ACC College Basketball Predictions, Projected Standings

Team

ACC Record

Outlook

1

Duke

15-3

N.C. State was the popular pick in October; Duke, the unsexy, but safe one. Here’s a smelly sticker to those who overlooked the glitz for the substance. The Blue Devils are the class of the league.

2

N.C. State

13-5

Lots of sizzle, not so much meat for these Wolfpack. While they won’t be gunning down the Devils for league supremacy, this is still the second best team in the ACC, and comfortably so.

3

Maryland

12-6

These Terps rebound, dish the rock and score efficiently. Alex Len has arrived ahead of schedule while Dez Wells has been nothing shy of spectacular. Was Maryland’s light non-conference slate really telling, though?

4

North Carolina

11-7

The Heels benefit big time from Reggie Johnson’s injury and FSU’s transition year. For a team that can slide anywhere from third to sixth, expect a subpar Carolina team to settle in at #4.

5

Miami

11-7

The ACC’s Most Indispensable Player is out for the next two months, which is the difference between the Canes vying for third place and finishing somewhere in the middle of the pack. Plenty of talent still remains for Jim Larranaga to stay afloat in the meantime.

6

Florida State

10-8

This is FSU’s worst defensive squad under Leonard Hamilton, especially soft inside relative to previous Noles teams. Will ACC competition reinvigorate Michael Snaer? If not, this projection is a best case scenario.

7

Virginia

8-10

The Cavs sport a defense that matches up vis-à-vis any other D in the league. Will the scoring hold up? Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell alone won’t be enough on that end.

8

Georgia Tech

8-10

This should be the most improved team in the conference short of Maryland. The Ramblin Wreck has clamped down on D, but does the team have enough scorers? Stacy Poole Jr.’s eligibility ought to help.

9

Clemson

6-12

Figure out this enigma: The Tigers hung tight with Gonzaga and Arizona—the two best teams out West—then got blown out by Coastal Carolina. Milton Jennings needs to up his game considerably.

10

Wake Forest

5-13

C.J. Harris and Travis McKie are back to work, forming the best backcourt scoring duo in the league. Too bad for them the Demon Deacons don’t play a lick of defense and lack any semblance of talent in the middle.

11

Virginia Tech

5-13

Sell the hot start by James Johnson’s team. After beginning the season 7-0, the Hokies have dropped four of their last six. Expect that trend to carry into ACC play, despite Erick Green’s best efforts to play hero ball.

12

Boston College

4-14

Appreciable improvement was expected in Chestnut Hill, what with BC returning the core of last year’s young team. Forget about that. While mild traces of progress were evident in the non-conference, don’t expect the ACC to be so forgiving.

Player of the Year

Mason Plumlee

C

Freshman of the Year

T.J. Warren

SF/PF

Coach of the Year

Mark Turgeon

HC

Sixth Man of the Year

T.J. Warren

SF/PF

Defensive POY

Daniel Miller

C

Player

Team

Pos.

Year

Erick Green

Virginia Tech

PG

Senior

Seth Curry

Duke

SG

Senior

Michael Snaer

Florida State

SG

Senior

C.J. Leslie

N.C. State

PF

Junior

Mason Plumlee

Duke

C

Senior

Player

Team

Pos.

Year

Durand Scott

Miami

PG

Senior

Joe Harris

Virginia

SG

Junior

Dez Wells

Maryland

SG/SF

Sophomore

Travis McKie

Wake Forest

SF

Junior

Richard Howell

N.C. State

C

Senior