updated May 14, 2005 | More from Vitale — Early '05-'06 Dazzling Dozen
Yes, it's a little early to look ahead to next season and project All-America teams. A number of underclassmen have declared for the NBA draft, so these preseason teams are based on players I believe will return at this point. Chris Paul and Sean May originally were on my first team, but both have declared, as have Andrew Bogut, Kennedy Winston and Rashad McCants. Dee Brown, Brandon Bass and Jarrett Jack have declared, too, so they're also off these lists.
Plus, some guys declare but don't sign with an agent, meaning they have until June 21 to withdraw from the draft. So for the moment, subject to change after the official early-entry list is clear, here's an early look at my first three All-America teams for 2005-06 – or, as I'm calling them, my All-Solid Gold Creme de la Creme teams!
Early All-Solid Gold First Team
G: J.J. Redick | Duke
G: Gerry McNamara | Syracuse
C: Shelden Williams | Duke
F: Adam Morrison | Gonzaga
F: Craig Smith | Boston College
Early All-Solid Gold Second Team
G: Justin Gray | Wake Forest
G: Daniel Gibson | Texas
C: Paul Davis | Michigan State
F: P.J. Tucker | Texas
F: Taj Gray | Oklahoma
Early All-Solid Gold Third Team
G: Marcus Williams | Connecticut
G: Curtis Stinson | Iowa State
C: Josh Boone | Connecticut
F: Maurice Ager | Michigan State
F: Jared Dudley | Boston College
Note: Lists are subject to change based on underclassmen declaring early for the NBA draft.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question to Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
