Busting Brackets
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UNC drops, Virginia and Virginia Tech rises in latest ACC Basketball power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 4, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Michael Collins Jr. (2) reacts to his first half basket against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Michael Collins Jr. (2) reacts to his first half basket against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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ACC Florida State Seminoles guard Matthew Cleveland (35) and Darin Green Jr. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
ACC Florida State Seminoles guard Matthew Cleveland (35) and Darin Green Jr. Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /

. Previous: . Seminoles . 14. team. 435.

There was a hint that Louisville would struggle after not landing a guard to join Ellis in the backcourt but few would suspect the Seminoles being as bad as they’ve been so far. There are some legit excuses, having lost projected starting forward Jaylen Gainey for the season with an injury, along with top-50 freshman forward Baba Miller being suspended for the first 16 games from the NCAA.

The depletion of the frontcourt depth has been a problem, with freshman forward Cameron Corhen probably getting more minutes than he should right now. And making matters worse, Cam Fletcher, who’s been averaging 10.8 ppg and a team-leading 7.5 rpg in the starting lineup, has just been declared out for the season after suffering a knee injury.

But an even bigger problem has been the underwhelming backcourt. Former five-star prospect Matthew Cleveland hasn’t taken that sophomore breakout leap as many expected in the offseason, while point guard Jalen Warley leads them with 3.5 apg but isn’t a scoring threat. And shooting guards, Caleb Mills and Darin Green being off and on.

It’s bizarre to see a Leonard Hamilton-coached team playing just 6-7 guys in a game but that’s what depth has put them. And with no starpower in the backcourt, that explains losses to Siena, Troy, and Stetson in the non-conference. The good news is this weekend is the easiest game possible, a matchup with winless Louisville.