Busting Brackets
Fansided

ACC Basketball: 2020-21 power rankings after non-conference play

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 29, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Cordell Pemsl (35) and guard Wabissa Bede (3) react after the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Cordell Pemsl (35) and guard Wabissa Bede (3) react after the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 16
Next
ACC Basketball North Carolina State Wolfpack DJ Funderburk Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
ACC Basketball North Carolina State Wolfpack DJ Funderburk Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

442. . 5-1 (1-0). . Wolfpack . 6. team

Despite losing their star recruit Josh Hall to the NBA Draft early, NC State still has other key freshmen producing at a high rate. Guard Cam Hayes has become the team’s lead ball-handler on the court, averaging 10.3 ppg and a leading 4.3 apg. Fellow freshman Shakeel Moore is putting up over seven points a game, while seniors Braxton Beverly and Thomas Allen have been solid contributors as well.

Leading the way is Devon Daniels, averaging 17.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 3.0 apg. He had a team-high 21 points in the big win over North Carolina and has established himself as the go-to option for the Wolfpack. Junior Jericole Hellums (11.3 ppg) has been impressive as well as a combo forward, while sophomore big man Manny Bates has been much improved and is a true defensive anchor at the center position.

So far, North Carolina State’s only two games of note is a win over North Carolina while being shorthanded, along with a road loss at top-25 caliber Saint Louis; by no means a bad loss at all. The reason why they’re fairly high in this ranking is that they’ve been fairly solid without big man Derek Funderburk.

He’s played in just three games this season, totaling 25 points and 10 rebounds. Last season, he was the Wolfpack’s key offensive frontcourt player. Even with Hellums and Bates stepping up, they’ll need Funderburk healthy and playing at a high level to win ACC games. With a home game against Boston College this week, they may be able to get by resting him so more before Clemson the week after.