Busting Brackets
Fansided

ACC Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference

By Lukas Harkins

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 04: Grayson Allen (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 04: Grayson Allen (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 07: Abdul-Malik Abu (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 07: Abdul-Malik Abu (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

NC State Wolfpack – SR Abdul-Malik Abu

After losing Dennis Smith Jr. to the NBA Draft, the NC State Wolfpack are in need of a new star. After back-to-back double-digit per game seasons, Abdul-Malik Abu will likely emerge to be that star this season. For new head coach Kevin Keatts, Abu will be the primary scoring option on the team and he could average upwards of 15 points per game.

After back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since the mid-90’s, Keatts will be looking to turn this program around fast. Yet, entering this year, the roster does not look like it will compete for a NCAA Tournament bid. In addition to losing Dennis Smith Jr., the team lost second leading scorer Maverick Rowan, as he has gone on to play professional basketball.

Abdul-Malik Abu enters the season as the leading scorer of the returning players and he will be the go-to offensive player on the team. Lavar Batts will be an impact freshman to help carry the team along with Abu, but it seems unlikely that they will make a NCAA Tournament run. Watch out for Abu to have an outstanding senior year, though.