Preseason AP All-America Team Roster Revealed
The 2024 Preseason AP All-America Team has been unveiled, highlighting key players poised for impactful seasons. Among this year’s prominent athletes is Purdue guard Braden Smith, who returns for another campaign with aspirations of a national championship.
Braden Smith’s Stellar Performance
Braden Smith has established himself as one of the nation’s top guards since joining Purdue. The 6-foot player thrived during the Boilermakers’ run to the national championship game in 2024. He averaged 12 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
Last season, Smith outperformed even his impressive freshman statistics. He became the first NCAA player to achieve at least 550 points, 300 assists, 150 rebounds, and 75 steals in a single season. His average of 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals was pivotal in leading the team to the Sweet 16.
Unanimous Selection
Smith earned unanimous selection to the Preseason AP All-America Team, capturing all 57 votes from a media panel. His commitment to return for another season mirrors that of his former teammate, Zach Edey.
Purdue also received recognition as the preseason No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time, bolstering Smith’s achievements further.
Featured Players on the All-America Team
Smith is joined by a prominent set of players on the first team:
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech): Secured 52 votes after averaging 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, leading his team to the Elite Eight.
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): Garnered 30 votes after transferring from UAB, where he had an impressive record of 15.8 points and 11 rebounds per game.
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU): This freshman sensation earned 22 votes and is highly regarded as a potential No.1 NBA draft pick.
- Alex Condon (Florida): Received 16 votes after an impactful season that included help in clinching the national title.
Key Highlights from Toppin, Lendeborg, Dybantsa, and Condon
JT Toppin had a notable first season with Texas Tech, earning second-team All-American and Big 12 player of the year honors. He opted to return this season with his team ranked No. 10 in the preseason poll.
Yaxel Lendeborg transitioned from UAB to Michigan, contributing significantly to the Wolverines’ preseason No. 7 ranking.
A.J. Dybantsa chose BYU over competitive offers, projected as a dynamic player with strong offensive and defensive skills.
Alex Condon, after an impressive performance in the national championship, returned to Florida aiming for back-to-back titles, bolstered by a preseason No. 3 ranking.
Conclusion
The Preseason AP All-America Team sets the stage for an exciting college basketball season. The featured players, particularly Braden Smith, will be key figures as they pursue their championship dreams.
