Mandatory Credit: Photo by Phelan M Ebenhack/AP/Shutterstock (13741645by) Houston guard Marcus Sasser passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Florida, in Orlando, Fla Houston UCF Basketball, Orlando, United States – 25 Jan 2023
Houston Cougars Marcus Sasser named to Associated Press All-American first-team
Houston Cougars basketball senior guard Marcus Sasser continues to rack up the season awards following a successful 2022-23 campaign.
The Associated Press announced its All-American first, second, and third teams on Tuesday. Sasser was named an All-American first-team player joining Purdue big man Zach Edey, Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, Alabama forward Brandon Miller, and Kansas forward Jalen Wilson.
Sasser averaged 17.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 rebounds for the Cougars in the 2022-23 season. He is also the program’s first first-team selection since Hakeem Olajuwon, who then went by Akeem Olajuwon in 1984.
When Olajuwon was named to the AP All-American first team in 1984, the Houston Cougars made it all the way to the championship game in the NCAA Tournament. Sasser was also the American Athletic Conference player of the year in the regular season.
The AP All-American second team featured UCLA’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, Arizona’s Azuolas Tubelis, Penn State’s Jalen Pickett, and Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe.
The AP All-American third team was comprised of two Kansas State players, guard Markquis Nowell and forward Keyontae Johnson, Marquette’s Tyler Kolek, Iowa’s Kris Murray, and North Carolina senior forward Armando Bacot.
Houston will open its 2023 NCAA Tournament run on Thursday night against Northern Kentucky. Sasser’s status for the game is unknown after suffering a groin injury during Saturday’s AAC semifinals game against Cincinnati.
