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ACC Basketball: Midseason recap, awards, and observations

By Tristan Freeman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 15: London Perrantes
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 15: London Perrantes /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 9: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Syracuse Orange at John Paul Jones Arena on January 9, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 9: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Syracuse Orange at John Paul Jones Arena on January 9, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Coach of the Year: Tony Bennett of Virginia

The accolades are pouring in for this team, but let’s not act like we all didn’t have them pegged as an at best average team, including me. After losing their only legit scorer and another two to the transfer market, the Cavaliers were going to have to fight for the NCAA tournament.

Now they might not even have to fight to win the ACC, after beating Duke at their place to remain unbeaten in league play. The defense has remained elite, holding half of their opponents to under 50 points. But now, the offense looks better and has multiple scorers to use. Tony Bennett’s youth and lack of a Final Four appearance are what keep him out of the elite coaches conversation more often than he should be left out. He’s becoming the new Mark Few of Gonzaga before last season.

Honorable mentions: Brad Brownell (Clemson), Kevin Keatts (NC State), and David Padgett (Louisville).

Coach on the hot seat: Kevin Stallings at Pittsburgh

This is complicated because all things considered, he’s done a decent job with a terrible roster. With everyone coming back next year, the Panthers should be much improved. But the bad taste of last season’s disaster still lingers in Pittsburgh and the record-low attendance is a huge issue.

Apathy could be worse than anger, and if fans have given up on Stallings, the administration has a decision to make. But every other coach is safe for at least next season, with each situation having its reasoning.