📄 2044 EC Hood’s Pre-Season All-Americans

Check out this EC Hood’s prediction for the upcoming season. This time it’s his pre-season All-Americans!

The 2043-44 Preseason All-Americans are here and one thing stands out: this looks like a particularly strong and deep class of freshmen. The one-and-dones in CBGM tend to dominate, and this season will be no exception. There are still some veterans out there who will have something to say about the best individual seasons in the association.

The first team features three freshmen and two seniors. Let’s take a look at the CBGM’s preseason first team.

Donald Caron, Fr., Missouri, G, 6-6, 216

Donald Caron boasts individual ratings that should make everyone jealous. The #4 national recruit brings a 100 scoring rating to the proceedings as well as solid shooting rating splits of 58 inside/65 mid-range/76 outside. Throw in an 84 passing rating, an 87 defensive rebounding rating and an 86 steal rating – as well as many minutes as he can handle on a top-heavy Missouri squad – and you have the makings of a true National Player of the Year candidate.

Franklin Crawford, Fr., Texas, G, 6-8, 211

Franklin Crawford, the #7 recruit in the nation, should have a huge season for Texas. At 6-foot-8, Crawford looks like he can do it all and play multiple positions with ease. His shooting (46/68/70) is decent and perhaps his only weakness. Crawford can handle the ball, pass at a high level, rebound, steal, block and nail his free throws (100 rating). He has four tags as well – Bucket Getter, Playmaker, Defender and Clean Up. All the ingredients are there for a monster season.

Shaheen Hester, Sr., Baylor, G, 6-8, 230

It warms our heart to see a star like Shaheen Hester stay all four years. We know what Hester can do at this point. He has earned our respect as one of – if not the best – forwards in the entire association. Hester can do it all, and while he only averaged 14.8 points per game last year, he contributed 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks from the small forward position en route to national defensive player of the year honors. Hester won’t fill it up as much as some of these other guys, but he is as well-rounded as they come.

Eli Wallace, Fr., Maryland, F, 6-10, 246

Incoming #10 national recruit Eli Wallace brings some serious game to CBGM, and he should be Maryland’s go-to offensive player from the jump this season. Wallace is a 100 inside scorer, a 96 offensive rebounder, and a 96 scorer. His defensive ratings are excellent as well. He also draws fouls very well (61) while boasting an 80 FT rating. That’s a recipe for a monster year. If there’s one thing that might hold him back, it’s his 25 mid-range rating. Also, with a 32 discipline rating, he will need to stay out of foul trouble. A huge year is in the cards.

Jared Nelson, Sr., West Virginia, C, 6-9, 279

Jared Nelson had a down year by his standards, but his senior season should be something special. Two years ago, Nelson averaged 17.5 points and 11.9 boards, giving you a taste of what he’s capable of. Last year his numbers dipped to 13.6 & 10.6 in just 24.6 minutes per game. West Virginia’s roster is very thin on top talent, meaning Nelson will get all the minutes and shots he can handle. His shooting percentage might be poor for a center, but he should return to form as CBGM’s premier double-double threat. A 97 defensive rating doesn’t hurt either.