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ACC Basketball: Chris Mack, Tony Bennett top 2019 COY Award candidates

By Jerran Anderson

TALLAHASSEE, FL - JANUARY 12: Head coach Leonard Hamilton of the Florida State Seminoles looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half at Donald L. Tucker Center on January 12, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - JANUARY 12: Head coach Leonard Hamilton of the Florida State Seminoles looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half at Donald L. Tucker Center on January 12, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

3. Chris Mack, Louisville Cardinals

The first year coaching in the ACC is never easy, but don’t tell that to head coach Chris Mack. Mack has managed to coach the Louisville Cardinals to a 10-7 record in his first season at the helm, a promising start to what looks like it could be a match made in heaven. The Cardinals went 8-1 to open conference play this season, but they’ve hit a few bumps in the road down the stretch.

Mack has experienced both the highs and the lows of an ACC regular season, with a big victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels and a loss in overtime to the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Cardinals haven’t gotten too high or too low this season and a top seven finish in the standings isn’t bad for Mack in year one.

Louisville is 2-6 in their last eight games, showing that there are no easy contests in league play. They still hold the memory of a bitter comeback defeat at the hands of the Duke Blue Devils 71-69, back on Feb. 12. Have no fear though, because Mack has a whopping six recruits on their way, two of which are certain to make an impact right away.