USA TODAY Sports

USA TODAY Sports' Nicole Auerbach, Eric Prisbell and Scott Gleeson provide their selections for the preseason All-American teams along with honorable mentions:

FIRST TEAM

Marcus Paige, G, North Carolina

Paige was one of the most exciting point guards in the game last season, particularly down the stretch. As a sophomore, the 6-1 guard averaged 17.5 points and 4.2 assists and often single-handedly took over. He managed to do that during a turbulent Tar Heels season — so imagine what he'll do without the clouds of the P.J. Hairston saga hanging over the program and with a strong supporting cast that might allow coach Roy Williams to shift Paige to the score-first shooting guard position. Either way, expect big numbers.

Fred VanVleet, G, Wichita State

If you are looking for someone to handle the ball in the most pressurized game situations, VanVleet is your man. Exhibiting great poise and composure, the junior is a calming influence on the court. Having stewarded the Shockers to an unbeaten regular season last year, VanVleet is an extension of coach Gregg Marshall on the court. Marshall has such faith in the point guard that, if the coaches didn't come to practice for a day, he has no doubt VanVleet could organize and run it with precision.

Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin

Wisconsin reached the Final Four last season — and is expected to return this season — because of the sum of its parts. Dekker, a 6-9 forward, wasn't thrilled with his personal contribution (12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds a game). Dekker has pointed to his three-point shooting (32.6% last season) as an area of necessary growth and a reason he's back in this season. Look for an improved Dekker — stronger inside and more consistent outside — to be among the nation's best leading one of the nation's best teams.

Karl-Anthony Towns, F, Kentucky

Kentucky has one of the deepest rosters in recent memory, so don't be surprised if Towns does not amass gaudy statistics. Just consider the stature of this 250-pound 18-year-old: He's 6-11 with a 7-31⁄2 wingspan and a 9-5 standing reach. Then consider the skill set of the 2014 Gatorade National Player of the Year: agile and versatile with the ability to face up, drive and pass with precision. Unlikely to be in college beyond one season, Towns will be coveted by NBA teams in the spring.

Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke

Okafor is the type of player coaches salivate over. The Duke coaching staff raves about his talent, presence and work ethic. Mostly, though, his coaches love the fact that he listens and is coachable. That's a little scary for anyone on Duke's schedule — that the 6-11, 270-pound center who came into college with the skill set and poise of a pro might have plenty of room to grow. If Okafor lives up to the expectations set by himself and his coaches, he'll put up big numbers this season and position himself to be the top pick in the 2015 NBA draft.

SECOND TEAM

Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville

Branden Dawson, G-F, Michigan State

Ron Baker, G, Wichita State

Tyus Jones, G, Duke

Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona

THIRD TEAM

Cliff Alexander, F, Kansas

Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin

Caris LeVert, G, Michigan

Ryan Boatright, G, Connecticut

Terran Petteway, G, Nebraska

Honorable mention: Aaron Harrison (Kentucky), Andrew Harrison (Kentucky), T.J. McConnell (Arizona), Tyler Haws (BYU), Georges Niang (Iowa State), Juwan Staten (West Virginia), JayVaughn Pinkston (Villanova), Myles Turner (Texas), Isaiah Taylor (Texas), R.J. Hunter (Georgia State), Malcolm Brogdon (Virginia), Chasson Randle (Stanford), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona), Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky).