The 2011-12 college basketball season is just around the corner. Practice officially began this past weekend around the country, and the first games are less than four weeks away. As a result, the first All-American lists have been announced. CBSSports.com has named Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger as the preseason Player of the Year and First-Team All-American:
CBSSports.com Preseason National Player of Year: Jared Sullinger (Ohio State)
Sullinger averaged a double-double as a freshman and is one of those rare guys who matches potential with production. He's big and strong and a beast in the paint -- an intelligent player who doesn't force bad shots when he's double-teamed, a quality teammate who leads by example and with words. There may be players with skillsets better suited for the NBA, but Sullinger is the nation's best college basketball player.
Aaron Craft was also named to their All-American Fourth Team, and Minnesota's Trevor Mbakwe was named to the third team. Wisconsin Badgers guard Jordan Taylor was also named as a first team All-American:
Taylor doesn't blow you away with his athleticism, but he just does everything well. He can score and distribute, and he knows how to win. He'll enter the season as the elite floor leader in America, but he'll have some competition throughout the year from guys like Tu Holloway and Kendall Marshall.