The All-American first team looks like the next wave of NBA stars

The All-American first team looks like the next wave of NBA stars originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The college basketball All-American team has always been an achievement that players aspire to. However, since the addition of the ‘one-and-done’ dynamic, over time the All-American team has become an even stronger staple of interest. Including many freshmen.

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A look at last year’s All-American team sheds some light on this concept. Purdue’s Braden Smith is poised to become the all-time NCAA assists leader, eclipsing Duke great and soon-to-be former Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley.

Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr was the 18th overall pick to the Washington Wizards. Alabama’s Mark Sears finished the 2024-25 campaign with 18 points, five assists and three rebounds per game. Auburn’s Johni Broome was the 35th overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Finally, last year’s NBA Draft prize and the 2024-25 National Player of the Year and freshman Cooper Flagg. Flagg would improve his season stat line in the NBA after his one season at Duke.

All-American team looks like an NBA mainstay

Every year there are All-Americans that are expected to make noise in the NBA. However, what pro teams are looking for and what college teams prioritize in order to win games, don’t always line up. This year they do.

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The Sporting News 2025-26 College Basketball All-America Team

Three of the All-American team are expected to potentially all be top 10 picks. AJ Dybansta (freshman) is a favorite to go No. 1 overall. Cameron Boozer (freshman) should be a consensus top 5 pick and is expected to go in the top 3. Darius Acuff Jr (freshman) is one of 4-5 point guards who could all go in the top 10.

Outside those three, JT Toppin is an interesting case. Injured in February, his draft stock is all over the place. Some still predicting a first round player, while others have him out of the Draft completely….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/american-first-team-looks-next-201932323.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-18 20:19:00

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