Gonzaga Forward Kelly Olynyk Named AP First Team All-American

Even though it did not end the way most hoped, the 2012-2013 was a banner year for the Gonzaga basketball program and for the individuals on it. The largest individual banner was earned today as Kelly Olynyk has been voted a first team All-American by the Associated Press.

While I have no facts to back up the following statement, it would be hard for me to think of a player that has had a crazier road to being an All-American than Kelly Olynyk. A two-year role player, Olynyk was darn near an afterthought by many coming into this season - I am supremely guilty as someone who expected more for Przemek Karnowski than I did Olynyk. Kelly proved everyone wrong this season as he became a different player during his redshirt season. The guy that used to only want to play on the perimeter was now one of the most skilled interior players in Gonzaga history.

He finished the season averaging 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and shot 65% from the floor.

Olynyk's ridiculous season is, at the moment, drown out by the Bulldogs early exit but for a program that has had a number of incredible individual achievements, Kelly's season truly does stand out. Joining Olynyk on the first team are Creighton's Doug McDermott, Michaigan's Trey Burke, Georgetown's Otto Porter Jr., and Indiana's Victor Oladipo.

The questions will now focus on the NBA Draft and whether or not Kelly will take the plunge. He will have until the 16th of April to withdraw his name from NBA Draft consideration.