Grayson Allen, Allonzo Trier Lead SI's 2017-18 Preseason All-America Team
Sports Illustrated’s College Basketball Projection System is a collaboration between economist Dan Hanner and SI’s Chris Johnson and Jeremy Fuchs that produces our 1–351 team rankings, conference predictions and player statistical forecasts. For a deeper look at how the system works, read this explainer. SI’s ranking of teams 1–351 has been more accurate than similar 1–351 rankings produced by ESPN, CBS Sports and noted analyst Ken Pomeroy for three consecutive years.
Below are our picks for first- and second-team All-America, based on the model's projections.
First team
Bonzie Colson, Miles Bridges, Allonzo Trier, Grayson Allen and Michael Porter Jr. round out the first-team honorees.
Jerome Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Chris Coduto/Getty Images
G: Grayson Allen, Duke, senior
A lightning rod since breaking out in the 2015 national title game, Allen again eschewed the NBA Draft to return to Durham, where he will look to bounce back from a tumultuous season that included a suspension for tripping, a sprained ankle, and a late-season shift to a reserve role. A year after being the preseason national player of the year favorite, Allen may finally have that kind of season.
G: Allonzo Trier, Arizona, junior
A post-car-crash PED suspension delayed the start of Trier’s sophomore season by 19 games, but once the 6’5” Seattle native was cleared to return, he became the Wildcats’ leading scorer (17.2 ppg) while shooting 39.1% from three. Now eligible from the jump, Trier’s knack for buckets will be key to Arizona’s very legitimate title hopes.
F: Miles Bridges, Michigan State, sophomore
The Spartans’ nightly double-double threat averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 boards in his first collegiate season, then defied Tom Izzo’s advice by returning for another. An explosive 6’7” and 225 pounds, Bridges can man either forward spot for SI’s preseason No. 2 team and will typically be the best player on the floor wherever he is.
F: Bonzie Colson, Notre Dame, senior
An unconventional big man in terms of his 6’5” height, the long-armed, high-motor Colson has gone from an afterthought three-star recruit to thriving as an efficient inside force (his 122.8 O-rating on Kenpom.com ranked second among high-usage ACC players) on an Irish team that surrounds him with shooters.
F: Michael Porter Jr., Missouri, freshman
The country’s most prized recruit (at least before Marvin Bagley III’s reclassification) will try to turn around a hometown (and dad-employing) program that hasn’t won more than 10 games in three years with a combination of shooting and ball-handling that make him a tantalizing 6’10” wing.
Second team
Marvin Bagley III, Devonte' Graham, Trevon Bluiett, Jalen Brunson and Jock Landale make up our second-team picks.
Lance King/Getty Images; William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
G: Devonte’ Graham, Kansas, senior
With running buddy Frank Mason III gone, expect more scoring from the career 41.2% three-point shooter, who took just 19.2% of his team’s shots when on the floor last year, but flashed leading-man promise with 26 points in a Sweet 16 win over Purdue.
G: Jalen Brunson, Villanova, junior
Befitting a Villanova player—even a five-star prospect—Brunson has steadily grown into a larger role during his time on the Main Line and will look to maintain his efficiency (23rd nationally in true shooting percentage) while being more fully unleashed as a scorer.
F: Trevon Bluiett, Xavier, senior
Capable of taking over any game with his scoring—see his 40 points against Cincinnati last December, or 18-point half against Arizona in the NCAA tourney—Blueitt can find points in a variety of ways and at a volume few can muster against elite opponents.
F: Jock Landale, St. Mary’s, senior
One of the country’s most under-recognized stars, the 6’11” Australian ranked in the top 25 nationally in both offensive (14.9%) and defensive (27.4%) rebounding rate as a junior and averaged 18.5 points and 12 rebounds in the Gaels’ two NCAA tournament games last March.
F: Marvin Bagley III, Duke, freshman
The country’s most surprising recruit—on account of his sudden August reclassification from the Class of 2018—Bagley, like Porter, is a multifaceted modern big who will give teams matchup fits and should emerge as the best of Blue Devils’ pack of blue-chip newbies.
Honorable mention
G: Joel Berry II, North Carolina, senior
G: Jevon Carter, West Virginia, senior
G: Landry Shamet, Wichita State, sophomore
G: Bruce Brown, Miami, sophomore
G: Collin Sexton, Alabama, freshman*
*On the eve of the new season, Alabama point guard Collin Sexton has not been ruled eligible to play by the NCAA, the school announced Monday night.
F: Angel Delgado, Seton Hall, senior
F: Ethan Happ, Wisconsin, junior
F: Mike Daum, South Dakota State, junior
F: Mohamed Bamba, Texas, freshman
F: DeAndreAyton, Arizona, freshman
