Today the U.S. Basketball Writer's Association of America confirmed what we already knew: Kemba Walker is an All- American. It has been clear the junior point guard deserved the honor since blowing away the field at the Maui Invitational last November and after four months of stellar play he has been appropriately recognized. Walker is still a finalist for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, which the USBWA awards annually to the top college players.
Here are your first and second teams, UConn's press release is after the jump.
USBWA All-America First Team
Jimmer Fredette, BYU
JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
Nolan Smith, Duke
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Kemba Walker, Connecticut
USBWA All-America Second Team
Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
Jordan Hamilton, Texas
Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame
Marcus Morris, Kansas
Derrick Williams, Arizona
March 14, 2011
STORRS, Conn. - It was announced today by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association that UConn guard Kemba Walker has been named a First Team All-American. Walker is a finalist for the Oscar Robertson Trophy presented to the USBWA National Player of the Year.
The junior from the Bronx, N.Y. is one of only three players in the country to average over 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Walker is the only player in the NCAA to average over 22 points per game with five rebounds and four assists. On the year, Walker ranks second in the NCAA with 23.5 points per contest.
Walker most recently led UConn to the BIG EAST Tournament Championship as the Huskies won a record five games in five days to earn the title. UConn is the first team to ever record such a stretch in a conference tournament. Walker was named Tournament MVP.
Connecticut earned a No. 3 seed in the West Region and will face Patriot League Champion and No. 14 Bucknell in the NCAA Second Round on Thursday, March 17. The game will be played in Washington, D.C. at the Verizon Center and aired live on TNT beginning at 7:20 p.m.
USBWA All-America First Team
Jimmer Fredette, BYU
JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
Nolan Smith, Duke
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Kemba Walker, Connecticut
USBWA All-America Second Team
Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
Jordan Hamilton, Texas
Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame
Marcus Morris, Kansas
Derrick Williams, Arizona