In a significant showcase of talent, the 2024-25 men's basketball season has brought forth notable achievements, particularly culminating in the announcement of the Associated Press All-America teams. On March 18, 2025, several athletes from different universities were recognized for their outstanding performances during the season.
Leading the pack for Texas Tech, JT Toppin earned a spot on the AP All-America Second Team while his teammate, Darrion Williams, and others gained mentions in the NABC Division I All-District team selections. The news comes on the back of Texas Tech's strong season, expected to have a considerable impact as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Joining Toppin on the All-America radar is LJ Cryer from Houston, who once again proved his prowess on the court by being named an AP All-American for the third time. Cryer's performance has been nothing short of exceptional, as he managed to secure not only a place on the All-America teams but also showcased consistency and dedication throughout the season. He has led his team in scoring and three-point shooting percentage, establishing himself as a key player for the Cougars.
Cryer’s achievement this season is particularly impressive because it's his second consecutive year receiving All-America honors. In addition to this recognition, he landed a spot on The Sporting News All-America Third Team just last week, further affirming his prowess on the court. The Katy, Texas native has shown remarkable capability as a leader, playing in all 34 games and also joining the Cougars' 1,000-point club this season.
Over at the University of Kansas, Hunter Dickinson secured a place on the AP All-America Third Team, a notable achievement considering the competitive nature of the Big 12 Conference. Dickinson’s play has been critical for Kansas as they gear up for their postseason journeys.
The landscape of the NABC Division I All-District teams also reflected high-level performances, as several players were acknowledged in both the first and second teams across various regions. This includes standout players such as Caleb Love from Arizona and Jalen Bradley also from Arizona, who represented their teams with significant skill throughout the season.
Notably, LJ Cryer has been highlighted for his impressive season as he became only the third player in Houston's history to record multiple seasons with over 100 three-pointers. His remarkable scoring streak includes ten games with 20 or more points, showcasing his consistency as a top performer.
Another highlighted achievement is Cryer’s recognition as the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a testament to his dedication both on and off the court. He holds a commendable 3.72 cumulative GPA while completing post-baccalaureate studies in health.
As Houston heads into the NCAA tournament, they are set to face off against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) on March 20, 2025. With experts predicting a competitive match, Cryer’s contributions could be pivotal for their advancement in the tournament as the season draws to a close.
As the NCAA tournament approaches, the recognition of these athletes serves not just as individual accolades but progress for their respective teams. Players like JT Toppin and LJ Cryer are expected to be significant figures in their teams’ tournament aspirations.
All eyes will be on these athletes as they step into their respective games in the coming days, with fans eagerly anticipating highlights from the postseason.
