Over six months will have elapsed from the conclusion of the 2024-25 men’s intercollegiate basketball year to the commencement of the 2025-26 season.
As the offseason has progressed — encompassing the final commitments from incoming players, experienced players transitioning through the transfer portal, and reports emerging from initial practice sessions — the Bilastrator has assessed expectations for the upcoming season’s tip-off on Monday, Nov. 3.
Presenting a first team with only three common selections compared to the AP’s preseason choices, alongside an all-defensive team (though without official national recognition), let’s delve into my preseason All-America teams.
First team
Braden Smith, Purdue
Recognized as the premier point guard in men’s college basketball, Smith distributed 8.7 assists per contest last season (ranking second nationally), securing unanimous AP preseason All-America accolades as he enters his final year at Purdue. Smith exhibits resilience, excels in crucial moments, and is pivotal to the Boilermakers’ achievement of the AP Top 25 No. 1 preseason ranking.
Donovan Dent, UCLA
Dent stands out as a proficient pick-and-roll facilitator nationally, poised to significantly impact Mick Cronin and the Bruins. Last year, he elevated the New Mexico Lobos into NCAA tournament consideration with exceptional performances, achieving top-15 rankings in scoring (20.4 PPG) and assists (6.4 APG).
P.J. Haggerty, Kansas State
Haggerty is anticipated to surpass his already impressive scoring output from the previous two seasons, potentially elevating himself from second- to first-team All-America recognition. He recorded 21.2 PPG for Tulsa in 2023-24 and 21.7 PPG for Memphis in 2024-25, placing him third nationally.
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
As the sole player to achieve top-3 rankings in both scoring (18.2 PPG) and rebounding (9.4 RPG) within the Big 12 last season, Toppin emerges as one of the nation’s elite players. Known for his highlight-reel plays, he averaged a double-double (19.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG) while spearheading the Red Raiders’ journey to the Elite Eight in March.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Lendeborg experienced a surge in his NBA draft prospects, landing near the end of the first round this past June, after a year at UAB. Demonstrating dominance as a rim protector (averaging 11.4 blocks per game, third nationally), the standout also paced the Blazers in scoring (17.7), rebounds (11.4), and assists (4.2). Electing to remain in college, he is set to significantly contribute on both ends of the court for Michigan.
Second team
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Ranked as the top prospect in the SC Next 100 class of 2025, Dybantsa possesses the physical attributes and competitive zeal to guide the Cougars toward an even more successful NCAA tournament showing, building upon their Sweet 16 appearance less than eight months prior. Expect considerable attention surrounding BYU’s most prominent talent since Jimmer Fredette.
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Another highly regarded recruit, potentially contending for the No. 1 selection in the 2026 NBA draft, Peterson could emerge as the most gifted freshman ever to compete under Bill Self. He distinguishes himself as a versatile scorer and playmaker, expected to spearhead the offense in Lawrence.
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Boozer, along with the freshmen-dominant Blue Devils, face the challenge of filling significant roles in Durham. However, the son of former Duke luminary Carlos Boozer benefits from prior experience. A consistent double-double threat, he is recognized among the most accomplished high school players in recent memory.
Otega Oweh, Kentucky
Oweh has flourished under coach Mark Pope, elevating his scoring average from 11.4 PPG with Oklahoma in 2023-24 to 16.2 PPG with Kentucky in 2024-25. His aggressive approach in transition is expected to contribute to an even more impactful season, especially with improved roster health.
Nate Ament, Tennessee
Coach Rick Barnes has identified Ament — the final freshman included in the second-team selections — as the premier player in the 2025 class. Regardless of future outcomes, Ament is poised to assume a substantial role for the Volunteers from the season’s outset.
Third team
Darrion Williams, NC State
Following his recognition as the ACC preseason Player of the Year and All-Big 12 honors with Texas Tech, averaging 15.1 PPG and 3.6 APG last season, Williams is set to capitalize on increased offensive opportunities as a central figure in Will Wade’s inaugural team in Raleigh.
Emanuel Sharp, Houston
As a key returning leader for Houston after their championship game appearance last season, Sharp is expected to inherit a significant portion of the offensive load previously managed by LJ Cryer, potentially surpassing his scoring average of 12.6 PPG from the prior two seasons.
Alex Condon, Florida
One of the most accomplished big men in collegiate basketball is returning to take on a primary role for the reigning champion Gators. Expect greater contributions from Condon in rebounding (7.5 RPG in 2024-25) and scoring (10.6 PPG in 2024-25).
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
Having previously received honorable mention and secured a top-20 national scoring rank (20.1 PPG), Kaufman-Renn is poised to achieve full All-America recognition, contingent on his collaboration with Smith to lead Purdue to a season commensurate with their preseason No. 1 ranking.
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
As the lone returning player from last season’s Final Four team, Pettiford is expected to experience a notable increase in his responsibilities. He demonstrated heightened performance for the Tigers during the NCAA tournament, recording 15.2 points and 3.4 assists, both surpassing his regular-season averages.
Honorable mentions
Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
Alex Karaban, UConn
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee
Tucker DeVries, Indiana
Ryan Conwell, Louisville
Richie Saunders, BYU
All-defensive team
Joseph Tugler, Houston
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
Mouhamed Dioubate, Kentucky
Maliq Brown, Duke
All-freshman team
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Nate Ament, Tennessee
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
