CBS Sports named Missouri Basketball junior Phil Pressey a Preseason First Team All-American on Monday. A finalist for the 2012 Bob Cousy Award, Pressey helped lead Mizzou to a 30-5 record last season and shattered the school record with 223 assists over 35 games.

“He is the consummate point guard,” CBS College Basketball insider Jeff Goodman said. “It’s so rare in college basketball today to have a guy like Phil who just makes everyone better. That’s the No. 1 quality of a point guard, someone that heightens the level of play of everyone around him. Phil is a good leader and can be a great defender, but ultimately what sets him apart is his ability to put opposing defenses on their heels and get his teammates open looks.”

Pressey was one of college basketball’s busiest players over the summer. He participated in the LeBron James, Chris Paul and Deron Williams elite camps, and worked heavily with a highly-touted group of newcomers, including former AAU teammate, Alex Oriakhi, who transferred in from Connecticut.

Publications have touted Missouri’s recruiting efforts to balance the program’s recruiting classes through transfer additions and the Tigers have been ranked as high as No. 10 in the early preseason rankings.

Pressey was a First Team All-Big 12 pick by CBS Sports last season and was a Big 12 All-Tournament Team selection after the Tigers claimed the league title in Kansas City. He averaged career highs in scoring (10.3), rebounding (3.3), assists (6.4) and steals (2.1).

In addition to Pressey, fellow backcourt mate Mike Dixon was named a Preseason Second Team All-American by the Sporting News. Dixon was actually Missouri’s most efficient scorer in league play a year ago and was college basketball’s top scorer off the bench (13.5 ppg).

Fans can get their first look at Mizzou’s 2012-13 squad on Friday night at Mizzou Madness. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event is free.

— MU Sports Information —