College Basketball’s All-American Starting Five

Photo: InsideHoops.com

C- Joel Embiid

Fr., Kansas

He disappears at times in games and may not have the best statistical profile of any center in the country, but it’s hard to overlook Embiid’s athleticism and potential. At 7-0, 250 pounds, Embiid is a mobile, physically gifted offensive player who has drawn comparisons to a young (and less talented) Hakeem Olajuwon.

He’s not going to be Hakeem–but you can see where the comparisons come from. The 19-year old Cameroon native has only played three years of organized basketball, but he’s already become one of the most intimidating defensive bigs in the nation. He’s averaging 2.5 blocks per game.

Come tournament time, Embiid will be a big-time presence in the lane. It’ll be him, not ballyhooed fellow freshman Andrew Wiggins, that determines how far the Jayhawks will advance in March.

Honorable Mentions: Arric Murray, Sr., Texas Southern