STF Conference Reports: The ACC

Looks like this post (much like Matt Causey) is going to be short and sweet. Didn't get to see as much ball this week as I would have liked (damn you, real job), but I have read enough to be relevant on this post. Screw this whole leap year excitement. Anyone ready for the Duke/UNC rematch to decide the East #1 seed?

Team of the Week: North Carolina

Was there any doubt? Besides the game at Duke, UNC has rolled over its opponents on way to regaining the #1 ranking in the polls this coming week. Hansbrough has been unstoppable, Quentin Thomas has been viable and the rest of the rosters has started playing some defense. I do not see another loss coming until they get to that awesome March 6th showdown in Cameron. Then, who knows. Oh, and in case you haven't heard, Ty Lawson is back. So, that's kind of a big deal.

Worst of the Week: Wake Forest

Sorry Deacs. You had all this NCAA Tournament momentum after that huge win against Duke. Then, you come out and are barely competitive against UNC. That is understandable, seeing how well they have been playing, but you didn't even scare them a bit. Then, you get to polish that resume a bit more by getting Maryland at home... and you blow it. You live by the freewheelin' style, you die by the freewheelin' style. If you are trying to make the tournament, you should start by knocking off another probably tournament team on your home turf. Not the way to keep the momentum going.

Player of the Week: Tyler Hansbrough, UNC

I have done my best to keep him off this list so far this year, but in the end, much like every team he competes against, you just have to give up at some point. The kid has been absolute dynamite since Ty Lawson went out and if it weren't for this pesky freshman in Manhattan, KS, ole Tyler would have National Player of the Year all locked up. Perhaps the Lawson injury was the best thing that could have happened to this team. With him out, they have been forced to rely on the burly shoulders of their dominant All American. Which seemingly everyone knew (except for Roy Williams). Fate forced your hand there, Roy, and now you look like a genius. Keep Hansbrough on the court and you won't be leaving the state again until you (potentially) get to San Antonio.

What To Watch For:

3/1 Duke @ NC State (could decide Freshman of the Year in the ACC)

3/1 Wake @ Georgia Tech (on thin ice, the Deacs need this for a NCAA Tournament push)

3/1 Virginia @ Miami (read the parenthetical analysis directly above me. Substitute Canes for Deacs)

3/2 Clemson @ Maryland (one team will rise, another will fall -- in the NCAA Tournament seeding)

3/4 FSU @ Carolina (you think Uche Echefu wishes he would have picked the Tar Heels now?)