With the season getting started around the nation, it's time to start talking seriously about college basketball. Living in the heart of ACC country, I'm starting with a preview of that conference first. With the season getting started around the nation, it's time to start talking seriously about college basketball. Living in the heart of ACC country, I'm starting with a preview of that conference first. This article will give projected starting lineups (with last season's player stats in parentheses), each team's strengths and weaknesses, and a few notes on each team's outlook for the coming year. I have listed the teams in order according to my prediction of what the season-ending conference standings will look like.
1. North Carolina (31-7 in '06-'07, 11-5 ACC [tied for 1st])
Starters Lost (2)
B. Wright (14.7 pts, 6.2 reb), R. Terry (9.7 pts, 5.4 reb)
Projected Starters
PG: T. Lawson, 5-11 So. (10.2 pts, 5.6 assists, 2.9 reb)
SG: W. Ellington, 6-4 So. (11.7 pts, 2.1 assists, 2.9 reb)
SF: M. Ginyard, 6-5 Jr. (4.1 pts, 3.2 reb)
PF: D. Thompson, 6-8 So. (4.7 pts, 2.4 reb)
F/C: T. Hansbrough, 6-9 Jr. (18.4 pts, 7.9 reb)
Key Reserves
D. Green, 6-5 Jr. (5.2 pts, 2.8 reb); A. Stephenson, 6-9 So. (2.1 pts, 2.2 reb); B. Frasor, 6-3 Jr. (2.4 pts, 1.6 assist)
Strengths: Psycho-T! Nobody in the conference has a big man that's even on the same planet as Hansbrough. Also, Lawson and Ellington had solid freshman seasons last year, with the potential to get even better the more time they spend under Coach Williams.
Weaknesses: The loss of Brandan Wright (NBA) and Reyshawn Terry (graduation) from last year's team presents a significant challenge for Carolina, who has no obvious replacement at either position. Additionally, the Heels must improve their shooting from 3-point range to keep their opponents from double and triple-teaming Hansbrough.
2007-08 Outlook: The best team in the league without question, and a virtual lock for a #1 seed in both the conference and NCAA tournaments. However, in order for the Heels to capture a national championship, Ginyard and/or Green must come close to Terry's production and Thompson/Stephenson must equal Wright's. Otherwise, the Heels could actually take a step back this season. I'd rank UCLA and Tennessee ahead of UNC right now, but the Heels have the potential to win it all if a couple of players emerge to help Hansbrough in the frontcourt.
2. North Carolina State (20-16 in '06-'07, 5-11 ACC [tied for 10th])
Starters Lost (1)
E. Atsur (11.3 pts, 4.2 assists)
Projected Starters
PG: F. Degand, 6-4 So. (transfer from Iowa State)
SG: C. Fells, 6-5 Jr. (10.9 pts, 3.8 reb)
SF: G. Grant, 6-8 Sr. (14.7 pts, 5.3 reb, 3.8 assists)
PF: B. Costner, 6-9 Jr. (16.8 pts, 7.3 reb)
C: B. McCauley, 6-9 Jr. (14.4 pts, 5.3 reb)
Key Reserves
J.J. Hickson, 6-9 Fr.; D. Horner, 6-8 So. (4.6 pts, 2.3 reb); M. Johnson, 6-5 So. (transfer from Tenn.)
Strengths: Frontcourt scoring. The Wolfpack has a lot of firepower returning in Grant, Costner, and McCauley. Plus, State gets their most heralded recruit since Julius Hodge in J.J. Hickson, who would be starting for most teams.
Weaknesses: Point guard. This team really struggled last year when Atsur was injured. Now, with Atsur lost to graduation, Coach Lowe has to find a replacement who can feed the ball to all the returning talent.
2007-08 Outlook: Maybe it's overly bold for me to predict a jump from 10th in the conference last year to 2nd this season, but if one of the transfers can handle the job at the point, this team has a chance to be special.
3. Clemson (25-11 in '06-'07, 7-9 ACC [tied for 8th])
Starters Lost (1)
V. Hamilton (12.3 pts, 3.4 ast, 3.2 reb)
Projected Starters
PG: C. Hammonds, 6-3 Sr. (11.6 pts, 4.1 ast, 3.2 reb)
SG: KC Rivers, 6-5 Jr. (14.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
G/F: S. Perry, 6-5 Sr. (3.6 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.0 ast)
PF: T. Booker, 6-7 So. (10.4 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.2 blk)
F/C: J. Mays, 6-9 Sr. (12.2 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.7 ast)
Key Reserves
J. Powell, 6-7 Jr. (2.6 pts, 1.4 reb); D. Potter, 6-6 So. (2.5 pts, 1.3 reb); R. Sykes, 6-9 Jr. (2.1 pts, 1.9 reb)
Strengths: Experience. With four returning double-digit scorers, Clemson has all the ingredients necessary for a stellar season this year. Mays, who played his high school ball right down the street from my house, wisely decided not to hire an agent this spring and was able to withdraw from the NBA draft and come back for his senior season.
Weaknesses: Focus. For whatever reason, Clemson has a long history of failing to pay attention to the details. This lack of focus was apparent last year in their late season swoon and continued free throw problems.
2007-08 Outlook: If everybody stays healthy, the Tigers have no excuse for not finishing this season in the top third of the ACC and heading to the Big Dance in March. They have experience at every position and good size coming off the bench. Mays can't come back again next year, so they have to make the most out of this opportunity.
4. Duke (22-11 in '06-'07, 8-8 ACC [tied for 6th])
Starters Lost (1)
J. McRoberts (13.0 pts, 7.9 reb, 3.5 assists, 2.5 blk)
Projected Starters
PG: G. Paulus, 6-1 Jr. (11.8 pts, 3.8 ast, 1.2 stl)
SG: D. Nelson, 6-3 Sr. (14.1 pts, 5.4 reb, 2.0 ast)
G/F: J. Scheyer, 6-5 So. (12.2 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
PF: K. Singler, 6-8 Fr.
C: B. Zoubek, 7-1 So. (3.1 pts, 2.2 reb)
Key Reserves
G. Henderson, 6-4 So. (6.8 pts, 2.9 reb); D. McClure, 6-6 Jr. (4.2 pts, 4.9 reb); L. Thomas, 6-8 So. (4.0 pts, 2.5 reb)
Strengths: Depth. It's been a while since you could say that about Duke, but they have a lot of productive players on the roster this season. Add freshmen Nolan Smith and Taylor King, and Martynas Pocius, to the group listed above and Coach K should have a lot of fresh legs to rely this year.
Weaknesses: Size. There are no proven frontcourt players on the roster, so we're likely to see a lot of gimmicky small-ball lineups for the Devils this season.
2007-08 Outlook: Is it possible for Duke to be under-rated? Probably not, but if N.C. State fails to find a point guard to run their offense, and Clemson falls apart like last year, Duke could finish as high as 2nd in the conference. If Singler isn't ready, they could end up closer to their 6th place finish of last year.
5. Virginia (21-11 in '06-'07, 11-5 ACC [tied for 1st])
Starters Lost (2)
J.R. Reynolds (18.4 pts, 4 reb, 3.7 ast)
J. Cain (6.8 pts, 6.3 reb)
Projected Starters
PG: S. Singletary, 6-0 Sr. (19.0 pts, 4.7 ast, 4.6 reb)
SG: C. Baker, 6-2 So. (transfer from William & Mary)
SF: M. Diane, 6-5 Jr. (9.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.2 ast)
PF: A. Joseph, 6-7 Sr. (7.2 pts, 3.5 reb)
C: T. Soroye, 6-11 Sr. (2.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 0.9 blk)
Key Reserves
L. Mikalauskas, 6-8 Jr. (3.7 pts, 2.0 reb); W. Harris, 6-6 So. (3.6 pts, 3.2 reb); J. Tucker, 6-8 So. (3.4 pts, 2.1 reb); R. Pettinella, 6-9 Sr. (2.8 pts, 2.5 reb)
Strengths: Singletary. Although he flirted with the idea of jumping into the NBA draft at the end of last season, the star point guard decided to return for his senior year at UVA. While he is a great scorer (19.0 pts/game), he is also a skilled playmaker as evidenced by his 4.7 assists per game last season. Another strength is the great size Virginia can bring off the bench this season.
Weaknesses: Backcourt depth. Baker, who averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists two seasons ago at William and Mary, should be a decent player at shooting guard, but he will not produce the numbers put up by the graduated J.R. Reynolds. There's not much returning guard talent on the bench, so the Wahoos will need a freshman or two step up enough to give Singletary and Baker occasional breaks.
2007-08 Outlook: After finishing tied for first in the league with UNC last season, Virginia is unlikely to repeat such a feat again this year following the loss of Reynolds. But, if Singletary stays healthy, Baker is the backcourt running mate they hope him to be, and at least one of the big men takes his game to a higher level, the Cavaliers seem destined for another berth in the NCAA tournament field.
6. Miami (12-20 in '06-'07, 4-12 ACC [12th])
Starters Lost (2)
A. Harris (10.2 pts, 3.4 ast)
D. Clemente (9.8 pts, 3.3 ast)
Projected Starters
PG: J. McClinton, 6-1 Jr. (16.7 pts, 2.1 ast, 2.5 reb)
SG: J. Dews, 6-3 So. (3.1 pts, 1.8 reb)
SF: B. Asbury, 6-7 Jr. (11.7 pts, 5.9 reb)
PF: D. Collins, 6-8 So. (8.6 pts, 6.5 reb)
C: A. King, 6-9 Sr. (7.9 pts, 9.2 reb, 1.8 blk)
Key Reserves:
J. Graham, 6-8 Jr. (5.6 pts, 4.0 reb); R. Hicks, 6-7 Sr. (5.3 pts, 2.5 reb); K. Copeland, 6-5 So. (2.6 pts, 3.0 reb); D. Nass, 6-11 Sr. (1.4 pt, 1.2 reb)
Strengths: Rebounding. Center Anthony King was awarded an additional year of eligibility after getting hurt last season. With King back to anchor the middle, the Canes boast a horde of big bodies who can attack the boards.
Weaknesses: Point guard play. McClinton is a really talented player, but he's not a true point. With the graduations of Harris and Clemente, it's unclear who will handle the playmaking duties for Miami.
2007-08 Outlook: I know I'm making a bold prediction by ranking Miami #6 in the ACC after a last place finish a year ago. But, injuries played a major part in the Canes horrible season last year. With King, McClinton, and Asbury returning healthy, Miami is going to surprise a lot of teams this year.
7. Florida State (22-13 in '06-'07, 7-9 ACC [tied for 8th])
Starters Lost (1)
A. Thornton (19.7 pts, 7.2 reb, 1.1 blk, 1.5 stl)
Projected Starters
PG: T. Douglas, 6-1 Jr. (12.7 pts, 2.9 ast, 2.7 reb)
SG: I. Swann, 6-2 Sr. (10.3 pts, 3.1 ast, 3.0 reb)
G/F: J. Rich, 6-3 Jr. (10.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.7 ast)
PF: R. Reid, 6-8 So. (2.9 pts, 3.2 reb)
C: U. Echefu, 6-9 Jr. (6.9 pts, 4.3 reb)
Key Reserves
R. Mims, 6-3 Sr. (4.9 pts, 2.1 ast, 2.1 reb); C. Breeden, 6-8 Jr. (2.9 pts)
Strengths: Guards. With Douglas, Swann, and Rich all returning this season, the Seminoles have solid foundation of backcourt scoring and leadership to rely on. All three of these guards can shoot the 3 and are also good rebounders for their size.
Weaknesses: Frontcourt scoring. With stud Al Thornton, who moved on to the NBA, last year, Florida State didn't really need a lot of additional scoring up front. Without him, it's hard to tell where the Seminoles will get their scoring in the paint.
2007-08 Outlook: FSU has been on the verge of an invitation to the NCAA tournament for several years, but always come up a little short. They have solid guard play, but I doubt that they will break through in the first year without Thornton. A middle of the pack finish in the league sounds about right.
8. Georgia Tech (20-12 in '06-'07, 8-8 ACC [tied for 6th])
Starters Lost (2)
J. Crittenton (14.4 pts, 5.8 ast, 3.7 reb)
T. Young (14.4 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.0 ast)
Projected Starters
PG: M. Causey, 6-0 Sr. (junior college transfer)
SG: A. Morrow, 6-5 Sr. (9.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 0.9 ast)
G/F: L. Clinch, 6-3 Jr. (13.2 pts, 1.9 reb, 0.9 ast)
PF: J. Smith, 6-8 Sr. (8.4 pts, 6.0 reb)
C: R. Dickey, 6-10 Sr. (8.0 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.0 blk)
Key Reserves
Z. Peacock, 6-7 So. (5.5 pts, 2.9 reb); A. Aminu, 6-9 Jr. (5.4 pts, 3.2 reb);
M. Faye, 6-8 So. (3.9 pts, 2.6 reb); M. Miller, 6-1 Fr.
Strengths: Experience. With a starting lineup full of juniors and seniors, the players getting the majority of minutes should be comfortable in Coach Hewitt's system. Morrow and Clinch are great three-shooters which should provide space for all the big bodies down low.
Weaknesses: Playmaking. With Crittenton pulling a one-and-done along with Young, the Yellow Jackets are going to be depending on either a JUCO transfer or a freshman to run the team this season. Morrow and Clinch are gunners who aren't well-suited to that role if none of the newcomers can handle the job.
2007-08 Outlook: If a competent point guard steps forward, Georgia Tech could move up a couple of spots in these rankings, but with the uncertainty at that position, Dickey's academic problems, and Aminu's questionable back, there are a lot of questions to be answered this season in Atlanta.
9. Maryland (25-9 in '06-'07, 10-6 ACC [tied for 3rd])
Starters Lost (3)
M. Jones (13.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.4 ast))
D. Strawberry (14.9 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.5 ast)
E. Ibekwe (10.4 pts, 7.8 reb, 2.7 blk)
Probable Starters
PG: G. Vasquez, 6-5 So. (9.8 pts, 4.6 ast, 3.3 reb)
SG: E. Hayes, 6-4 So. (4.8 pts, 3.9 ast, 1.9 reb)
SF: L. Milbourne, 6-7 So. (1.0 pt, 0.8 reb)
PF: J. Gist, 6-8 Sr. (12.6 pts, 7.2 reb, 2.1 blk)
C: B. Osby, 6-7 Sr. (5.8 pts, 3.9 reb, .562 FG, .587 FT)
Key Reserves
D. Neal, 6-7 Jr. (1.6 pts, 1.2 reb); Freshmen
Strengths: Gist. An important player on both ends of the court, Gist will have to do even more to compensate for the graduation of former frontcourt running mate Ibekwe. Additionally, Vasquez had a good freshman season last year and the point guard position is in good hands.
Weaknesses: Depth. Milbourne and Osby are likely starters, but have not proven yet that they can handle the job. After the starting five, the Terps will be relying heavily on freshman to give quality minutes, which is always a dicey proposition in a league like the ACC. Also, they are not very big up front for a major conference team.
2007-08 Outlook: It looks strange to see Maryland ranked down in 9th place, and most people probably have them a bit higher, but with the huge losses suffered by graduation, I just can't put them any higher until I see evidence that Milbourne and Osby can be more than just backups and that the backcourt duo of Vasquez and Hayes can increase their scoring output. With Gary Williams in charge, they could surprise me, but I'm taking a believe it when I see it attitude towards Maryland this year.
10. Boston College (21-12 in '06-'07, 10-6 ACC [tied for 3rd])
Starters Lost (3)
J. Dudley (19.0 pts, 8.3 reb, .3.0 ast)
S. Williams (12.1 pts, 6.9 reb, 5.0 blk
S. Marshall (14.8 pts, 4.5 reb)
Projected Starters
PG: T. Rice, 6-0 Jr. (17.6 pts, 5.4 ast, 3.4 reb)
SG: R. Sanders, 6-4 Fr.
SF: S. Spears, 6-6 So. (7.1 pts, 4.6 reb)
PF: J. Oates, 6-10 Sr. (4.7 pts, 3.7 reb)
C: T. Blair, 6-11 Sr. (2.7 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.0 blk)
Key Reserves
T. Roche, 6-7 So. (1.7 pts, 1.7 reb); Freshmen
Strengths: Rice. One of the top 3 point guards in the league, along with Singletary and Lawson, he should be a steadying influence on a very inexperienced team. It helps a point guard's stats when he's got talent like Dudley, Williams, and Marshall on the team, so we'll see how he performs with a lesser cast.
Weaknesses: Depth/Experience: Like Maryland, BC lost a lot of talent in the offseason and there aren't many players on this year's roster who have shown they are capable of taking up the slack.
2007-08 Outlook: Obviously, by ranking them 10th, I'm not expecting a lot from the Eagles this season. Rice is very good, but who is going to be on the receiving end of his passes and can they put the ball in the basket when they get it? BC has good size up front in Oates and Blair, which will help on the defensive end, but if they can't drastically improve their offensive abilities, this team is going to hard time putting points on the scoreboard.
11. Wake Forest (15-16 in '06-'07, 5-11 ATS [tied for 10th])
Starters Lost (2)
K. Visser (17 pts, 7.4 reb)
M. Drum (8.4 pts, 2.6 reb)
Probable Starters
PG: I. Smith, 5-11 So. (8.7 pt, 6.0 ast, 3.8 reb)
SG: H. Hale, 6-2 Jr. (8.4 pts, 1.9 reb)
SF: L. Williams, 6-4 So. (8.2 pts, 4.1 reb)
PF: J. Skeen, 6-8 So. (7.6 pts, 4.6 reb)
C: D. Weaver, 6-10 So. (2.5 pts, 1.7 reb)
Key Reserves
C. Stanley, 6-6 Sr. (1.6 pts, 1.2 reb)
Strengths: Point guard. Although he's just a sophomore, the Deacons appear to have found the right kid to run their offense in Smith, who led the ACC in assists last year as a freshman.
Weaknesses: Inexperience. Wake Forest will be putting a very young team on the floor this season, with four sophomores likely in the starting lineup.
2007-08 Outlook: This team is still reeling from the sudden, unexpected death of Coach Skip Prosser. They have a lot of talented sophomores returning, but are probably a year or two away from threatening the upper echelon of the league.
12. Virginia Tech (22-12 in '06-'07, 10-6 ACC [tied for 3rd])
Starters Lost (3)
Z. Dowdell (17.4 pts, 3.1 ast)
J. Gordon (11.4 pts, 4.5 ast, 4.5 reb)
C. Collins (7.8 pts, 4.8 reb)
Probable Starters
PG: H. Thorns, 5-9 Freshman
SG: A.D. Vassallo, 6-6 Jr. (11.1 pt, 4.0 reb)
SF: D. Washington, 6-7 Sr. (12 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.2 stl)
PF: C. Diakite, 6-9 Jr. (2.9 pts, 2.9 reb)
C: L. Witcher, 6-9 So. (2.9 pts, 2.6 reb)
Key Reserves
J. Allen, 6-7 Freshman
Strengths: Vassallo & Washington. If I have try and find a strength, it would be the return of these two veterans. They have good size for their positions and should increase their scoring with Dowdell and Gordon graduating.
Weaknesses: Depth/Experience. With a freshman starting at point guard, no discernable scoring up front, and no bench, the Hokies will have a hard time keeping up with the rest of the conference this season. Graduation took the heart of this team and it will be difficult to recover.
2007-08 Outlook: It's gonna be a long season in Blacksburg. Allen is heralded recruit, but as a freshman, it's hard to put the hopes of the team on his back. Allen and Thorns will be expected to carry a heavy load this season as freshmen which leads me to think the team will struggle. With only one important senior, the Hokies should look to next year before they will be truly competitive.