding mid-major guys to put on the roster it is voting for Duke players for anything.

Second, and most importantly, he's got game.  This guy can flat out score at will and just might be the best scorer in the major conferences next year.  I can see him hitting for more than 25 a game easily with the freedom he will have to fire at will under Coach Krzyzewski.  And with all of the television attention he will receive at Duke, voters will see almost every one of his scoring outburst next year.

Second Team

Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin)

Taylor might be the best point guard in the nation next year.  Too bad he goes to a power school.

Anthony Davis (Kentucky)

Davis will be the number one pick in next year's draft, but he's still a little raw and weak to make it all the way to first team status.  But he will be a thrill to watch this year. 

Perry Jones (Baylor)

What Anthony Davis would be if Davis were a little less skilled and a sophomore.  But Jones is a stud in his own right and will be the Big 12 POY.

Jeremy Lamb (Connecticut)

Lamb was the revelation of the Final Four last year and was the biggest reason that UConn brought home the title.  With his length and smooth game he should be the favorite to win Big East POY.

Tyler Zeller (North Carolina)

Zeller should have a dominant year in the post for the Heels and will only be left off of the first team because he isn't Jared Sullinger.  Really, that is it.  Because if not for Sullinger than Zeller would be a first team lock.

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