Introduction

The landscape of college basketball has notably shifted with student-athletes now able to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This newfound freedom has drawn many talented players to stay in school longer, allowing fans to see some of the sport's brightest talents for another season.

Mark Sears, for instance, made headlines with an outstanding senior year that led Alabama to its first-ever Final Four appearance. In the past, a player of Sears' caliber, particularly at the age of 22 and already a college graduate, would likely have jumped to the NBA Draft. However, the lucrative NIL deals available today incentivized him to stay. He concluded that staying at Alabama was more financially advantageous than diving into an uncertain professional future.

Sears has earned a spot on the CBS Sports First Team Preseason All-American list, joining prestigious company with Duke's Cooper Flagg, Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner, Kansas' Hunter Dickinson, and North Carolina's RJ Davis. Notably, Sears was the only player to receive unanimous first-team honors.

The second and third teams also boast impressive talent. The second team includes Auburn's Johni Broome, Arizona's Caleb Love, UConn's Alex Karaban, Purdue's Braden Smith, and St. John's Kadary Richmond. The third team features Houston's L.J. Cryer, Wake Forest's Hunter Sallis, Marquette's Kam Jones, Texas A&M's Wade Taylor IV, and Arkansas' Johnell Davis. The SEC and Big East lead the way with four All-Americans each, while the ACC and Big 12 each have three.

One remarkable trend is the increasing age of college basketball players; Flagg, the lone freshman on the first team, symbolizes the evolving landscape where seasoned players dominate. Notably, eight out of the 14 non-freshmen on the All-America teams are currently at different schools from where they began their collegiate journey.

2024-25 CBS Sports Preseason All-America First Team Breakdown

1. Mark Sears | Alabama | CG | 6-1 | Gr.

Sears, a sharpshooter for Alabama, had a stellar season and averaged 21.5 points per game. He held the Crimson Tide to an impressive second place in offensive efficiency, finishing the season as the top scorer in the SEC. With his leadership and offensive prowess, Sears aims to lead Alabama to repeat success in the upcoming season.

2. Cooper Flagg | Duke | F | 6-9 | Fr.

Incoming freshman Flagg is expected to shine at Duke, following in the footsteps of other elite recruits. Having trained with Team USA, his versatility and defensive skills set him up as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

3. Hunter Dickinson | Kansas | C | 7-2 | Gr.

Dickinson, a two-time All-American, is lauded for his offensive skills and rebounding abilities. He played a significant role in transitioning Kansas to a championship contender, effectively becoming the team’s anchor as they adjust their roster.

4. RJ Davis | North Carolina | CG | 6-0 | Gr.

After being named ACC Player of the Year, Davis emerged as a dominant scorer for North Carolina, breaking records for three-pointers made. With key teammates gone, he will need to further elevate his game to lead a young roster.

5. Ryan Kalkbrenner | Creighton | C | 7-1 | Sr.

Kalkbrenner's defensive skills have made him a formidable presence in the paint, and he has put up elite offensive numbers. His performance is crucial for Creighton as they seek another deep run in the tournament.

2024-25 CBS Sports Preseason All-America Second and Third Teams Overview

In the second team, Johni Broome leads with his strong performances for Auburn, while Caleb Love enhances Arizona's backcourt as he transitions into a new league. Other notables include UConn’s Alex Karaban, who is a critical part of their national title defense, Purdue's Braden Smith, who is poised to lead the Boilermakers, and Kadary Richmond of St. John's, whose defensive prowess will be vital.

The third team showcases talents like Hunter Sallis and L.J. Cryer, both of whom have the potential to elevate their teams significantly. Kam Jones, Wade Taylor IV, and Johnell Davis also demonstrate the depth and talent across the landscape of college basketball this season.

As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, anticipation builds for the impact of these all-star players on their programs, as well as the continuing evolution of the sport in light of NIL opportunities. Will any of these standout performances lead their teams to glory? Fans will have to stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating season!