ACC Basketball: Power rankings and awards predictions

DURHAM, NC - MARCH 03: (L-R) Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils talks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels before their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – DECEMBER 09: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers points out a play in the second half during a game against the VCU Rams at John Paul Jones Arena on December 9, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

ACC basketball has once again established itself early as one of the dominant conferences in the nation behind the play of several top teams.

This season’s iteration of ACC basketball was projected by many to be one of the most historically talented and competitive in its 55-year history. From the small sample size of the non-conference schedule, it’s becoming clear that the hype was warranted. The conference, as of Thursday morning, is a combined 145-41 (77% win percentage). That’s good enough for 2nd place behind the Big 12’s combined out of conference record of 94-26 or 78%.

The league boasts at least two serious National Player of the Year candidates who, in turn, double as Freshman of the Year candidates in Duke’s Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. To accompany those potential individual achievements, the ACC looks positioned to put at least 8 teams in the NCAA tournament’s field of 68 and perhaps as many as 10 by season’s end.

The ACC has, collectively, scored wins over Gonzaga (UNC), Kentucky (Duke), Michigan State (Louisville), Auburn (Duke and NCST), Wisconsin (UVA), Indiana (Duke), and Ohio State (Syracuse).

It’s been quite a non-conference slate for the league’s 15 members. So, before that wonderful time of year when conference brethren beat up on each other under the glow of holiday lights and in the cozy, warm sanctity of some of college basketball’s most historic venues we here at Busting Brackets would like to take a quick review of the season to date. Ahead are power rankings of all 15 Atlantic Coast Conference teams as well as Early-Season “All-ACC Honors”