When talk of the best college basketball player this season comes up, two names are mentioned: Denzel Valentine of Michigan State and Buddy Hield of Oklahoma.

They were unanimous picks Tuesday to The Associated Press’ All-America team.

Both led their teams to successful seasons and their numbers lifted them above all others.

Valentine, the Big Ten player of the year, averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists, and Hield, the player of the year in the Big 12, averaged 25 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

“I don’t know many guys that have improved in every aspect of the game like he has,” Spartans Coach Tom Izzo said of the 6-foot-5 Valentine, the school’s first All-American since Draymond Green in 2012. His importance showed when he missed four games with a knee injury.

Hield, Oklahoma’s first All-American since Blake Griffin in 2009, became a highlight reel staple with his ability to shoot from long range and with defenders on him. The 6-foot-4 Hield shot 46.4 percent from 3-point range.

“He has had a fantastic year and has been very consistent,” Sooners Coach Lon Kruger said of Hield, a third-team selection last season. “He worked hard, and has that passion and focus that makes him what he is.”

Valentine and Hield were joined on the team by fellow seniors Brice Johnson of North Carolina and Malcolm Brogdon of Virginia. Sophomore Tyler Ulis of Kentucky rounded out the team. The 2013-14 team had four seniors and a freshman.

Valentine and Hield both received 65 first-team votes.

Sophomore Jakob Poeltl of Utah led the second team with 41 first-team votes. He was joined by LSU freshman Ben Simmons, Kansas senior Perry Ellis, Providence junior Kris Dunn and Iowa State senior Georges Niang.

The third team consists of Grayson Allen of Duke, Yogi Ferrell of Indiana, Jarrod Uthoff of Iowa, Kay Felder of Oakland and Jamal Murray of Kentucky.