A CLASS WITH CLASS
WILLIAMS
OHIO STATE
KING
MARYLAND
TRIPUCKA
NOTRE DAME
BANKS
DUKE
AINGE
BYU
VALENTINE
KANSAS
RULAND
IONA
LAMP
VIRGINIA
ROBINSON
USC
JOHNSON
MICHIGAN STATE
THE FIRST TEAM
On the court, 6'9" Center Jeff Ruland is never seen in such a languorous pose, fie led his classmates in scoring—22.3 points a game—and his school out of obscurity.
Notre Dame intended to bring Forward Kelly Tripucka along slowly, but by late in the season his 57% shooting had put the Irish in fast company—the final four.
Power Forward Gene Banks is the best all-round player on what may be the nation's best team. As a frosh he was among the leaders in all ACC statistical categories.
Although he scored 17 points per game, Michigan State's Earvin Johnson is only a so-so shooter. A 6'8" guard, his forte is passing, at which he is unsurpassed.
Guard Darnell Valentine has a record foes consider criminal. He's murder on offense, leading Kansas in both points and assists, and is a thief on defense, with 80 steals.
THE SECOND TEAM
The best player from Oakland since Bill Russell, Cliff Robinson can play anywhere in the frontcourt. No wonder he became the first freshman to top Pac-10 scorers.
Guard Danny Ainge (BYU's 22) actually plays his toughest defense at short for Toronto's Triple-A farm. But he hits best in hoops, scoring 21.1 points a game.
Terp turmoil, not a lack of talent, kept Forward Albert King from scoring more than 13.6 points per game. Nevertheless, many coaches think he's the class of his class.
Guard Jeff Lamp was Virginia's leading light. Before he succumbed to sore ankles, he averaged 19.6 points and the Cavaliers were 12-2. Then they lost six of 14.
Even though he sometimes performed as if asleep. Ohio State's now maturing Center Herb Williams had an eye-opening 16.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
ELEVEN PHOTOS
LANE STEWART