ACC Basketball: 2022 conference tournament preview and predictions

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 10: Light depicting the ACC logo shines on the court prior to a game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Semifinals of the 2012 Men's ACC Tournament at the Philips Arena on March 10, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. North Carolina defeated NC State 69-67. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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ACC Basketball Virginia Cavaliers forward Jayden Gardner Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Teams to keep an eye on

Team to beat: Duke

For the majority of the season, Duke has been the lone team in the league that was ranked among the top-25 and they have been the favorite to cut down the nets. In Coach K’s swan song, it would be apropos of the Blue Devils to make sure he goes out in style. Missing the NCAA tournament is not in question here, so all that is at stake for Duke is a trophy and potential seed line implications.

Top contender: Wake Forest

As I have said before I think Wake Forest might be Duke’s top competition for the title. The duo of Williams and LaRavia has been outstanding all year and even though they were swept by Duke in the regular season, the meeting in Winston-Salem was a two-point affair in which the home team trailed by as many as 17 in the second half.

Sleeper: Virginia

Picking a dark horse in such a conference that has been mediocre by power conference standards is difficult. I’ll pick Tony Bennett and the Virginia Cavaliers, who while having a disappointing season by their own standards, for a few reasons. First, Jayden Gardner is an elite scorer and can get a bucket when the Hoos need it.

Second, they are the slowest team in college basketball in terms of tempo so they limit possessions of their opponents, and lastly, they are still a very good defensive team. A team that plays slow and plays defense will always have a chance to win games.