2009-10 NCAA basketball preview

PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS

G Sherron Collins, Kansas

Those who remember the Jayhawks’ title run two years ago probably wouldn’t think Collins was one of the nation’s top guards. But he developed into a star last year in Lawrence, and his decision to return (along with junior center Cole Aldrich) basically established Kansas as the preseason favorite. Collins’ scoring and distribution will prove crucial for one of the nation’s deepest teams.

G Evan Turner, Ohio State

One of the most enjoyable players in the country to watch, Turner has a bit of former Louisville jack-of-all-trades Terrence Williams to him. In the absence of a significant point guard, Turner probably will have the ball for most of the Buckeyes’ vital possessions. But he’s also a heck of a scorer, and Ohio State’s chances of an extended March run are deeply connected to the junior.

F Patrick Patterson, Kentucky

As good as Patterson was a season ago, he’s about to get even better. Reason No. 1: New coach John Calipari’s system will make Patterson even more dangerous in the open court. Reason No. 2: John Wall’s arrival means an elite point guard will run that system. No longer confined to the low post, Patterson could be frighteningly productive as a junior.

F Luke Harangody, Notre Dame

Forget for a moment that Notre Dame fell apart last year or that Scott Martin’s injury already knocks expectations down a peg this year. Harangody was and remains a low-post monster, averaging 23.3 points and 11.8 rebounds as a junior. Whether the Irish thrive or fade, count on Harangody earning All-America honors for his steady work when the season is complete.

C Cole Aldrich, Kansas

After offering a glimpse of his talent in the Final Four in 2008, Aldrich was simply dominant as a sophomore. The decision to come back should help him fine-tune his skills even more, and using a place on a championship-caliber team as a platform is never a bad decision. Between his rebounding and his shot blocking, Aldrich might be the best defensive option among the nation’s elite players.

Second team

G John Wall, Kentucky

G Willie Warren, Oklahoma

G Greivis Vasquez, Maryland

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