As another riveting college basketball season comes to an end, it’s paramount to spotlight the athletes who have dazzled on the court with their extraordinary skill sets and unwavering determination. These young talents are not just shooting hoops; they’re sculpting their legacies in the landscape of college basketball. Let’s take a journey through the courts of America to herald the standouts — the cream of the crop who will receive the Hoops Prospects College Basketball Awards.
This year, seven HP staff members voted for the awards, including myself. Each voter could select up to 12 All-Americans. For the individual awards, each voter had a first (worth 3 votes), second (worth two votes) and a third choice (worth one vote). The voting results were first revealed last week on the Hoops Prospects Podcast (HPP) in an episode that wrapped up the 2024 college basketball season and looked ahead to 2025.
Hoops Prospects All-American First Team
Zach Edey (SR) 7-4 Center – Purdue
A unanimous selection, Zach Edey had a historic season, consistently delivering impressive performances on the court. His dominant presence in the paint and remarkable scoring ability were pivotal to his team’s success, earning him numerous accolades and solidifying his status as one of the top centers in college basketball history.
This past season, Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 62.3 percent from the field and 71.1 percent from the free-throw line. He became the only player in NCAA history to average at least 25.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 2.0 assists per game. In the NCAA Tournament, he was even better, averaging 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.8 assists while shooting 64.1 percent from the field. His potential at the professional level is substantial, given his unique physical attributes and refined skill set. Edey’s senior season at Purdue was nothing short of spectacular. His contributions were a big part of the team’s success, and his legacy as a Boilermaker will be remembered for years to come.
Dalton Knecht (SR) 6-6 Wing – Tennessee
Knecht, the 2023-24 SEC Player Of The Year, was the only other unanimous HP All-American this year. The Tennessee wing averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.7% from deep. He broke the program record for points in an NCAA tournament game with 37, the sixth most ever by an SEC player, and he set Tennessee’s single season record with eight 35-point scoring performances on the season. Knecht’s performance this season has set the stage for him to be a possible lottery pick in this year’s NBA Draft. His ability to score the ball at all three levels, especially off the catch and from deep, will make him a valuable asset to any team in the NBA.
Jamal Shead (SR) 6-1 Guard – Houston
Jamal Shead, the 2023-24 Big 12 POY and DPOY, averaged 12.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game on the season. He also finished the year with the fourth highest plus-minus rating in the nation (12.7). The senior is the second winningest player in Houston history, the first player in Big 12 history to be named player of the year and defensive player of the year in the same season, and the ninth Cougar to be named conference defensive player of the year in consecutive years. His dynamic playmaking, tenacious defense, and leadership were pivotal to Houston’s success over the last four seasons, and as an early entry into the NBA Draft, he will certainly receive attention as a possible second-round pick.
Tristen Newton (SR) 6-5 Guard – UConn
Tristen Newton, the 2023-24 Bob Cousy Award winner, a 2023-24 All Big East selection and the NCAA Tournament MOP, averaged 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on the season. He also recorded 11 double-doubles and two triple-doubles as a senior. Newton’s all-around contributions led to him finishing sixth in the nation in win shares with 7.4. He played a pivotal role in his team’s achievements over the course of the year, and his senior season at UConn was characterized by consistent production and strong leadership. Out of college eligibility, Newton is a potential second-round pick.
Donovan Clingan (Soph) 7-2 Center – UConn
Donovan Clingan had a standout season with the Huskies, and was an NCAA All-Tournament team selection. The sophomore shot 63.9 percent from the floor (8th in the country) and averaged 13 points, 2.5 blocks (8th in the nation), and 7.4 rebounds per game. The big man also finished second in the country for both player efficiency rating (34.8) and plus-minus (15.0). His considerable size and developing skill set made him an indispensable presence, especially during UConn’s championship run. With another season under his belt, his presence in the middle will be a building block for any team that drafts him, and his ceiling as a player is high — so high that he is in the discussion to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Hoops Prospects All-American Second Team
Mark Sears (SR) 6-1 Guard – Alabama
Mark Sears’ senior season at Alabama was marked by strong performances, steady leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He carried an otherwise inconsistent team all season. The lead guard was named First Team All-SEC and was a 2023-24 NCAA All-Tournament selection. Sears also ranked 12th in the nation for plus-minus (11.3), demonstrating his on-court value. This season, he was one of the best in the country in terms of scoring and passing, averaging 21.5 points (11th in the nation) and 4.0 assists per game, and his three-point shooting (43.6 percent — 6th in Division I) was elite. His quickness, scoring ability, and leadership were central to Alabama advancing to the Final Four. His consistent level of play has likely caught the attention of professional scouts, and his skill set, combined with his leadership qualities, positions him well for potential opportunities at the next level.
Johni Broome (JR) 6-10 Forward – Auburn
Johni Broome, the junior forward for Auburn standing at 6 feet, 10 inches, had a standout season with the Tigers. He averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game for the season and was named to the 2023-24 All SEC First Team and the 2023-24 SEC All-Defensive team. Broome blocked 78 shots on the year (1st in the SEC), averaged 2.2 blocks per game (2nd in the SEC), and had a defensive rating of 89.5% (1st in the SEC). Overall, he ranked third in the country for both plus-minus (14.2) and player efficiency (32.5). His combination of size, athleticism, and skill has made him one of the premier forwards in college basketball. With another year of eligibility, Broome’s continued development will be crucial for Auburn, if he decides to come back for one final year.
Jaedon LeDee (SR) 6-9 Forward – San Diego State
Jaedon Ledee’s senior season at San Diego State was filled with solid performances and significant contributions. He was named to the 2023-24 MWC First Team and averaged 21.4 points (1st in the MWC), 8.4 rebounds (3rd in the MWC) and 1.3 assists per game for the 2023-24 season. Ledee had an offensive rating of 124.7, a defensive rating of 98.3, and a 56 percent field-goal percentage, all of which ranked in the top five of the Mountain West. Most importantly, he ranked fifth in the country with 7.4 win shares. His impact on the team was substantial, and he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and commitment that will resonate with the Aztecs program for years to come. Heading into the NBA Draft, LeDee’s size, strength, mid-range shooting, and developing 3-point game will make him an interesting pro prospect.
Baylor Scheierman (SR) 6-7 Guard – Creighton
In his final college season, Baylor Scheierman, had an outstanding season with the Bluejays. He was a 2023-24 unanimous First Team All-Big East selection, averaging 18.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Scheierman became the first men’s player in Division 1 history to finish his college career with at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, 300 three-pointers, and he is the eleventh men’s player in NCAA history to score 1,000 points or more at multiple Division 1 schools. With 1,140 defensive rebounds, he also became the all-time leader in that category, going back 1999. His combination of size, shooting, playmaking and basketball intelligence made him a standout college player and an intriguing prospect for the next level.
Terrence Shannon (SR) 6-6 Guard – Illinois
Legal issues and all, Terrence Shannon had a notable season with the Fighting Illini to say the least. He averaged 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and did so with great efficiency (.475/.362/.801). A 2023-24 All-Big Ten First-Team selection, Shannon was 2nd in the Big-Ten and 3rd in the country in scoring, and he scored 25 or more in seven straight games, concluding with a 29-point effort against Iowa State in the Sweet 16. His athleticism and skill were on full display at the end of the season, and his overall performance likely raised his profile among professional scouts. Shannon, a two-way player, who is incredibly explosive and unstoppable on the break, has NBA written all over him. His combination of size, scoring prowess, and defensive capabilities make him a darkhorse to be a lottery selection, though his legal issues may scare a number of NBA teams away.
Hoops Prospects All-American Third-Team
DaRon Holmes II (JR) 6-10 Forward – Dayton
DaRon Holmes II, the A-10 Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 20.4 points (1st in A-10), 8.5 rebounds (1st in A-10), 2.1 blocks (4th in A-10) and 2.6 assists per game for the 2023-24 season. He also led the conference in the three main overall metrics: PER (31.7 — 4th in the nation), win shares (7.0 — 8th in the nation), and plus-minus (12.3 — 5th in the nation). The junior forward for Dayton, standing at an impressive 6 feet, 10 inches, completed a remarkable season with the Flyers and improved his numbers across the board, especially as a shooter (38.6 percent from deep). His size, athleticism, skill level, and versatility make him attractive to NBA scouts, and with further development, he could become an even more compelling prospect for the professional ranks.
Kyle Filipowski (Soph) 7-0 Center – Duke
Somewhat quietly, Kyle Filipowski, had an impressive season with the Blue Devils, averaging 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. An All-ACC First Team selection, Filipowski had a plus/minus of 11.1 (1st in the ACC and 14th in the country). He also ranked seventh in the ACC with an effective field-goal percentage of 54.9, displaying the ability to make shots at all levels. His sophomore season at Duke was marked by his all-around contributions and steady development. His ability to impact games in multiple ways made him one of the standout centers in college basketball, and his future as a high-level prospect looks promising.
Caleb Love (SR) 6-4 Guard – Arizona
Caleb Love, the senior guard from Arizona standing at 6 feet, 4 inches, concluded a significant season with the Wildcats. He averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game and was named the 2023-24 Pac 12 Player Of The Year. Love made 92 three-pointers on the season, which are the seventh most in a season in Arizona history, and he was just the sixth Wildcat to make 90 or more triples in a season. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and experience were pivotal to Arizona’s campaign. With the season now over, Love’s performance has likely enhanced his prospects for the next level. However, once considered a can’t-miss prospect, his inconsistent shooting over his career (32.2 three-point percentage) has scouts very concerned.
Tyler Kolek (SR) 6-3 Guard – Marquette
Slowed by injuries, Kolek failed to repeat as the Big East Player of the Year, but he still had a standout season with the Golden Eagles. The feisty point guard was a 2023-2024 All-Big East First Team selection, averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game (best in the country with A/T of 2.69). His exceptional playmaking, shooting, and leadership were instrumental in Marquette’s success. His innate playmaking is elite, and his shooting touch continues to improve (.496/.388/.851 shooting splits this season). The lefty guard has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, and his intangibles and skill make him an intriguing prospect for teams at the next level.
Cam Spencer (SR) 6-4 Guard – UConn
A Rutgers transfer, Cam Spencer was a key contributor for the Huskies in his final college season, ranking eighth in the country with a plus-minus of 11.8. Named to the First Team All-NCAA Tournament team, Spencer averaged 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the 2023-24 season, while shooting a blistering 44 percent from deep. His intensity and basketball acumen were crucial components for UConn’s National Championship run. His versatility as a combo guard, along with his leadership qualities, positions him well for potential opportunities at the next level.
| Others Receiving Votes | Votes |
| R.J. Davis, UNC | 2 |
| Antonio Reeves, UK | 1 |
| Armando Bacot, UNC | 1 |
| Braden Smith, Purdue | 1 |
| David Jones, Memphis | 1 |
| Devin Carter, Providence | 1 |
| DJ Burns, NC State | 1 |
| Enrique Freeman, Akron | 1 |
| Graham Ike, Gonzaga | 1 |
| Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor | 1 |
| Jonathan Mogbo, USF | 1 |
| Kevin McCullar, Kansas | 1 |
| Marcus Domask, Illinois | 1 |
| Oso Ighodaro, Marquette | 1 |
| P.J. Hall, Clemson | 1 |
| Reece Beekman, Virginia | 1 |
| Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton | 1 |
| Yves Missi, Baylor | 1 |
Hoops Prospects Player Of The Year
Zach Edey (SR) 7-4 Center – Purdue
Zach Edey, the senior center from Purdue, standing at an imposing 7 feet, 4 inches, has been named the Hoops Prospects Player of the Year. His dominant performances throughout the season set him apart as the most impactful player in college basketball. Edey’s towering presence in the paint was a nightmare for opponents all season long. He consistently leveraged his size and strength to score with high efficiency around the rim, making him one of the most reliable offensive threats in the nation. In recognition of his stellar play, unmatched impact on the court, and leadership qualities, Zach Edey is deservedly honored as the Hoops Prospects Player of the Year, leaving an indelible mark on Purdue basketball history.
| Player of the Year | Votes |
| Zach Edey, Purdue | 19 |
| Dalton Knecht, Tennessee | 10 |
| Jamal Shead, Houston | 5 |
| Baylor Scheierman, Creighton | 2 |
| Terrence Shannon, Illinois | 2 |
| Tristen Newton, UConn | 2 |
| Donovan Clingan, UConn | 1 |
| Mark Sears, Alabama | 1 |
Hoops Prospects Freshman Of The Year
Reed Sheppard (FR) 6-3 Guard – Kentucky
Reed Sheppard, the 6-foot-3 guard from Kentucky, has been named the Hoops Prospects Freshman of the Year. He was selected to the SEC All-Freshman team and named the 2023-24 SEC ROY. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals (8th in DI) per game, and ranked tenth in the country with a plus-minus of 11.4. His exceptional debut season established him as one of the most promising talents in college basketball. From the moment that he stepped on the court, Sheppard made an immediate impact for the Wildcats. His scoring ability, outstanding sharpshooting from beyond the arc (52.1%), confident drives to the basket, and passing and defensive instincts showcased his versatility and ability to compete at a high level. As the Hoops Prospects Freshman of the Year, Sheppard’s future is incredibly bright. His standout performances have not only earned him this honor but also suggest a high ceiling for his continued growth and success at the professional level. Sheppard has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, and appears to be a lock as a lottery selection.
| Freshman of the Year | Votes |
| Reed Sheppard, UK | 12 |
| Jared McCain, Duke | 8 |
| Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor | 7 |
| Stephon Castle, UConn | 6 |
| Rob Dillingham, UK | 4 |
| Isaiah Collier, USC | 2 |
| Jackson Shelstad, Oregon | 2 |
| Carlton Carrington, Pitt | 1 |
Hoops Prospects Coach Of The Year
Dan Hurley – UConn
Dan Hurley, the head coach of the Connecticut Huskies, has been honored as the Hoops Prospects Coach of the Year. His exceptional leadership and strategic acumen propelled UConn to its second consecutive NCAA Title, the first team to repeat as national champions since the Florida Gators did so in 2006 and 2007. The Huskies steam rolled through the 2023-24 season with a 37-3 record and the NCAA Tournament in historic fashion, with an average margin of victory of 23.3 points over the six games played in the Big Dance. Hurley and the Huskies accomplished all of this with a new group of players, and they never missed a beat.
The results of Hurley’s coaching were clear: UConn consistently played hard with intelligence and competed at a high level against top-tier competition. His guidance was crucial in navigating the team through the highs and lows of the season, culminating in a strong finish. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, strategic planning, and positive influence on the UConn basketball program, Dan Hurley is deservedly named the Hoops Prospects Coach of the Year. His contributions this season have solidified his reputation as one of the premier coaches in college basketball, as he joins an elite group of coaches to win multiple national championships.
| Coach of the Year | Votes |
| Dan Hurley, UConn | 18 |
| Kelvin Sampson, Houston | 8 |
| Nate Oats, Alabama | 3 |
| Will Wade, McNeese | 3 |
| Lamont Paris, South Carolina | 2 |
| Matt Painter, Purdue | 2 |
| T.J. Otzeberger, Iowa State | 2 |
| Danny Sprinkle, Utah State | 1 |
| Josh Schertz, Indiana State | 1 |
| Kevin Keatts, NC State | 1 |
| Mark Few, Gonzaga | 1 |
As the dust settles and cheers fade into memory, we reflect on a season illuminated by remarkable individuals whose talent transcends the mere statistics on a scorecard. Their narratives are woven into the fabric of college basketball history, inspiring future generations to dream big, aim high, and leap towards their hoop dreams with dedication and grit. The enchantment of college basketball lies not just in the thrills of victory or the specter of defeat but in witnessing the blossoming of prospects into icons. As we close the chapter on this season, remember their names, for they are not merely players; they are the beacons that guide the sport into its next exhilarating era.
Sources, Credits, and Acknowledgements
Statistics used in our reports come from RealGM.com (international stats), Sports-Reference.com (NCAA stats), and Synergy Sports Technology (special analytics), Other outside sources are noted with links to the source. Click here to see the statistical abbreviation key.
