Two Big Ten Players Named All-Americans By NBCSports

NBCSports released its preseason All-American list earlier this week and two Big Ten players were fortunate enough to make the cut. There’s little debating that these two along with a number of rising players across the league should help to make this season a great one for the Big Ten overall.

Michigan State’s Cassius Winston was named to the All-American team and sloted as the website’s selection for Preseason Player of the Year as well. Additionally, Maryland’s Anthony Cowan earned third-team All-American honors.

Neither of these inclusions really came as much of a surprise. Winston was the best player in the league last season and helped lead the Spartans to last year’s Final Four. The Spartans are once again projected to compete for the national title. Winston averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 assists per game last season. Cowan was also a key piece for Maryland’s NCAA Tournament run and figures to be a key piece for the team as it hopes to build on last season.

Other players considered to be in the National Player of the Year hunt include Marquette’s Markus Howard, Louisville’s Jordan Nwora, and Seton Hall’s Myles Powell. It should be interesting to see who wins the award by season’s end.