The wait is over. The Associated Press has released its men’s college basketball All-America teams. At the top of the list stand two of the most dominant players in the nation. Auburn’s Johni Broome and Duke’s Cooper Flagg were both unanimous first-team selections, earning recognition for their exceptional performances throughout the season.
Broome, a veteran leader who has elevated Auburn to new heights, and Flagg, a once-in-a-generation freshman who has taken Duke by storm, have very different paths. However, they share a common goal—leading their teams to a national championship.
Joining Broome and Flagg on the AP first All-America team are Alabama’s Mark Sears, Purdue’s Braden Smith, and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. These five players have defined the 2024-25 college basketball season and are poised to make their mark in March Madness.
Johni Broome of Auburn Leads as a Dominant Force in March Madness
Johni Broome’s journey to becoming a first-team All-American has been nothing short of remarkable. The Auburn big man has developed into one of the most versatile and dominant forwards in the nation, leading the Tigers to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Broome’s path to stardom wasn’t traditional. He started his college career at Morehead State, where he quickly made a name for himself as an elite rebounder and shot-blocker. After two seasons, he transferred to Auburn, where his game reached another level under head coach Bruce Pearl.
This season, Broome has averaged a double-double, showcasing his ability to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. His leadership has been crucial in Auburn’s success, helping the Tigers hold the No. 1 ranking for eight weeks during the regular season. Even though the team hit a rough patch late in the year, Broome’s consistency never wavered.
For Auburn fans, Broome’s selection as the school’s first-ever first-team All-American is historic. He has become the face of a program that continues to rise in the college basketball landscape.
“I’ve proved a lot individually through my career, but my main goal is a team goal, which is to win the national championship,” Broome said. “When the team shines, everyone shines individually. Coming from where I came from, it means a lot to me.”
With Broome leading the way, Auburn enters March Madness with championship aspirations. His ability to dominate in the post, combined with his defensive prowess, makes him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. And now leads the All-America team.
Cooper Flagg of Duke Is the Freshman Phenom Taking Over College Basketball
On the other side of the All-America team is Cooper Flagg, the electrifying Duke freshman who has taken the college basketball world by storm. The 6-foot-9 forward arrived in Durham as the most highly touted recruit in years, and he has lived up to the hype in every way possible.
Flagg’s skill set is unlike anything seen from a freshman in recent history. He is an elite scorer, a dominant defender, and a leader on the court. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him the best player on a Duke team that earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has been in awe of Flagg’s talent and mindset.
“He’s doing things nobody really has ever done before,” Scheyer said. “And he’s not about numbers. I’m telling you, when this dude goes home, somebody says to him, ‘Man, you had 42, six, and seven,’ he’ll say, ‘OK, cool.’ That’s not what he’s about, which to me makes it even better.”
Flagg’s presence has elevated Duke back to the top of college basketball. The Blue Devils ascended to No. 1 in the rankings late in the season, taking over after Auburn stumbled. Now, with the NCAA Tournament set to begin, Flagg is poised to lead Duke on a deep tournament run.
The freshman sensation has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in Duke history. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a unique talent. If Duke wins a national championship, Flagg’s legacy will be cemented as one of the most impactful freshmen in college basketball history.
Mark Sears, Braden Smith, and Walter Clayton Jr. Round Out the First Team
While Broome and Flagg were unanimous selections. The remaining three spots on the first team went to Alabama’s Mark Sears, Purdue’s Braden Smith, and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr.
Sears, a second-team selection last year, returned to Alabama for another run at a national title. His leadership and scoring ability have been critical for the Crimson Tide, who are once again in the championship conversation.
Purdue’s Braden Smith has taken over as the Boilermakers’ go-to player following the departure of Zach Edey to the NBA. Smith’s stellar play has helped Purdue maintain its position as one of the top programs in the country. The Boilermakers are looking to return to the national championship game after falling to UConn last season.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. made history by becoming the Gators’ first first-team All-American. He led Florida to one of its best seasons in recent memory, helping the team rise to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 at one point. The Gators have championship aspirations, and Clayton’s ability to score and facilitate makes them a dangerous team in March.
Clayton’s confidence is unwavering as he heads into the NCAA Tournament.
“Whatever path, I like my guys,” he said. “Me and my guys against whoever.”
Second and Third-Team All-Americans Include Talented Transfers and Returning Stars
The AP also announced its second and third-team All-Americans, recognizing some of the most impressive players across the country.
The second-team selections include JT Toppin (Texas Tech), John Tonje (Wisconsin), PJ Haggerty (Memphis), Kam Jones (Marquette), and RJ Luis Jr. (St. John’s). These players have all had outstanding seasons, with many transferring to their current schools and finding immediate success.
Meanwhile, the third team features two of the most dominant big men in the country. Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner. Both players have been recognized as All-Americans for three straight seasons.
They are joined by Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler, Villanova’s Eric Dixon, and Houston’s LJ Cryer, who was named the Big 12 Player of the Year.
As the NCAA Tournament begins, all of these players will have a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage. The excitement surrounding March Madness is at an all-time high. And the talent on display makes this one of the most anticipated tournaments in years.
March Madness Awaits: Can Broome or Flagg Lead Their Teams to Glory?
With the NCAA Tournament set to begin, all eyes will be on the All-America first-team selections. Broome and Flagg have been the two most dominant players in college basketball this season. Now, they will try to lead their teams to a national championship.
Auburn and Duke enter the tournament as No. 1 seeds, but they will face plenty of challenges along the way. Both programs have championship aspirations, and the performances of their star players will be crucial in determining their fate.
For Broome, this is his last chance to win it all before heading to the professional ranks. For Flagg, this could be the start of a legendary college career—or a one-and-done journey to the NBA.
One thing is certain: the next few weeks will be filled with unforgettable moments. The stars of college basketball have been recognized, but the ultimate goal remains winning a national championship. Broome, Flagg, and the rest of the All-Americans now have their chance to shine on the biggest stage.
