ACC Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions
Bracketology of ACC Basketball teams projected to be in the field
Virginia Cavaliers (Projected seed range of 3-5)
The losing streak late in the season likely took away any shot at landing a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, even if they win the ACC Tournament. That’s because only a win over Florida State in this event would have the juice enough to push them up. As long as they avoid an early loss, a 4 seed will be the floor for the Cavaliers.
Florida State Seminoles (Project seed range of 3-6)
Just 3-3 against Quad 1 opponents, the Seminoles don’t have a real signature victory outside of Virginia. The many blowouts throughout the season has them looking good in the metrics, but they may have to win the ACC Tournament to get a 3 seed. Not making it to the finals could have them drop to a 4.
Virginia Tech Hokies (Projected seed range of 6-9)
Just as bad as taking on tough losses is not playing anyone at all, which is why the Hokies have been quietly sliding down towards the 8-9 range. They have a double-bye but will be facing a team that has played much more than them in the past couple of weeks. An opening defeat could solidify them into that tough 8 vs 9 matchup, whereas they could’ve been a 6 seed had things played out normally.
Clemson Tigers (Projected seed range of 6-8)
Clemson has been largely average in ACC play but they’re helped by two things. The first being a lack of any bad losses on the resume and the other being a bevy of solid non-conference wins such as Purdue, Alabama, and Mississippi State. Their early work prevented them from truly being on the bubble at any point, although they’ll need a win here to avoid a possible 8 seed.
Louisville Cardinals (Projected seed range of 8-10)
A combination of multiple pauses, a bad loss at Miami, and wins over Seton Hall and Kentucky not meaning much this season has the Cardinals quietly in bubble range. They should be fine even if they lose to either Duke or Boston College (Duke winning likely guarantees Louisville being safe regardless) in the opening round game. But they have work to do to avoid being as low as a 10 seed.
North Carolina Tar Heels (Projected seed range of 8-11)
Just like when Duke sweep UNC last season, the Tar Heels don’t have much to show for on paper with two wins over Duke. A late-season home loss to Marquette stings but a win over Florida State likely signed their ticket to the Big Dance. As long as they don’t lose to the winner of Notre Dame and Wake Forest in Round 2, they shouldn’t have much to worry on Selection Sunday.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Projected seed range of 10-12)
Despite opening defeats to Mercer and Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets have pulled itself back on the right side of the bubble talk, thanks to wins over Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Florida State. There are still some projections that have them around the Last 4 In so as long as they either face Clemson again in the quarterfinals or beat whoever else makes it to them, Georgia Tech should be in solid shape.