By Brian Kubasik
1. Duke– The defending national champions got even better if possible. The Blue Devils were able to convince star forward Kyle Singler to return for his senior season and add Kyrie Irving and Seth Curry to a group of guards that that includes Nolan Smith. The Blue Devils are the run away favorites to not only win the ACC, but the National Championship, even if they aren’t given the easiest road imaginable to the Final Four.
2. Maryland– The defending conference co-champions may have lost All-American Greivis Vasquez, but they still have Gary Williams and that means the Terps will have the coaching edge every time they hit the floor. Sophomore center Jordan Williams is ready to be the man in College Park and is on the Naismith award watch list to start the season. He is joined by veteran guards Adrian Bowie, Cliff Tucker and Sean Mosley who are all in a position to move out of Vasquez’s shadow and make a name for themselves.
3. Virginia Tech– Lots of people had the Hokies penciled in as the number two team in the conference behind Duke, but preseason injuries to JT Thomson and Allen Chainy leaves Tech extremely thin on the front line. However, guards Malcom Delany and Dorenzo Hudson give the Hokies pleny of perimeter scoring this season. If Jeff Allen can mature and play smart then the Hokies will make noise in the ACC this year.
4. Florida State– The Seminoles have always been a team that looks like they are ready to break out, but they aren’t quite there. Forward Chris Singleton may be the best defensive player in the conference and it will be his job to lead this team. Michael Snaer was an elite recruit a year ago who may not have lived up to expectations, but he could explode this year and give FSU the scoring threat they missed last year with the departure of Toney Douglas.
5. North Carolina– The Tar Heels were an absolute disaster and is somehow ranked number nine in the nation going into this season. People are under the impression freshman sensation Harrison Barnes will make UNC a national title contender, but Roy Williams needs an elite lightning quick point guard for his system to work. Larry Drew showed last year he can’t handle it and Kendall Marshall would appear to be over rated by the recruiting services seeing as how he’s slow and not a great shooter.
6. N.C. State– The Pack may be one of the most talented teams in the conference, but they are still coached by Sidney Lowe who has appeared clueless during his tenure at State. CJ Leslie and Ryan Harrow are both highly touted recruits and should be able to contribute immediately. Tracy Smith is one of the most underrated big men in the ACC and Javier Gonzalez has shown flashes of brilliance.
7. Miami– Even though Miami hasn’t won a ton, they are a rugged team that plays everyone tough. They will be led by Durand Scott who when he wants to be can be the best guard in the ACC. He absolutely dominated in the ACC tournament last year and almost led the Canes to the conference title game after finishing last a year ago.
8. Clemson– Clemson had finally developed an identity under Oliver Purnell as a team that will press and play aggressive defense. However, with the stunning departure of Purnell and Trevor Booker moving on to the NBA no one knows what to expect from the Tigers this year. Demontez Stitt is a good guard and they have high hopes for Trevor’s younger brother Devin.
9. Georgia Tech– Last year the Jackets relied on big men Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal to carry the team. This year its the exact opposite as they will be looking for guards Iman Shrumpert, Maurice Miller and Glen Rice Jr. to lead the team. Paul Hewitt does a nice job bringing in talent but he’ll have to bring his A-game to justify his ridiculous contract.
10. Virginia– A surprisingly optimistic prediction for the Cavaliers in their second season under Tony Bennett. The Cavaliers are trying to bring a slowed down offensive attack to the conference, but unfortunately the ACC is too athletic for that to really work. However, the slowed down pace should keep them in games and they should be able to pull a couple out.
11. Boston College– Al Skinner was one of the best coaches in the conference and could always get the most out of his talent. That’s why firing him was a huge mistake for the Eagles as the surprising coaching change could very well leave them very close to the bottom of the ACC.
12. Wake Forest– The Deamon Deacons were thin in the front court. Then they kicked starting center Tony Woods off the team. Jeff Bzdelik has his work cut out for him in his first year, but they made the right move getting rid of Dino Gaudio.
All Conference First Team
Kyrie Irving, G-Duke
Nolan Smith, G-Duke
Kyle Singler, F-Duke
Harrison Barnes, F-UNC
Jordan Williams, C-Maryland
Second Team
Malcom Delany, G-VT
Durand Scott, G-Miami
Cliff Tucker, G-Maryland
Chris Singleton, F-FSU
Tracy Smith, F-NC State
Freshman of the year– Kyrie Irving
Player of the Year– Kyle Singler
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