NBA DRAFT WATCH: 2022-2023 CBB ALL-AMERICANS

 

Zach Edey of Purdue is the Matt's Draft Journal 2022-2023 College Basketball Player of the Year 
(Photo Credit: Alex Martin/Journal and Courier)

Each College Basketball season begins with anticipation as a certain group of notable players return to school with expectations of being premier players for their program. Some under the radar names see their game elevate from the previous season and surface as stars on the scene, striding into stardom. Furthermore, a few freshman arrive possessing the potential to provide an immediate impact as prominent players equal to that of just about any individual across the college hoops landscape.

Regardless of how renowned or unheralded a person may be entering the season, the performance and productivity they provide is imperative in being recognized as one of the best and most notable in college basketball for a particular season. 

The 2022-2023 edition of the sport saw nothing short of a quality collection of players prove themselves worthy of consideration as All-Americans.

Contemplating a number of noteworthy candidates, the process of settling on a specific group of 25 players whose play during the duration of the season deemed themselves deserving of being selected to one of the three teams or honorable mention was difficult. That being said, Matt's Draft Journal has evaluated each player individually and selected our 2022-2023 College Basketball All-Americans.

1st Team 

Zach Edey, Big (Purdue)

A mammoth presence at 7'4, 285 pounds Edey made a monumental impact this season averaging 22.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, while shooting 60.6 percent from the field. His consistency and dominance helped lead Purdue to both the Big Ten regular season and conference tournament title, earning him Matt's Draft Journal 2022-2023 College Basketball Player of the Year. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis, Big (Indiana)

Arguably the most impressive player in college basketball all season, Jackson-Davis continued what had been an already outstanding career for the Hoosiers. A 6'9, 245 pound senior, he led the country in box plus/minus (15.9), as he averaged 20.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks, propelling Indiana to a 22-11 record and finishing 2nd in the Big Ten.

Jalen Wilson, Forward (Kansas)

Returning to the Jayhawks following being an All-Big 12 performer for a team that won the National Championship last season, Wilson was the workhorse for the Big 12 regular season champs this year. The 6'8, 215 pound senior forward led the conference in scoring (20.1), also averaging 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals. 

Brandon Miller, Forward (Alabama)

A top 20 recruit in the country, Miller lived up to his ranking and then some with the fine freshman season he had for the Crimson Tide. Leading the SEC in box plus/minus (13.1), win shares (6.9), and scoring (19.6), the 6'9, 200 pound forward averaged 8.3 rebound, 2.1 assists, while shooting 40.1% from 3 and 85.6% free throws as his team took home the SEC regular season and conference tournament title.

Kendric Davis, Guard (Memphis)

A transfer from SMU, Davis didn't disappoint in his arrival at Memphis to play for coach Penny Hardaway. A 5'11 senior guard, he led the AAC in both points (22.1) and assists (5.6) per game, while also adding 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals. His immense impact was the driving force for the Tigers 26-8 record and AAC conference tournament championship. 

2nd Team

Drew Timme, Big (Gonzaga)

Few, if any players entered the season with as much individual success in the college ranks as Timme and he only built upon that with his high-level play again for Gonzaga. Leading the WCC in player efficiency rating (30.5) and win shares (6.3), the 6'10, 235 pound senior averaged 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while shooting 62.4% from the field as the Bulldogs won their conference tournament title. 

Azuolas Tubelis, Big (Arizona)

Having improved in each year since he arrived at Arizona from Lithuania, Tubelis put together his best season during his junior year. A 6'11, 245 pound skilled big, he led the PAC-12 in scoring (19.8) and rebounds (9.3), adding 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while shooting 57.5% from the field. His impact imperative to the Wildcats 28-6 record and winning their conference tournament championship. 

Jaime Jaquez, Forward (UCLA)

A four-year starter for the Bruins, Jaquez had his finest season during what has been a complete college career. Leading the country in defensive win shares (3.0) and the PAC-12 in win shares (6.4), the 6'6, 220 pound forward averaged 17.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals. His productivity and versatility was prominent in UCLA earning a 29-5 record and the PAC-12 regular season title. 

Marcus Sasser, Guard (Houston)

The driving force for the #1 ranked team in the country the majority of the season, Sasser was steady in the success for the Cougars. A 6'1, 190 pound senior guard, he averaged 17.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals, shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc and 84.0% free throws. Ranking 4th in the country in box plus/minus (12.6) and 1st in the AAC in win shares (6.9), he helped Houston to be 31-3.

Max Abmas, Guard (Oral Roberts)

Establishing himself as a star during March Madness a couple seasons ago, Abmas continued what has been an accomplished college career this season. Finishing 1st in the Summit in win shares (6.8), the 6'1, 165 pound senior guard led the conference in scoring (22.2), adding 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, shooting 91.8 from the line. Overall Oral Roberts went 30-4, including 18-0 in conference. 

3rd Team

Oscar Tshiebwe, Big (Kentucky)

Following last season where he earned numerous Player of the Year honors, Tshiebwe returned to college and remained a reliable force to be reckoned with. Leading the country in rebounds (13.1) and the SEC in player efficiency rating, the 6'9, 260 pound senior also added 16.5 points, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks, shooting 56.3%. His play helped Kentucky earn a 21-11 record and 3rd place finish in the SEC. 

Kris Murray, Foward (Iowa)

Following the departure of his brother Keegan Murray to the NBA, Kris seamlessly stepped into the role of the star player for the Hawkeyes. 5th in the country in offensive box plus/minus (8.6), the 6'8, 215 pound junior averaged 20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Murray's positive play helped ignite Iowa to a 19-13 record and the 11th rated offense in college basketball.

Jalen Pickett, Guard (Penn State)

Helping Penn State improve from 14-17 last season to 22-13, Pickett was undoubtedly one of the premier performers in college basketball this season. 3rd in the country in win shares (7.1), the 6'4, 202 pound senior put up a strong stat line of 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.0 steals, while shooting 51.6% from the field and 38.3% on 3's. 

Markquis Nowell, Guard (Kansas State)

Diminutive and dynamic, the 5'7, 155 pound graduate senior was 3rd in the country in assists (7.6), which led the Big 12. He also led the conference in win shares (5.2) and steals (2.4), while being 4th in scoring (16.8). Nowell added 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 34.6% from 3 and 88.5% from the free throw line. His play powered the Wildcats to a 23-9 record after finishing 14-17 last season.

Tyler Kolek, Guard (Marquette)

One of prime playmakers in college basketball, Kolek orchestrated Marquette's offense, leading them to both the Big East regular season and tournament title, earning the conference tournament MVP. Ranking 2nd in the country in assists (7.7), the 6'3, 182 pound junior also put up 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc and 80.7 from the free throw line.

 

Honorable Mention

Armando Bacot, Big (North Carolina)

A double-double threat each game, Bacot demanded the attention of every opponent each game. The 6'10, 240 pound senior led the ACC in rebounds (10.4), also adding 15.9 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks, while shooting 55.4% from the field. While the Tar Heels weren't able to replicate their Final Four run from last season, without Bacot they likely wouldn't have reached the 20-win mark this season. 

Marcus Carr, Guard (Texas)

Steering the success of a top 5 team in the country, Carr led the Longhorns as they dealt with the adversity of a coaching change midseason. 2nd in the Big 12 in win shares (5.2), the 6'2, 195 pound graduate senior was top 10 in the conference in scoring (15.9), assists (4.1), and steals (1.8), while adding 3.0 rebounds and shooting 36.0% from beyond the arc as Texas went 26-8, winning the Big 12 tourney title. 

Hunter Dickinson, Big (Michigan)

A palpably physical presence, Dickinson brought positive productivity game in and game out for a young Michigan team. The experienced 7'1, 260 pound lefty junior ranked top 5 in the Big Ten in win shares (5.8), points (18.4), rebounds (9.0), blocks (1.8), and field goal percentage (56.0). His workman-like style of play was the will behind plenty of the Wolverines 18 wins this season. 

Kyle Filipowski, Big (Duke)

Entering college as a consensus top 5 recruit in the country, Filipowski found himself as the focal point for a talented Duke team during his freshman season. An impact player on both ends at 7'0, 230 pounds, he led the ACC in defensive win shares (2.3) and rating (92.2), while averaging 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. His consistency was key in the Blue Devils winning the ACC Tournament title.  

Adam Flagler, Guard (Baylor)

Buoying Baylor and their talented backcourt, the 6'3, 180 pound senior was steady in his impact and output throughout the course of the season. Ranking 1st in the Big 12 in offensive win shares (3.4), Flagler put up 15.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, while shooting 40.3% from 3 and 80.6% at the free throw line. Those numbers loomed large in the Bears winning 22 games. 

Keyontae Johnson, Forward (Kansas State)

Overcoming an unthinkable obstacle, Johnson returned to the court after collapsing during a game a couple seasons ago while playing for Florida. A 6'6, 230 pound forward, he reminded folks of the caliber of player he is leading the Big 12 in effective field goal % (57.3), ranking top 5 in scoring (17.7) and rebounding (7.0), while also adding 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals as the Wildcats went 23-9. 

Colby Jones, Guard (Xavier)

Fresh off winning MVP of the NIT last season, Jones carried his quality play into 2022-2023 for the Musketeers. A 6'5, 195 pound junior guard, he ranked top 10 in the Big East in effective field goal % (57.6), points (15.2), and assists (4.3), while also adding 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. His effectiveness and efficiency was extensive in the result of Xavier winning 25 games. 

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Big (Creighton)

Predominantly a perimeter-oriented team, Creighton counted upon Kalkbrenner to control the paint and he responded with quality productivity on both ends of the floor. Leading the country in field goal % (71.4), effective field goal % (72.3), and true shooting % (73.8), the 7'0 junior also led the Big East in win shares (5.6), and blocks (2.2), while putting up 15.4 points and 6.1 rebounds as the Bluejays won 21 games. 

Drew Pember, Big (North Carolina-Asheville)

Pember put people on notice this season with his performance, powering the Bulldogs to the Big South regular season and conference tournament titles as one of the most productive players in college basketball. A 6'10, 190 pound senior big, he ranked 5th in the country in win shares (7.0); leading the conference in that category, plus points (21.2), rebound (9.4), and blocks (2.3), adding 2.3 assists.

Adama Sanogo, Big (Connecticut) 

Providing a steady physical presence in the paint, few players exerted their strength around the basket better than Sanogo. Standing 6'9, 240 pounds, the junior led the Big East in player efficiency rating (29.3) and points (17.0), adding 7.2 rebounds, while shooting 60.3% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc. His play was imperative in the Huskies going 24-8 and ranking as a top 10 team in the country.