An Early Look At The Atlantic Coast Conference Contenders Next Season
The off-season is long for the teams and fans but it also gives them a chance not only to reflect on what their team accomplished this season but also get acquainted with their new pieces and build chemistry on the court.
The early poll for the Atlantic Coast Conference came out today and "according to tohttp://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke, the teams stack up like this.
- Virginia
- Louisville
- Duke
- Virginia Tech
- Miami
- UNC
- Notre Dame
- Florida State
- Wake Forest
- NC State
- Syracuse
- Georgia Tech
- Clemson
- Boston College
- Pitt
It’s way too early for this but that’s half the charm. So here’s our way-too-early-take on their way-too-early-take.
UNC, Notre Dame and Syracuse are all used to success. They're all losing key pieces of course, but year after year they succeed. It’s not by accident. They won’t finish 6th, 7th and 11th. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
We’re not sold on Virginia as #1 though the idea the recent transfers are due to improved talent is intriguing. Here’s something to consider though: if Mamadi Diakate and Jay Huff can both block shots effectively, Virginia’s defense is going to be devastating - more so than usual. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
We think Louisville will finish near the top as will Duke.
Buzz Williams did a brilliant job las season despite injuries. This year? That’s a healthy team presumably and should be ready to really make a move in the ACC. We’re really impressed with how he’s transformed that program. The Hokies are on the verge of their greatest basketball era. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Miami seems about right.
UNC may have to go to small ball but Cameron Johnson’s situation isn’t yet resolved and would help a lot. Inside play takes a big hit though regardless. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
We’ll have to reserve judgment on FSU but Christ Koumadje showed periodically that he could be a real force and as they say, you can’t teach 7-4. If he improves significantly, look out." according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Wake Forest and NC State are both tricky. Danny Manning is building a program around an athletic core. John Collins is gone but aside from that big hit, Wake is still pretty athletic and growing up. We’re not ready to go out on a limb here but the Deacs are growing up. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Syracuse has some issues but like UVA, having a potent defender in the middle of their defense changes things and 7-2 Paschal Chukwe is back. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
We might take Clemson ahead of Georgia Tech but the Yellow Jackets surprised everyone last year and return Ben Lammers and Josh Okogie, who we loved last year. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Brad Brownell is a very good coach who is stuck in a tough spot at Clemson because the ACC is just so potent. He may be on the hot seat but who could do better? "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Good news for BC as the the unfolding disaster at Pitt moves the Panthers to the bottom of the league race. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
BC at least has a dynamic backcourt. No one knows what Pitt has but it won’t be pulling a Georgia Tech next season. "according to tohttp://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
One general theme to keep in mind: guard play should be really good almost everywhere in the conference next season. UNC is picked #6 here and will have a tremendous backcourt. Even BC’s is outstanding. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Guard play should be a major highlight in the ACC next season. "according to http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/5/31/15717304/an-early-look-at-next-seasons-acc-race-basketball-duke
Does Virginia really belong in first place after finishing sixth last season with a record of 11-7 in the league and what about losing London Perrantes who was their senior leader? Next season's team will be young that includes three junior's, three sophomores and two freshmen. "according to http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/va-m-baskbl-mtt.html
In the Atlantic Coast Conference that is made up of fifteen teams and the toughest conference to play in anyone can win or lose on any given night so will see how this plays out once January arrives.