FOX Sports’ 2024-25 college basketball preseason All-America teams highlight a significant trend: four of the five players on the first team and nine of the 15 overall honorees are fifth-year seniors. This season marks the final opportunity for players to benefit from an additional fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the composition of future preseason lists may shift dramatically.
With that in mind, here are the preseason All-America teams, beginning with the FOX Sports National Preseason Player of the Year:
FOX Sports Preseason All-America First Team
Mark Sears, G, Alabama Crimson Tide (FOX Sports National Preseason Player of the Year)
Alabama guard Mark Sears averaged 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Sears has established himself as one of the elite players in college basketball, averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season. His remarkable performance helped propel the Crimson Tide to their first Final Four appearance in history. Transitioning from 12.5 points per game the previous season, he showcased a significant improvement while shooting an impressive 51% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc.
Whether it was a stunning 35-point game against Purdue or a crucial 30-point performance in the NCAA Tournament against Charleston, Sears has proven to be one of the most electrifying guards in the nation. His leadership could be the key to Alabama’s potential national title run this year.
Hunter Dickinson, C, Kansas Jayhawks
Hunter Dickinson averaged 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the floor last season. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
At 7-foot-2 and weighing 265 pounds, Dickinson enters the 2024-25 season under intense scrutiny. He transferred to Kansas with aspirations of reaching the Final Four, but last season’s injuries led to an early exit in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite the setbacks, Dickinson returns with impressive stats from last season: 17.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 55% from the field. His productivity and experience will be vital as he aims for a deep tournament run this April.
RJ Davis, G, North Carolina Tar Heels
As the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, Davis is often considered among the best guards in college basketball. The 6-foot senior guard was a standout last season, averaging 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His decision to return to Chapel Hill solidifies the Tar Heels as a preseason top-10 team.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton Bluejays
Ryan Kalkbrenner averaged 3.1 blocks per game last season, which ranked second in the country. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Kalkbrenner is on the verge of making history as he aims to become only the second player to win the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award four times, joining the legendary Patrick Ewing. His effectiveness on both ends of the floor has often gone unnoticed.
Offensively, the 7-foot-1 senior boasts a remarkable career field goal percentage of 65%, ranking fifth in NCAA history for players with at least 500 field goals. Last season, he averaged 17.3 points and 7.6 rebounds, proving to be a consistent force for the Bluejays. His defensive prowess, with an average of 3.1 blocks per game, places him among the nation’s elite defenders.
Cooper Flagg, F, Duke Blue Devils
Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 freshman, is generating buzz as a potential first overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. His competitive spirit and defensive versatility make him a highly sought-after prospect. With a powerful ability to attack the rim and a developing jump shot, he presents a complete package.
During his senior year at Montverde Academy, Flagg averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game, leading his team to a perfect 33-0 record and a national championship. His performance on the Nike EYBL circuit further solidified his status, averaging 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and an impressive 6.8 blocks per game at the Peach Jam.
Flagg’s ability to handle the pressure of expectations will be pivotal as he steps into his role at Duke. If he can refine his shooting skills, he could contend for the national player of the year, a rare achievement for a freshman.
FOX Sports Preseason All-America Second Team
Johni Broome, F/C, Auburn Tigers
Johni Broome averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for Auburn last year. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Broome played a significant role in Auburn’s success last season, helping the team rank in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency. After a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit, he seeks redemption this year.
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, shooting 55% from the field while also making strides in his three-point shooting. His standout performances in key games highlight his potential to lead Auburn back to prominence.
Alex Karaban, F, UConn Huskies
Karaban has been a crucial contributor to UConn’s recent success, showcasing his high basketball IQ and leadership on the court. Last season, he averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while maintaining impressive shooting percentages.
Caleb Love, G, Arizona Wildcats
Arizona guard Caleb Love averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in his first season with the Wildcats. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After a varied college career, Love has found a new home at Arizona, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to a successful season. His experience from playing in a national championship game at North Carolina adds to his value as a player.
With a talented supporting cast, including KJ Lewis and Jaden Bradley, Love aims to guide Arizona deeper into the NCAA Tournament this year.
Braden Smith, G, Purdue Boilermakers
As the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, Smith is poised to lead Purdue in the post-Zach Edey era. His return is a key factor in the Boilermakers’ ranking as No. 14 in the preseason AP Top 25.
The 6-foot guard averaged 12.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds last season, proving his ability to perform under pressure. His shooting efficiency during the NCAA Tournament run was instrumental in Purdue’s success.
Oumar Ballo, C, Indiana Hoosiers
Oumar Ballo averaged a double-double last season at Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ballo, a standout transfer from Arizona, brings his double-double capability to Indiana. He averaged 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate in the paint.
Joining forces with Malik Reneau, this duo promises to add both length and physicality to the Hoosiers’ frontcourt, making them a formidable presence in the Big Ten.
FOX Sports Preseason All-America Third Team
Kam Jones, G, Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette guard Kam Jones averaged 17.2 points per game last season. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Johnell Davis, G, Arkansas
Johnell Davis is set to play for Arkansas after averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last season at FAU. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Davis, a tenacious guard, made a name for himself during his time at FAU, averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His transition to Arkansas presents an opportunity to help the program reach new heights.
Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis averaged over 18 points per game while shooting 41% from 3-point territory last season. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Sallis emerged as a standout scorer at Wake Forest, averaging over 18 points per game and showcasing his shooting ability with a 41% success rate from three-point range. His return to Winston-Salem aims to revitalize the program, which has struggled to reach the NCAA Tournament in recent years.
Wade Taylor IV, G, Texas A&M
Wade Taylor averaged 19.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game for Texas A&M last year. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Taylor has proven himself as a clutch performer, averaging 27 points over the final four games of last season. His 19.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game illustrate his well-rounded skill set as he leads Texas A&M into the new season.
Kadary Richmond, G, St. John’s
Kadary Richmond transferred from Seton Hall to St. John’s this past offseason. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
Richmond made a strategic move by transferring from Seton Hall to St. John’s, where he aims to lead the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in six years. His versatility as a player, highlighted by a triple-double last season, showcases his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
With a mix of experience and skill, Richmond is poised to make a significant impact in his new role, bringing excitement to St. John’s basketball program.
