One of the most respected media outlets in amateur baseball–Baseball America–released its own version of a Preseason All-American team on Monday.

UNC starting pitcher JB Bukauskas was chosen as a First Team selection, headlining the strong arms on the roster.

What separates the Baseball America Preseason All-American Team from others that have been released this offseason is a focus on raw talent and next-level projections–rather than last year’s college statistics.

A native of Ashburn, Virginia, Bukauskas has developed into one of the top MLB prospects in America thanks to an overpowering fastball that tops out around 97 mph.

Last season saw him put major work into adding a second strikeout pitch, as he now possesses a dangerous slider to go along with the famous heater.

Baseball America editor John Manuel notes in his evaluation of Bukauskas that, “The effort in his delivery worries some scouts; others aren’t keen on his arm action, and both contribute to his fringy command.”

Those issues shouldn’t stop him from having a career year for the Tar Heels in 2017, but could be something to keep an eye on moving forward.

In 2016, Bukauskas (7-2, 3.10 ERA) finished third in the nation with a strikeout rate of 12.75 per nine innings.

With the loss of Zac Gallen to the Draft this past summer, Bukauskas will take over as the leader of what should be a very deep UNC pitching staff. This includes taking over the all-important Friday starting role.

The first opportunity for Bukauskas to show fans how much he’s improved is now just over two weeks away–as the Tar Heels open their season at Boshamer Stadium vs. Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 17.

For the full list of Baseball America’s Preseason All-Americans, click here.

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