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NCAA Preseason All-American First Team Projections

By Michael Whitlow

Mar 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) addresses the media during a press conference before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) addresses the media during a press conference before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The college basketball season continues to creep closer and closer, and things are starting to take form across the country.

One of the early-season projections that snags a few headlines is the NCAA’s Preseason All-American First Team. In recent years, the All-American teams have seen a rise in high school prospects making the first team (Harrison Barnes at UNC in 2010 and Jahlil Okafor at Duke last season).

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I’ll be the first to admit: I don’t like putting incoming freshmen on the first team projections. Barnes is a perfect example of why I don’t like freshmen being selected as preseason All-Americans. The five-star prospect from Ames had yet to play a game for North Carolina, and was expected to lead the Tar Heels to their second national title in three years. Like many before him, Barnes found out that the NCAA game is a much different beast.

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Barnes’ game didn’t really develop until the latter part of his freshman season and into his sophomore season at Chapel Hill. By that time, Barnes was already labeled a “bust” by many, and no matter what he did during his two seasons with the Heels, many refused to change their opinions on him.

A distinction like this may not technically mean a lot, but the acknowledgement can bring added pressure and expectations to players before they even play a game at their respective schools.

With this list, I had no choice, as you’ll see shortly. That being said, here’s a look at who should be named as this year’s preseason All-Americans.

Marcus Paige, G — North Carolina

The best player on the projected No. 1 team in America heading into the 2015-16 season? You bet.

Marcus Paige is one of the most exciting players in college basketball, and when he’s healthy, the Tar Heels are one of the best teams (on paper and on the court) in the country. Paige scored 14.1 points per game last year, along with dishing out 4.5 assists per contest and shooting 39.5 percent from three-point land.

When he’s making plays like this, there aren’t many guards better than Paige.

Fred VanVleet, G — Wichita State

In three years for the Shockers, Fred VanVleet has played in a Final Four, led a 35-0 start in 2013-14, and contributed in Wichita State becoming college basketball’s “new Gonzaga.”

VanVleet may not be the biggest player on the floor, but not many work harder than the senior guard from Rockford, IL. Along with Paige, when VanVleet is off and running, the Shockers are at their best. VanVleet averaged 13.6 points per game last season, along with 5.2 assists per game.

Thanks to Gregg Marshall avoiding the Alabama and Texas jobs this spring and VanVleet returning for one more season, you can expect the Shockers to be in the hunt as Final Four contenders heading towards the spring.

Ben Simmons, F — LSU

Remember when I said I had no choice this season, and put an incoming freshman on this team?

Well, not many incoming freshmen are like Ben Simmons.

As expected, Duke and Kentucky had the top two recruiting classes for 2015. The No. 3 class on that list? LSU, led by the top overall player in the 2015 class, Ben Simmons.

A 6’10” forward from Australia, Simmons is one of the most unique talents in the country this season because of his size, ability to run the open floor, and lead the break in transition. If LSU will challenge Kentucky in the SEC this season, it will be because of Simmons’ play. The Tigers are one of the most talented teams in the country, and Simmons could be the spark the LSU program has been missing in recent years.

Georges Niang, F — Iowa State

Fred Hoiberg may have bolted for the NBA, but Georges Niang stayed in Ames for one more season.

Niang is one of the most versatile players in the country, and even with a new head coach in Steve Prohm, Niang will remain one of college basketball’s brightest stars.

During the 2014-15 season, Niang filled the stat sheets, scoring 15.3 points per game, grabbing 5.4 rebounds per contest and dishing out 3.4 assists per game. Not only can Niang play on the block within ISU’s offense, he’s also a capable shooter from long ranger (40 percent from three last year).

Perry Ellis, F — Kansas

The Big 12 takes the final frontcourt spot, and rightfully so.

When Perry Ellis‘ knee is 100 percent, he’s the best big man in the Big 12, along with Kansas being the clear-cut best team in the conference. Ellis averaged 13.8 points and 6.9 rebounds in 34 games last season, and would’ve been a first-round pick if not for a severely sprained knee late last season that derailed an All-Big 12 campaign.

Kansas will be favored to win the Big 12 for the 12th straight season, and if they do, it will be because Ellis elevated his game after a disappointing end to 2014-15, with a stellar 2015-16 season in his senior year.

Next: How Last Year's Final Four Teams Will Fare in 2015-16 Season

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