ACC Basketball: Midseason recap, awards, and observations

Answering questions from before conference play

1. Can the Tar Heels find another post option?

They did find another option, but it was in the form of “small ball.”  A now healthy Cam Johnson has been inserted into the starting lineup to play the four spot. The freshman just aren’t ready to play 25+ minutes, so North Carolina will have to make due.

2. Will either Wake Forest or Georgia Tech turn it around?

To the Yellow Jacket’s credit, they’re being competitive. They got off to a good start, but have lost three in a row to the top teams. As for Wake Forest, they travel to Pittsburgh on Feb. 21 for the ACC’s toilet bowl battle.

3. Which is better: Virginia’s offense or Virginia Tech’s defense?

It’s not even close, as the Cavaliers offense has not been a liability compared to the Hokies inconsistent efforts. Virginia Tech allowed 72 ppg points last week, which was much better than the 92.5 ppg the week prior. Virginia’s offense may not be spectacular, but it hasn’t caused them to lose yet.

4. Where will Miami finish in the first half of league play?

Right in the middle, which is likely where they’ll stay. The team’s game against Duke was an example of the roller coaster style the Hurricane’s play. They’ll look great for 10 minutes, then awful in the next 10.

5. Will Duke’s defense improve?

It has in some ways, although the quality of the opposing offenses has been low. But the loss to Virginia proved that they have a long way to go when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. The last Duke championship team vastly improved the team’s defense late, so there’s hope, but the next 10 games will be the ultimate test.