USA TODAY Sports All-America college basketball team
USA TODAY Sports college basketball reporters Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell identify the top players and coach in men's college basketball this season:
C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.: Kaminsky is a rarity in today's one-and-done era: After averaging fewer than five points a game in each of his first two seasons, the 7-footer has blossomed into the nation's best overall player. With the ability to post up, penetrate and shoot three-pointers, he is a matchup nightmare as well as the only major-conference player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, Fr.: Blessed with tremendous physical attributes — standing 6-11 with a 7-5 wing span — 270-pound Okafor has authored an outstanding season offensively, becoming the first freshman to win Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year honors. He ranks second nationally in field goal percentage (66.8%) and has shot 70% or better 18 times this season.
G Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, Sr.: Grant's return from a suspension last season set the stage for one of the sport's most remarkable redemption stories. The dynamic point guard leads the Irish in points, assists and steals — and, more important, he led them back to the center of the national discussion in their second season in the ACC.
C Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, Jr.: On a team that has gained notoriety for its youth, this junior was the team's anchor offensively and defensively. His numbers aren't gaudy — 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds a game — but that's because he only has played 25 minutes a game. His presence was felt every moment he was on the court for the unbeaten Wildcats.
G D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, Fr.: Russell is among the breakout stars of the 2014-15 season as one of the most electrifying guards in the country. Though he has proved he can be a dominant scorer, Russell is perhaps even more impressive as a passer, finding teammates no other guard could possibly have even seen.
SECOND TEAM
G Delon Wright, Utah, Sr.
F Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky, Fr.
G Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia, Jr.
F Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse, Sr.
G Ron Baker, Wichita State, Jr.
THIRD TEAM
G Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga, Sr.
F Seth Tuttle, Northern Iowa, Sr.
F Stanley Johnson, Arizona, Fr.
F Bobby Portis, Arkansas, Soph.
G Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, Jr.
Player of the Year: C Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: C Jahlil Okafor, Duke, Fr.
Coach of the Year: John Calipari, Kentucky: This season's Wildcats might be Calipari's masterpiece, and not just because they are chasing a perfect season. It's because Calipari has handled the egos of an incredibly talented crop of players perfectly. They're selfless — averaging fewer minutes and baskets than they'd probably like — and team-oriented. They've sacrificed individual acclaim for team success, and that's a credit to their coach.
PHOTOS: USA TODAY Sports All-America team
