3. Virginia
The Cavaliers are the surprise team in the ACC thus far in non-conference play, and it will be interesting to see if it will hold up within the conference. Wins over Northwestern, Texas, and Dayton should age well. Ryan Odom is looking like one of the gems from this coaching hiring cycle.
4. North Carolina
What this team has done without Seth Trimble in the lineup has been impressive. They’ve played three Q1 or Q2 opponents (Kansas, Michigan State, and Kentucky) and are 2-1 in those games. Not too shabby. If not for Cameron Boozer, we would be talking about Caleb Wilson as the best freshman in the ACC.
5. Wake Forest
Oh, what could have been. Narrow losses to Michigan and Texas Tech could have been program-defining wins if they had been able to close them out. The development of Juke Harris has been key for a team that is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in almost a decade.
