Third Team All-America

Third Team All-America: The selection of players is a combination of past success, hype, teammates and opportunity.




C Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut- The former project from Dar Es Salaam is now a bonafide star. His offensive numbers have slowly improved while being known for his seven-foot three frame and his gaudy 5.2 block/game average in conference play. He averaged just about 10 points and 8 rebounds a game last year. He scored 14 points in last years tournament loss to San Diego. He should be in for a huge year, offensively and defensively.

PF Jon Brockman, Washington- He has been hidden by U-Dub's recent struggles but make no mistake because Brockman has major talent. The senior from Snohomish averaged 11.6 rebounds a game last season, good for third in the nation behind only Michael Beasley and Jason Thompson, both first round picks in the NBA Draft. He grabbed 15.5 rebounds a game in his last meeting with UCLA and then Stanford. Thats 15 rebounds plus against Kevin Love and Brook Lopez, two fantastic players. Brockman can battle with the best of them.

SF Chase Budinger, Arizona- Another great Pac-10 player overshadowed by recent program maladies and an offseason in which he entered and then withdrew from the NBA draft. He passed up the pros for Lute Olsen, but now he has Russ Pennell. He still dropped 17 a game and used his slender but athletic frame to score in a multitude of ways. His wide open style will make him very attractive at the next level, but for now he can settle as an All-American.


SG Tyreke Evans, Memphis- The only freshman that will appear on this list. He already has NBA size at 6-6, 218. He also has the natural scoring ability that the Tigers will need if they want to play into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. John Calipari is going to let him go and create his own shot in the Tigers popular offense Dribble Drive Motion. Pencil him for at least 17 points and serious consideration for Freshman of the Year.

PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse- This may some wishful thinking but you have to like his freshman stats (15.7pts and 5.3ast) and the return of guards Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf from injury. Many scribes are touting the improvement of Center Arinze Onuaku and this will only add to the plethora of options for Flynn and the Syracuse offense. His true talent is when the pressure is on, witness his game winning three against St. Joseph's in only his second collegiate game.