Hoopville Third-Team All-Americans
by Phil Kasiecki
Dee Brown, Illinois
(6’0″, 175, So. G, 12.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5.0 apg) With Big Ten Player of the Year Brian Cook gone, Brown becomes the focus of the young Illini. But he won’t have to do it alone; he’s the floor leader of a very deep and athletic team and is solid defensively as well as running the show.
Andre Emmett, Texas Tech
(6’5″, 225, Sr. G, 1.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.9 spg) His battles with head coach Bob Knight aside, Emmett can light it up at the offensive end and will be the key to the Red Raiders’ season. If he can improve defensively – he has been a liability, his nearly 2 steals per game aside – don’t be surprised if he gets plenty of first team votes at the end of the season and the Red Raiders are in the NCAA Tournament.
Raymond Felton, North Carolina
(6’1″, 194, So. G, 12.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.7 apg, 1.6 spg) Felton is a winner and has all the tools to be a big star. With a new head coach and atmosphere in Chapel Hill, look for him to break out this season as the floor leader of one of the ACC’s top teams. He may be the top candidate for ACC Player of the Year entering the season.
Julius Hodge, North Carolina State
(6’6″, 191, Jr. G-F, 17.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.6 apg) The offense will go through Hodge again, as he will handle the ball more than anyone else on the Wolfpack. He will probably play both guard spots and small forward over the course of the season, and could top 20 points per game while still involving his teammates.
Luke Jackson, Oregon
(6’7″, 215, Sr. F, 16.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.6 apg) There’s only one Luke left in Eugene, but this one is a keeper. He’ll have support on the perimeter and should have better support up front, so he won’t have to do it alone even though he’ll be the main focus of opposing defenses. He’ll continue to score inside and out and show his versatility at the offensive end, while continuing to play as hard as anyone.
Hoopville All-American, Honorable Mention:
Travis Diener, Marquette
Chris Duhon, Duke
Channing Frye, Arizona
Keith Langford, Kansas
J.J. Redick, Duke
Darius Rice, Miami
Blake Stepp, Gonzaga
Dijon Thompson, UCLA
Antoine Wright, Texas A&M
Bracey Wright, Indiana
