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NBCSports.com Way-Too-Early Preseason All-American team

Marcus Smart, Steven Pledger, Romero Osby

Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart (33) shoots between Oklahoma guard Steven Pledger (2) and forward Romero Osby (24) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

AP

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM


  • Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State: Smart was the nation’s best freshman in 2012-2013, and made the decision to return to school for his sophomore year despite being a projected top five pick. He’s big, he’s strong and he’s got all the intangibles that make sportswriters spew the typical cliches: he’s a winner, he’s smart, he’s a leader. A 6-foot-4, physical point guard, Smart is a consistent jumper away from being the total package.
  • Russ Smith, Louisville: Smith is the prototype for back court players in Rick Pitino’s uptempo system. He’s a terror on the defensive end of the floor and is as aggressive as anyone in the country when getting out in transition. He made the jump from sideshow to superstar as a junior because of improved shot selection, and don’t be surprised to see his game continue to mature as a senior.
  • Andrew Wiggins, TBD: Simply put, Wiggins is arguably the best prospect that we’ve seen come through the high school ranks since LeBron James. He’s a skilled, 6-foot-7 wing that can score in any number of ways and is athletic enough to get his head to the rim. It doesn’t matter if he plays for Kentucky, Florida State or Grambling, he’ll likely end up being the Preseason National Player of the Year.
  • Doug McDermott, Creighton: McDermott is a two-time first-team all-american, and he’s heading into a senior season where he’ll be asked to carry the Bluejays into a new conference. With a couple of key pieces from last year’s team graduating, McDermott -- who has a chance to score his 3,000th point next season -- will need to carry an even bigger load next season.
  • Adreian Payne, Michigan State: The Spartans are going to be a national title contender next season, and Payne is going to be the difference-maker. As the only significant front court presence for the Spartans, there is going to be a lot of pressure on Payne’s shoulders to produce. He’s one of the most talented front court players in the country, but he’s battled with bouts of inconsistency. But with his size, athleticism and three-point shooting ability, if Payne puts it all together, he should have a huge year.

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM


  • Shabazz Napier, UConn
  • Aaron Craft, Ohio State
  • Gary Harris, Michigan State
  • Jabari Parker, Duke
  • Mitch McGary, Michigan

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN THIRD TEAM


  • Jahii Carson, Arizona State
  • Semaj Christon, Xavier
  • P.J. Hairston, North Carolina
  • Julius Randle, Kentucky
  • C.J. Fair, Syracuse

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN HONORABLE MENTION

Jordan Adams (UCLA), Kyle Anderson (UCLA), Isaiah Austin (Baylor), Chane Behanan (Louisville), Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky), Spencer Dinwiddie (Colorado), Aaron Gordon (Arizona), Montrezl Harrell (Louisville), Joe Harris (Virginia), Aaron Harrison (Kentucky), Andrew Harrison (Kentucky), Cory Jefferson (Baylor), James Michael McAdoo (North Carolina), Jordan McRae (Tennessee), Kevin Pangos (Gonzaga), Rasheed Sulaimon (Duke), Patric Young (Florida)