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USA TODAY Sports college basketball writers Lindsay Schnell and Scott Gleeson provide their picks for the 2017-18 All-America first, second and third teams.
First team
► G Jalen Brunson, Villanova: The junior guard took the reins as the Wildcats' go-to player, and his style of leadership fit perfectly for this veteran team. Brunson averaged more than 19 points and nearly five assists a game, but his imprint is felt off the stat sheet with his efficiency and consistency.
► G Devonte’ Graham, Kansas: The senior guard stepped into the shoes of last year's national player of the year, Frank Mason. He spearheaded the Jayhawks to their 14th consecutive Big 12 regular-season title, a terrific accomplishment because the league was as tough as it's ever been. Graham averaged more than 17 points and seven assists.
► G Trae Young, Oklahoma: Although the Sooners have plummeted — and so have Young's shooting percentages — in the second half of the season, the electric freshman guard's start to the 2017-18 campaign was the best we've seen in nearly two decades (on three occasions he had 40+ points). He finished the regular season leading the nation in scoring (27.5) and assists (8.9).
► F Marvin Bagley III, Duke: Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski has called him “the most unique” player he’s ever coached, and it’s easy to see why. Bagley III is astonishingly athletic and mobile for 6-11, and a terrific rebounder. If he gets the ball inside, he’s likely to score; he shot 60.3% from the field, averaging a double-double (20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds).
► F Deandre Ayton, Arizona: He’s 7-1 and 250 pounds with just 6% body fat. The latest in a long line of Bahamian players who have left their mark in the last decade, Ayton is a double-double (19.9 PPG, 11.4 RPG) waiting to happen. He’s a giant with a feathery touch around the rim, punishes defenders with his strength and passes well out of double teams. Did we mention he has a legit jump shot, too?
BRACKETOLOGY: Projecting the field of 68
POSTSEASON LINEUP: College basketball conference tournament schedule
Second team
- G Carsen Edwards, Purdue
- G Kyle Guy, Virginia
- G/F Trevon Bluiett, Xavier
- F Miles Bridges, Michigan State
- C Jock Landale, Saint Mary's
Third Team
- G Landry Shamet, Wichita State
- G Jevon Carter, West Virginia
- G Grayson Allen, Duke
- F Nick King, Middle Tennessee
- F Luke Maye, North Carolina
Just missed: Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State), Keenan Evans (Texas Tech), Angel Delgado (Seton Hall), Mikal Bridges (Villanova), Jared Terrell (Rhode Island), Marcus Foster (Creighton), Marcquise Reed (Clemson).