Lonzo Ball could really be the best player in the country

Lonzo Ball’s fantastic freshman season continues, as he was named to three All-American teams in addition to receiving Pac-12 first team honors this week.

Ball was named as a USA Today All-American and to the NBC Sports All-America team. He also is receiving the same recognition from Sporting News.

In addition, he received Freshman of the Year honors from USA Today. Ball was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.

Even this recognition would pale in comparison to the Wooden Award, however, which is considered college basketball’s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy — and for which Ball is one of 15 finalists.

Ball, averaging 14.9 points per game, 7.8 assists per game and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from three-point range, is having the most robust overall freshman season for a guard since Jason Kidd in 1993-1994.

The resurgent UCLA Bruins are 28-3, 15-3 in the Pac-12. They are expected to receive anywhere from a 1-4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, pending their performance in the conference tournament in Las Vegas which begins tonight.

Ball is the first UCLA freshman to win the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year award outright since Shabazz Muhammad earned the award in 2013.

Kevin Love also earned the honor in 2008.

Bryce Alford and TJ Leaf joined Ball on the Pac-12 first team, while Thomas Welsh received conference honorable mention honors.

Aaron Holiday was named honorable mention Pac-12 all defensive team, along with Ball. Ball is just getting started, but his trophy case is already getting crowded as the accolades are pouring in.

For Ball and the Bruins, the recognition is nice but it really comes down to one thing – hanging the first banner in the new Pauley Pavilion.

It’s been 22 years since the last national title for the team that still owns the most championships in Division I college basketball. .