This is the third article of this mini-series. The Big Ten version can be found here. The Pac-12 version can be found here.
The first thing that stands out about the ACC is the fact that it is loaded with talent. From Duke to Boston College, they have a good case to be the best conference in college basketball. The conference will be decided by the slimmest of margins, especially with Louisville joining the party this year. They sent five teams to the Big Dance last year, a little disappointing for such a stacked conference. I would expect a couple more teams to make it this year. That said, there will also be teams that do not meet their expectations.
Overrated and Underrated in the ACC this Pre-Season
Underrated: Syracuse Orange
It’s weird to think that a Jim Boeheim-led Syracuse team can be considered underrated, but that’s the nature of the beast. The new ACC is so stacked that even teams like the Orange can be overlooked. They did lose a lot of talent from last years squad. Senior leader and prolific scorer C.J. Fair (16.5 PPG and 6.4 RPG), steady PG Tyler Ennis (12.9 PPG and 5.5 APG), and athletic wingman Jerami Grant (12.1 PPG and 6.8 RPG) all went to the NBA, leaving the Orange short on proven players. They are bring back sharpshooter Trevor Cooney, who made 38% of his three pointers last season, to carry the load this season. DaJuan Coleman and Rakeem Christmas should hold down the middle of that pesky 2-3 zone, and junior SF Michael Gbinije will step up after a couple of years following some great teams. Don’t forget this team has five star PF Chris McCullough and four star PG Kaleb Joseph coming in to help the Orange’s depth. They will make a huge difference in how far this team can go.
Overrated: Virginia Cavaliers
I have to say, the Cavaliers had a tremendous season last year. They played hard defense and found ways to put up just enough points to win ball games. We’ve talked about how a few inches can dramatically move you up or down this ACC ladder, and those inches being lost are named Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell. Harris (12.0 PPG) and Mitchell (7.0 RPG) are not only big losses statistically, but also in terms of their leadership. Harris and Mitchell were the heart and soul of that team, especially defensively. Junior Malcom Brogdon (12.7 PPG) will have to carry a heftier load this year, and that might not bode well for the rest of the team. Three stars Marial Shayok, B.J. Stith, and Isaiah Wilkins will not be able to fill in such valuable positions on the team, nor should they be expected to. The 16-2 conference record is a lot to live up to anyway, but you know that Tony Bennett will have his team playing defense and working hard every night.
Underrated: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
This may be a surprise pick to almost all of you. Wake Forest didn’t have the greatest of years last year, coming in with a 17-16 overall record, and going 6-12 in the conference. While many fans are expecting them to be cellar dwellers again, I see a different team. Coach Jeff Bzdelik was fired last season, and for obvious reasons. C-USA COTY Danny Manning (Tulsa) is the new head coach, and you know that this Wake Forest team will play extremely hard for him. Junior guard Codi Miller-McIntyre (12.6 PPG and 4.2 APG) and junior forward Devin Thomas (11.1 PPG and 7.5 RPG) are both proven commodities that Coach Manning can trust on the floor, and they both have real time experience from playing a big chunk of minutes last year. Another reason Demon Deacon fans should be excited: Mitchell Wilbekin is following Manning from Tulsa to Wake Forest. While he may only be a two-star recruit, his brother is former Florida standout Scottie Wilbekin. If the relation can translate, Manning found himself a very good player. Also, freshman Greg McClinton, a former three-star recruit, will be able to play this season after having to redshirt last year because of injury.
Overrated: Pittsburgh Panthers
I’ll be the first to say that I’m a huge Jamie Dixon fan, but I just don’t see it in this years team. The Panthers lost their two best players in Lamar Patterson (17.1 PPG) and Talib Zanna (13 PPG and 8.6 RPG) and don’t have the recruits coming in to replace them right away. Most of the burden will fall on G Cameron Wright (10.5 PPG), and he should improve upon last year. Michael Young (4.1 RPG) will have to be the man in the middle with Zanna gone. With most predicting a middle of the pack performance, I think Pitt could take a free-fall into the teens if roles aren’t clearly defined right away.
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