KU basketball forward Jalen Wilson named to AP All-America first team

Kansas men’s basketball forward Jalen Wilson was named to the All-America first team by the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Earlier in March, Wilson also made The Sporting News’ first team for All-America honors. This year’s Big 12 Player of the Year, Wilson is averaging 20.1 points per game and 8.4 rebounds — both of which led the conference.

He’s joined by Zach Edey (Purdue), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), Marcus Sasser (Houston) and Brandon Miller (Alabama) on the AP first team.

Under coach Bill Self’s KU tenure, Wilson is the sixth player to be named to the Associated Press All-America first team. Wilson is joined by Ochai Agbaji (2022), Devonte’ Graham (2018), Frank Mason III (2017), Thomas Robinson (2012) and Wayne Simien (2005).

This designation — as is the case with Big 12 Player of the Year — is often referred to for KU players having their jerseys retired in Allen Fieldhouse. Being named Final Four Most Outstanding Player, as Agbaji was on the national champion Jayhawks last season, is seen as another qualifying honor.

Kansas is currently preparing for a first-round matchup against No. 16 seed Howard in the 2023 NCAA Tournament after earning a No. 1 seed for the 10th time in the 20-year Bill Self era.