KU’s Collins, Aldrich headline AP preseason All-America team

By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH

The Kansas City Star

Associated Press preseason All-America basketball team

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LAWRENCE | For just the sixth time in the history of the Associated Press’ preseason All-America balloting, two players from the same school were voted to the team.

Kansas guard Sherron Collins and center Cole Aldrich, the cornerstones of the preseason No. 1 team in the country, both found out about their shared honor only minutes before Monday afternoon’s practice.

“That’s actually really cool,” Aldrich said. “I don’t even know what to say. I mean, it’s a huge honor.”

Collins said: “Just to share it with a teammate makes it even more special.”

Collins and Aldrich became the second KU tandem to make the team together, joining former stars Paul Pierce and Raef LaFrentz (1997-98).

Other members of this year’s team are Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody, Duke forward Kyle Singler and Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson. Harangody received the most votes (57 out of 65) and was followed by Aldrich (49) and Collins (39).

“I do think we return the best guard in the country and the best big man in the country,” KU coach Bill Self said. “I think if you’re going to start a team, why not have an anchor and why not have a guard?”

Last season, Collins averaged 18.9 points and five assists per game. Aldrich averaged a double-double — 14.9 points and 11.1 rebounds.

Posted on Mon, Nov. 02, 2009 10:58 PM

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