ACC Basketball: Midseason recap, awards, and observations

Bottom of the ACC

15. Pittsburgh 8-14 (0-9)

The Panthers were already climbing an uphill battle before losing their best player. Ryan Luther, who was averaging a double-double in the non-conference, has missed an extensive amount of time. They’ve been close of late, but they need that night where everything goes in their favor to get that elusive win.

14. Wake Forest 8-13 (1-8)

If it wasn’t for the Panthers not having a win, more scorn would be going the Demon Deacon’s way. It’s a good thing that Danny Manning got that five-year extension early in the year, but I think it has more to do with the top-15 recruiting class coming in.

13. Georgia Tech 10-11 (3-5)

The Yellow Jackets were behind the eight ball with the injuries and suspensions before Tadric Jackson took a step back. The defense has been above average but hasn’t helped the awful offense.

12. Boston College 13-8 (3-5)

That win over Duke to start league play was both good and bad. It proved that they have officially emerged from the basement of the conference, but it also gave false hope that they would compete for a bid this year. Everyone’s coming back next year, so the experience and lessons learned are most important.

11. Notre Dame 13-8 (3-5)

Losing three starters in a span of two weeks is a death knell for a team in the ACC, but the Irish have been in every game. They have lost five in a row and the numbers game is starting to get them at the end. By the time Bonzie Colson returns, it will probably be too late, although the conference tournament could be a saving grace.