So far this season, the ACC is a combined 45-8 with 5 teams represented in the top 25. The perennial powerhouse #7 Duke has begun the season 4-0 against poor competition, but look like they will be able to score in bunches like they have in the past. They have scored 96+ points 3 of the 4 games this season, and have 5 players averaging over 11 points a game. They are led by senior G Jon Scheyer and junior G Nolan Smith who are averaging 16.5 points per game and 22 points per game respectively.
The other perennial powerhouse #12 UNC has had an interesting start to the ‘09-’10 season. They have averaged around 85 points per game, and already have a loss to a tough Syracuse team. Their offense is not as potent as last year, but with 5 freshman and 4 sophomores on their squad, you would expect improved consistently as the players get more comfortable and confident with their rolls. Their senior F Deon Thompson has been a monster inside averageing 16.8 points and 9 rebounds per game.
The #19 Clemson Tigers look strong to begin the season, but have not yet been tested by a top team. The entire 15 person roster plays, all averaging at least 1 point, with only 3 players averaging in double-figures. If coach Oliver Purnell can continue to get production from his bench, and F Trevor Booker can average a double-double, they could contend for an ACC championship.
As for the rest of the ACC, Miami, NC State, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech are all undeafeated, but have not face stiff competition yet. Maryland is currently #22 in the country, but with their loss yesterday to Wisconsin, they will probably fall a bit. Georgia Tech is sitting in the final top 25 spot and a 3-1 record. Their loss to Dayton is an indication that they are still quite inconsistent and will need to improve offensively if they want to compete.
Stay tuned for overviews of the Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, and SEC over the next few days.
If you would like to read more from B-Dogg, visit his blog at www.sportsaholicbrian.blogspot.com.
Need More? Duke, NCAA, NCAA BB, North Carolina, Wake Forest
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nice write up.. I'm a UNC fan.. good to see what the rest of the conference shapes up like. I think UNC is going to have some trouble this season, losing all their leaders to the draft. Zeller really needs to step it up and become a consistent scorer. I like Clemson and Purnell's style of play. I look for them to make some noise like you stated.
BC Eagles baby, bc eagles
bc eagles
cool post
I agree, at least you are realistic. Most UNC fans expect a national championship every year, but they are rebuilding a bit. They will be strong come tournament time thanks to Roy Williams and his experience in developing players and understanding what it takes to win in March. Thanks for the comment!