Making The Madness Preseason All-American Awards Predictions
Player of the year
Carsen Edwards – Purdue – 6’1” – Junior – Guard
As a sophomore Carsen Edwards put up huge numbers scoring 18.5 points per game while chipping in close to 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Edwards did that despite playing alongside 4 all-program level seniors, however, they left leaving him as the lone player. He will be given a lot more touches this year, which means his numbers should only go up, look for him to lead the Big Ten in scoring, while if Purdue can be a Top-25 team with Edwards doing that he should win player of the year.
Defensive Player of the year
De’Andre Hunter – Virginia – 6’7” – Sophomore – Forward
Virginia is always one of the best defensive teams in the sport and this year they will have a lockdown defender with De’Andre Hunter. Hunter is 6’7” with guard-like quickness and with a 7-foot wingspan he can guard big men inside. Hunter should have a high steal and block rate, which will all help the Cavaliers win games throughout the season.
Freshman of the year
RJ Barrett – Duke – 6’7” – Freshman – Guard
Barrett is the top-ranked recruit in the class for good reason, as he is a long and athletic guard who can hit shots from all over the court. He should put up big numbers this season, which should help lead him to be the top pick in the upcoming draft while getting some All-American accolades.
Coach of the year
Shaka Smart – Texas
Most people have the Longhorns being a middle of the pack team in the Big 12, however, I am much higher on Texas this season, as I think they will be a Top-20 team. If they can play to that Top-20 level this season, while Smart deals with some adversity with Andrew Jones’ health concerns, Smart could be win Coach of the year this season.
Transfer of the year
Dedric Lawson – Kansas – 6’9” – Junior – Forward
The transfer of the year award will likely go to Dedric Lawson, he put up huge numbers at Memphis in his sophomore season. Last year he sat out but many people said that he was the best player in practice. I look for him to come in right away and make a big impact as he looks poised to be a First-Team All-American while leading Kansas to another Big 12 title.
All-American Teams
First Team
Carsen Edwards – Purdue – 6’1” – Junior – Guard
RJ Barrett – Duke – 6’7” – Freshman – Guard
Dedric Lawson – Kansas – 6’9” – Junior – Forward
Tremont Waters – LSU – 5’11” – Sophomore – Guard
Waters is a good scorer and passer, he should put up good stats this season while leading LSU to an NCAA Tournament.
Luke Maye – North Carolina – 6’8” – Senior – Forward
The only senior on this list is North Carolina forward Luke Maye, Maye is a good stretch big man who looks poised to lead the Tar Heels in scoring and rebounding.
Second Team
Shamorie Ponds – St. John’s – 6’1” – Junior – Guard
Shamorie Ponds has put up huge numbers in the past for the Red Storm, he should continue to do so this season while helping St. John’s get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Markus Howard – Marquette – 5’11” – Junior – Guard
Howard is one of the most prolific scorers in the sport, as he has proven he can make shots from anywhere, look for him to put up big numbers this year for a Marquette team that should be Top-25 good.
Caleb Martin – Nevada – 6’7” – Senior – Forward
Caleb Martin is the Wolf Pack’s best scorer, he has proven the ability to make shots from everywhere, he should lead a great Nevada team in scoring.
Grant Williams – Tennessee – 6’7” – Junior – Forward
Williams is the reigning SEC player of the year, he allows the offense to run through him, scoring at a high level, while he is a good rebounder and defender.
Dean Wade – Kansas State – 6’11” – Senior – Forward
Kansas State has one of the best big men in the sport in Dean Wade, Wade has the ability to make shots from anywhere on the court, while he is a good interior defender.
Third Team
Cassius Winston – Michigan State – 6’0” – Junior – Guard
The Spartans have one of the best point guards in the country in Cassius Winston, he is an elite passer, while being a good shooter from the field and from three, knocking down over 50 percent of his shots last season.
Tyus Battle – Syracuse – 6’6” – Junior – Guard
Tyus Battle put up good numbers last year for a struggling Syracuse team if the Orange become a top-20 team this season like most expect he should become an All-American.
Nassir Little – North Carolina – 6’6” – Freshman – Forward
Little is more of a pro prospect, however, he looks poised to put up good numbers this season, as he should be able to score and rebound with ease.
Eric Paschall – Villanova – 6’7” – Junior – Forward
Paschall has been a great glue-guy for Villanova in the past but this year he looks poised to break out and put up big numbers for the Wildcats this season.
PJ Washington – Kentucky – 6’7” – Sophomore – Forward
Kentucky is going to be really good this year, which means someone from their team will make an All-American team, Washington could be the leading scorer and rebounder for the team which would allow him to make it on this list.