SPORTS
College Basketball's Top Performers of 2024-25
USAWed Apr 02 2025
The 2024-25 college basketball season has been nothing short of thrilling. Five standout players have earned the title of First Team All-Americans. These athletes have shown incredible skill and consistency throughout the season. They have been recognized for their outstanding performances by a panel of experts.
The selection process considered all games played from the season's start until the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. This approach ensures that the decisions are based on a comprehensive view of each player's contributions. The five players who made the cut are Johni Broome from Auburn, Cooper Flagg from Duke, Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida, Braden Smith from Purdue, and JT Toppin from Texas Tech. Their performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
Cooper Flagg, a freshman from Duke, has been a standout player. He has led his team to an ACC title and a Final Four appearance. Flagg's stats are impressive: 19. 9 points, 7. 5 rebounds, 4. 2 assists, and 1. 4 steals per game. His impact on the court has been remarkable, especially considering his young age. He turned 18 late in the season, making his achievements even more notable.
Johni Broome from Auburn has been a key player for his team. He helped Auburn secure an SEC title and spent eight straight weeks at the top of the AP poll. Broome's stats are equally impressive: 18. 7 points, 10. 9 rebounds, 2. 9 assists, and 2. 1 blocks per game. Despite facing injuries, he has remained a dominant force on the court.
Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida has had a stellar season. He led his team to an SEC Tournament title and a Final Four appearance. Clayton's performance in the postseason has been particularly impressive, with an average of 21. 6 points on 47. 4% 3-point shooting. His leadership and shot-making abilities have been crucial for Florida's success.
JT Toppin from Texas Tech has shown significant improvement in his sophomore year. He has been a standout player for the Red Raiders, who reached the Elite Eight. Toppin's stats include 18. 2 points, 9. 4 rebounds, and 1. 5 blocks per game. His performance has been consistent, with an average of 22. 3 points in the final 15 games of the season.
Braden Smith from Purdue has been a vital player for his team. He has filled in for Zach Edey, who is a two-time Player of the Year. Smith's stats are impressive: 8. 7 assists, 38. 1% from 3-point range, and 2. 2 steals per game. His leadership and offensive contributions have been crucial for Purdue's success.
The Second Team All-Americans include John Tonje from Wisconsin, Mark Sears from Alabama, Kam Jones from Marquette, Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton, and PJ Haggerty from Memphis. These players have also made significant contributions to their respective teams. Their performances have been notable, and they have helped their teams achieve success.
The Third Team All-Americans include Eric Dixon from Villanova, LJ Cryer from Houston, Luis from St. John's, Trey Kaufman-Renn from Purdue, and Zakai Zeigler from Tennessee. These players have also shown impressive skills and have been key players for their teams. Their contributions have been crucial to their teams' success.
The 2024-25 college basketball season has been filled with exciting moments and outstanding performances. The First, Second, and Third Team All-Americans have shown incredible skill and consistency. Their contributions have been vital to their teams' success, and they have made the season memorable for fans. The selection process has been thorough, ensuring that the best players are recognized for their achievements.
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questions
If Walter Clayton Jr. had missed his last seven 3-pointers, would Florida still have made it to the Final Four?
If Cooper Flagg had turned 18 a month earlier, would his performances have been even more spectacular, or would he have been too busy celebrating his birthday?
To what extent did the performance of the First Team All-Americans in the postseason games, particularly in the NCAA Tournament, validate or challenge their selection as the best players in college basketball?