ACC Basketball: Midseason recap, awards, and observations

Top teams of the ACC

5. Florida State 16-5 (5-4)

The Seminoles lost a top-10 lottery pick and two other athletic scorers from a year ago. But there’s no question that this team is better than last year. All of the role players are stepping up and becoming key guys this time around. They also love to shoot the long ball, ranking first in attempts and makes from beyond the arc.

4. Clemson 17-4 (6-3)

The Tigers were on a roll until the team’s second leading scorer, Donte Grantham, went down for the season with a knee injury. They still have four other guys that average double figures to make up for the lost production, but Clemson is going to have to grind out wins at this point.

3. Duke 18-3 (6-3)

Are the Blue Devils still the consensus pick to make a Final Four run? Yes, but it wouldn’t shock me if another second-round exit occurs. There is absolutely no bench, and the defense is well below average. Add to it that the one upperclassman on the roster has a history of emotional issues and this team has some real flaws to deal with.

2. Louisville 16-5 (6-2)

While it’s tough for any interim coach to come in right before the start of the season to lead a team, David Padgett had the benefit of a veteran Cardinals team to make the transition as smooth as possible. The defense is borderline elite while the offense has surpassed expectations.

1. Virginia 20-1 (9-0)

From going unranked to start the season to now having a stranglehold on the ACC title race, the Cavaliers have proven that anyone can be plugged into this system and still have the best defense in the country.