Alabama’s Dynamic Duo
Mark Sears from Alabama and RJ Davis from North Carolina both contemplated pursuing their NBA dreams but ultimately decided to return for another season in college basketball. Their choices not only boosted their teams into the top 10 of the AP Top 25 rankings but also garnered both players notable preseason accolades.
Sears was recognized as a near-unanimous selection for The Associated Press preseason All-America team, receiving all but one vote from a panel composed of 55 national media members. Davis closely followed with 51 votes to his name.
Joining them on the preseason team were Kansas center Hunter Dickinson, Auburn forward Johni Broome, Arizona guard Caleb Love, and Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, with Love and Flagg sharing the final spot on the six-member roster, which features athletes solely from the ACC, Big 12, and SEC conferences.
Eyes on the Championship
Sears, a significant contributor to the Crimson Tide’s historic journey to the Final Four last season, was instrumental in leading one of college basketball’s highest-scoring teams. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he had an impressive season, averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Remarkably, he became the first Division I player in 31 years to achieve 795 points, 150 rebounds, 145 assists, and 95 three-pointers in a single season, while also establishing the Alabama record for the most games (26) scoring over 20 points.
After workouts with NBA scouts, Sears opted to stay with Alabama, contributing to their solid preseason AP Top 25 ranking of No. 2. “I saw the team we had and wanted to be a part of it, to help bring Alabama’s first national championship in basketball,” Sears shared.
The Auburn Rivalry
Meanwhile, across state lines at Auburn, Johni Broome made a swift decision in April to return for a fifth season. The 6-foot-10 forward had a commendable season as a third-team AP All-American, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while maintaining an impressive nearly 55% shooting percentage. With aspirations for an NBA career, Broome has focused on enhancing his perimeter shooting, resulting in Auburn earning a No. 11 preseason ranking.
“My primary goal is the team’s goal: to win the national championship and go as far as we can in March Madness,” Broome stated, emphasizing the collective aspirations of the team.
Carolina’s Aspirations
In North Carolina, RJ Davis shares similar dreams after opting for a fifth season. Last year, the 6-foot guard was not only recognized as an AP All-American but also awarded the ACC Player of the Year, averaging 21.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, helping his team progress to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. He is close to breaking the all-time ACC scoring record set by Tyler Hansbrough.
“I know there’s more work to be done,” Davis commented. “My jersey isn’t going up until I leave. There are records to break and more achievements to pursue. I feel satisfied but also know I can do more.”
Duke’s Rising Star
At Duke, Cooper Flagg stands out as the sole underclassman on the preseason All-America team and comes with high expectations. The 6-foot-9 swingman, rated as the top high school recruit from Newport, Maine, is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. Flagg possesses both guard-like skills and an ability to play inside, positioning him as one of the most versatile talents in college basketball. His addition comes as Duke looks to make a significant March Madness run with an impressive recruiting class.
Power in the Big 12
A notable transfer, Hunter Dickinson, moved from Michigan to Kansas and has made an immediate impact. The 7-foot-2 center averaged 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds last season and has played a crucial role in propelling the Jayhawks into the spotlight. With his return and several talented transfers, Kansas is positioned as the No. 1 team heading into the season, which starts on November 4.
Caleb Love’s decision to return for his second season at No. 10 Arizona also elevates expectations for the team, known as a Big 12 rival to Kansas. The athletic 6-foot-4 guard excelled at North Carolina and continued to shine at Arizona, becoming the Pac-12 Player of the Year and a third-team All-American with an average of 18 points per game and 92 three-pointers made.
After testing NBA waters over the summer, Love ultimately chose to return, with Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd expressing confidence in his growth: “He’s had a very successful college career thus far. This generation of players get better with an extra year, and I encourage him to take full advantage of it.”
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