Busting Brackets
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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 /
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ACC Basketball
ACC Basketball Miami Hurricanes Anthony Walker Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

I’m not sure if any team has been hit with the injury bug more than Miami this month. Starting forward Sam Waardenburg was declared out before the season started, with another big man Rodney Miller now also out. They just got back top-30 freshman wing Earl Timberlake after missing the first month, while also not having their best two players (Chris Lykes and Kameron McGusty) for a few games as well.

That has resulted in a pair of losses to Pittsburgh and Florida Gulf Coast, with the Hurricanes’ best win being a four-point home victory over Purdue. The hope is that the 10-day layoff will be enough to give the guards back healthy for ACC play, starting at Virginia Tech. With expected limited spots in the NCAA Tournament (5-8 most likely) coming from this league, that’s a game to watch on Tuesday with Bracketology ramifications.

One positive aspect of this past month is that it allowed healthy underclassmen to have extended minutes. The breakout star of the team right now is Isaiah Wong, who is averaging a team-leading 19.0 ppg and 6.2 rpg in 25 mpg. The 6’3 sophomore has taken the leap and alongside Lykes will give Miami plenty of scoring punches from the backcourt.

But with big men falling left and right on the team, it’ll be up to Cincy transfer Nysier Brooks to have a major impact inside, while sophomores Matt Cross and Anthony Walker will have to play well at the power forward position. With Timberlake now in the fold, Miami has a shot to make some noise in the next two months.