Conference play for ACC basketball will be underway this week. Here are five questions concerning the league before they beat up on one another.
1. Can the Tar Heels find another post option?
Luke Maye went from a feel-good story last season to making his opponents feel bad this time around. He’s one of the best players in the conference but North Carolina is overly reliant on him down low.
When Maye struggles, the Tar Heels are vulnerable to losing games. It’s just too much to expect him to consistently excel in the ACC, so more depth is needed. There are a few bigs behind him that have shown flashes and any of them stepping up will be immensely helpful.
2. Will either Wake Forest or Georgia Tech turn it around?
There’s a three-team bottom tier of the conference: Wake Forest, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech. The Panthers were expected, but after disastrous non-conferences, the Yellow Jackets and Demon Deacons have joined them. Both teams have great talent and tons of potential big games ahead, so it’s not too late. The question remains, though: Were these two teams just simply overvalued?
3. Which is better: Virginia’s offense or Virginia Tech’s defense?
The Cavaliers have one of the top scoring defenses, while the Hokies are a 90+ ppg on offense. But ultimately, it’s the balance that will determine the ceiling for either team. That’s not to say that neither team is good on the other end, but in order to advance in March, being one-sided must be avoided.
4. Where will Miami finish in the first half of league play?
I’m on record that the Hurricanes should be the favorites to win the regular season title based on the depth, experience, and defense of the team. Although the team lost a game in the Diamond Head Classic, Miami is still a high-quality team. They have a tough opening slate, but the Hurricanes are equipped to handle it.
5. Will Duke’s defense improve?
The Blue Devils are one of the best offensive teams in the country with arguably the best starting five in the country. But similarly to last year’s team, it’s what’s going on at the other end that’s hurting them.
Next: ACC Power rankings before league play begins
Duke is outside of the top 100 in defensive rating, a dangerous place for a title contender to be. The team already has a strike against them as well, losing their first conference game to Boston College. No matter how many points a team scores, it won’t matter if they allow just a little bit more.