NCAA Basketball – ACC Preview
Over the past few years, the ACC has without doubt weakened significantly. However, that is not to say the conference will offer little this year. Without doubt North Carolina will be incredibly hard to beat come March, and you know Duke will always be thereabouts thanks to the brilliant coaching of Coach K. But who else is likely to life and/or make the tournament come March?
The best of the rest for mine is Virginia Tech, closely from Virginia and Florida State. They may be the only tournament teams. If the ACC (like other big conferences) didn’t get preferential treatment come tourney time, you could legitimately only see 4 ACC teams in the tourney. But, like the Big East, we know there are certain biases toward the bigger conferences.
Anyway, enough of a rant, here is my order of finish…
North Carolina – Without doubt the best team in the ACC. Returning all five starters including projected lottery pick Harrison Barnes. For mine, the most crucial player in this team is Kendall Marshall. An outstanding point guard who is so very solid, possesses outstanding smarts and efficient passing. If UNC are going to be cutting down the nets come April, this guy will be a key reason.
Duke – The only team able to challenge UNC, but I don’t even see that possible. Duke do return three starters, but the losses are too great. Austin Rivers should have a good year, and Duke’s backcourt is pretty decent - Duke’s problem is without doubt their frontcourt. If Duke are really going to rely on those Plumlee’s for consistent big man play…heaven help them. HOWEVER, Coach K is far better than UNC coach Williams – therefore, IF Duke have any chance of an ACC title, it is all down to coaching…
Virginia Tech – I have VT a fair way off Duke at this stage, and I don’t think many CBB previews rate them highly, but I do like the Hokies in an otherwise sub-par ACC this year. Injuries were very unkind to the Hokies last season, but that provided some lesser players to get experience. Big fan of Erick Green (PG), plus they’ve signed quality freshman in Marquis Rankin, CJ Barksdale and Robert Brown. Excited on their prospects this year.
Virginia – Another team I rank higher than expected. Virginia return two top quality players for mine in Mike Scott and Assane Sene. They also had their first winning season last year since 2007-08. A lot to look forward to!
Florida State – Overrated for mine. Do have some quality but not top 25. Lookout for Michael Snaer to have a solid season.
Miami (Fl)
NC State – Think these guys are a touch overrated
Wake Forest
Maryland
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Boston College
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