STF Conference Preview: ACC

STF CONFERENCE PREVIEW: ACC



LAST SEASON RECAP: The ACC was easily the top conference in America last season. Basically every team outside of Wake Forest made some kind of impact. Seven teams went dancing (UNC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, BC, Maryland, Geroegia Tech) and two others had legit arguments to make it (Florida State, Clemson). Carolina and Virgina would end up sharing the regular season crown with the Heels winning the tournament. One flaw with ACC last season: no teams in the Final Four and only one even reached the Sweet 16.

TEAM TO BEAT: You would have to be a damn fool not to pick Carolina to repeat. Almost everyone is back and ACC looks like it will be down from last season

SECOND TIER: Expect Duke to improve from last season's disaster with the return of Nelson, Henderson, Palulus, and Scheyer (2007 annoying white Duke player to hate). NC State is going to be a major player as Coach Lowe returns the trio powered by Costner, Grant, McCauley. Clemson should finally reach the tournament. Virginia and Maryland lost a bunch but could be interesting.

SLEEPER: Miami - Last season's run in the ACC Tournament showed that this team has the talent. Returning are the ACC's top shot blocker in Anthony King and one of the best shooters in Jack McClinton. Don't sleep on the Canes.

OVERRATED: Boston College - Three starters return, but it's rebuilding time in Chestnut Hill. Gone are ACC Player of the Year Jared Dudley and Sean Marshall. Say hello to the NIT!

WORST TEAM: Wake Forest - Hate to do this in the wake of Skip Prosser's death, but a last place team from last season is losing it's top scorer and rebounder. And not exactly sure who is the veteran leader who will carry this squad through such a difficult time.

STF PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. North Carolina
2. NC State
3. Duke
4. Clemson
5. Virginia
6. Maryland
7. Miami
8. Florida State
9. Georgia Tech
10. Boston College
11. Virginia Tech
12. Wake Forest