by David Cassilo / @dcassilo
For the second straight season Harrison Barnes was named to the Associated Press’ preseason All-American team. Barnes is joined by Jared Sullinger, Jordan Taylor, Terrence Jones and Jeremy Lamb on this year’s squad.
Barnes earns his second straight spot on the team. A year ago, the North Carolina forward was the first freshman ever voted on. While Barnes averaged 15.7 ppg, he didn’t come on strong till the end of the season, influencing his decision to return.
The only unanimous selection to the team was Sullinger. A National Player of the Year candidate a year ago, the Ohio State forward returned to Columbus after averaging 17.2 ppg and 10.1 rpg.
Taylor, is the lone senior on the team. Wisconsin’s returning leader in points, rebounds and assists, Taylor is also the only natural guard on the team.
The final two members, Jones and Lamb, both met in the Final Four last April. It was Lamb’s Connecticut team that prevailed over Jones and Kentucky, eventually also winning the national title. The two sophomores have tall tasks ahead of them as Jones will be asked to provide leadership to a young Wildcat squad, while Lamb will be filling the shoes of Kemba Walker as his team’s go-to scorer.
