The Final Four is entering unpredictable territory. No 1 or 2 seeds and two mid-majors schools. We’re entering a new tourney.
The AP All-Americans? They’re a little more retro.
Three seniors made the first-team, which was announced Monday morning. BYU’s Jimmer Fredette, Duke’s Nolan Smith and Purdue JaJuan Johnson all made the cut, making it the most senior-laded team since 2006. Joining them were UConn junior Kemba Walker and Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger.
None should be a surprise. They were the five most consistent players this season.
It also shouldn’t a massive surprise that it’s the most seniors since 2006. That was the last time a Final Four didn’t feature any No. 1 seeds. When impact freshmen aren’t around, it opens the door for less-talented but more steady seniors to fill that gap.
Fredette was the closest thing to a unanimous choice. He received all but one vote from the 65 voters. Smith received 61 votes, Sullinger 58.
The second team was Kansas’ Marcus Morris, Arizona’s Derrick Williams, Notre Dame’s Ben Hansbrough, Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor and San Diego State’s Kawhi Leonard.
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