FOXSports.com preseason All-Americans
Jeff Goodman
FOXSports.com, Updated 3 hours ago
Two years ago (before Florida won its first national title), we told you to watch out for Joakim Noah. A year ago, we warned you that Texas freshman Kevin Durant was going to have a legitimate shot at winning National Player of the Year honors.
Without further ado, here goes FOXSports.com's Preseason All-America teams.
First team
SF — Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis
We're giving him the nod over Kansas' Brandon Rush, primarily because of the health factor. We love CDR's versatility and while his perimeter shot isn't pretty, it's more effective than ever.
PF — Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
The junior big man has to be on everyone's first team. No one plays as hard and gets more done. Sure, he isn't all that skilled — but he'll go down as one of the best players ever to come through Chapel Hill when it's all said and done.
C — Roy Hibbert, Georgetown
With Greg Oden out of the way, Roy Hibbert may be the nation's top center. ( / Getty Images)
No one has improved more in the last three years than the Hoyas big man. He spurned a chance to become a lottery pick this past June — and now he won't have to share the limelight with Jeff Green.
PG — D.J. Augustin, Texas
This was the most difficult decision of all because the point guard crop is absolutely loaded. However, Augustin will have to carry the load for the Longhorns, while guys like Memphis freshman Derrick Rose will have an experienced and more talented supporting cast.
SG — Chris Lofton, Tennessee
There is no better contested shooter in America. Period. He makes shots from anywhere on the court, whether he's open or he's got a pair of hands in his face. Unlimited range and can fill it up in a hurry.
Second team
SF — Brandon Rush, Kansas
He'd probably be in the NBA right now if not for a torn ACL he suffered just before the draft deadline. He's got the athleticism, an improved perimeter shot and plenty of intangibles. He'll likely be ready early in the season, but will he be 100 percent?
PF — Richard Hendrix, Alabama
Unfortunately, the Crimson Tide junior won't have one of the best point guards in the country throwing him the ball. With Ron Steele sitting out, look for Hendrix to pick up his game even more than he did last season.
C — Kevin Love, UCLA
This talented freshman will have more impressive assist numbers than many point guards. He'll make his teammates better, is dominant on the glass and has a variety of moves in the low post. He's the guy that's going to lead the Bruins to the national title this season.
PG — Derrick Rose, Memphis
He's probably the most talented player in the entire nation and is the key to the Tigers' national championship hopes. He is strong, quick, athletic and a mini-version of Jason Kidd. His outside shot has improved, but it's still his weakness.
SG — Eric Gordon, Indiana
I kept Rose and Gordon on the same team and contemplated putting them on the first team after watching them play together in AAU ball two summers ago. They were ridiculous together. E.J. is an old-school player who can score in every way possible. His game is well beyond his years and he'll have the Hoosiers at or near the top of the Big Ten.
Third team
SF — Chase Budinger, Arizona
There were times when he looked like he couldn't be stopped last season. However, his defense must improve. Lute Olson says he's gotten stronger, which should help his ability to finish in traffic, hold his position and defend.
Confidence isn't a problem for Darren Collison, who will direct a loaded UCLA team. ( / Getty Images)
PF — Michael Beasley, Kansas State
A tremendous talent, he should waste little time making an impact in Manhattan, Kan. He'll just have to learn that he can't coast in college like he did in high school.
C — D.J. White, Indiana
Eric Gordon will make things even easier on White, who has established himself as a force down low despite his injury problems. He just needs to stay healthy.
PG — Darren Collison, UCLA
He's quick and despite the fact that it doesn't look pretty, his outside shot finds a way to go in. Collison has an all-around game and is one of the elite defenders in the country.
SG — Kyle Weaver, Washington State
I know. Who? Well, Weaver is one of the best-kept secrets in the country despite the fact that the Cougars had a terrific season last year. The senior is versatile and gets plenty done.
Fourth team
SF — Darrell Arthur, Kansas
"Shady" may be a little more of a power forward right now than a three-man, but we've got to find him a spot somewhere because he's going to have a break-out year. He's so athletic and skilled that he'll have Jayhawk fans forgetting about Julian Wright.
PF — Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Look for the rugged, yet athletic 6-foot-8 freshman to make an instant impact for the Sooners. He's got everything OU coach Jeff Capel needs to build his team around.
C — Luke Nevill, Utah
The 7-foot-1 junior from Australia is a dominant player on the offensive end of the floor. He's a true inside presence, but will need to work on his defense before he gets to the next level.
PG — Ty Lawson, North Carolina
There's no one quicker with the ball in the country. Now if he'd just work as hard off the court to improve his outside shot and defensive intensity, he could be the best floor leader in America.
SG — Drew Neitzel, Michigan State
The senior can do it all and he'll prove it this season when he doesn't have to carry the load by himself. With the addition of freshman Kalin Lucas, Neitzel can be a "true" combo guard and will thrive in this role.
Fifth team
SF — Paul Harris, Syracuse
I don't know how you can leave off a warrior like Harris. He's a guy I want on my team — even though he's not a terrific shooter. He powers it to the basket, is the best rebounding guard that's come along in a long time and he'll also lock up the opposing team's best player.
PF — Brook Lopez, Stanford
It's too bad he's going to miss the first semester due to academics — and perhaps longer because of a team suspension. He's one of the most skilled big guys I've seen in a long time. Add in the fact that he gets after it on the court and the sky is the limit. But not playing will set him back a bit.
C — Robin Lopez, Stanford
He may not have the skill level of his brother, but Robin plain gets after it. If you need a 7-footer who rebounds, blocks shots and can finish in the paint, he's your guy.
PG — Jerryd Bayless, Arizona
For some reason, he's been overlooked in all the talk about the elite freshmen. Bayless has the complete package — he can score, defend and make his teammates better. He'll get the chance to have the ball in his hands a lot in Tucson.
20 squeezed out
Jeff Adrien, PF, UConn
Patrick Beverley, SG, Arkansas
Jon Brockman, PF, Washington
Brandon Costner, PF, N.C. State
Joey Dorsey, C, Memphis
Shan Foster, SF, Vanderbilt
Jamont Gordon, G, Mississippi State
Malik Hairston, SG-SF, Oregon
Dominic James, PG, Marquette
Joseph Jones, PF-C, Texas A&M
Derrick Low, PG, Washington State
Aleks Maric, C, Nebraska
Eric Maynor, VCU
O.J. Mayo, G, USC
Jeremy Pargo, PG, Gonzaga
Tyrese Rice, PG, Boston College
Kyle Singler, F, Duke
Sean Singletary, PG, Virginia
Tyler Smith, SF, Tennessee
Bill Walker, SF, Kansas State
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