Let's take a trip around the league...
Boston College
- The Eagles are relying too much on the jumpshot. In there loss to Wake Forest, 2 out of every 3 shots came from outside of the paint.
- Josh Southern and Joe Trapani haven't been the answer posting up, so why not post up Rakim Sanders more often? The bullish Sanders often is bigger than his defensive counterpart and has a nice game with his back to the basket. Of course this didn't work against Wake who matched up 6'9, 235 pound James Johnson.
Clemson
- Despite the fact both Clemson and Wake Forest are undefeated, I'm not getting a sense of national buzz. Maybe, I'm missing it?
- The Tigers have been good this season, but not as good as Wake Forest. The size and athleticism of Wake is tough for any team to match up with, but one difficult matchup for the Tigers is 6'3" KC Rivers vs 6'9" Al-Farouq Aminu. It will be interesting to see how Purnell handles such a matchup.
- One guy that impressed me in Clemson's last game against NC State was Tanner Smith. Smith was active defensively and showed a well rounded offensive game.
Duke
- Where has the Blue Devil offense gone? In 3 out of their last 4 games (VT - 107.8, FS - 100.6, GT - 109.7), their team offensive efficiency has gone down. In the 4th game, against Davidson, the Blue Devils had a long cold spell and saw a 25 point lead closed to 8.
- Despite the offensive woes, the Blue Devils have found Gerald Henderson. Henderson received preseason accolades, but started slowly this season averaging just 10 points per game over his first 9 games. Over the Blue Devils last 7 games, Henderson has averaged 17.4 points per game.
- The Nolan Smith/Greg Paulus debate has started to rise once again between Blue Devils fans. Smith has struggled since injuring his knee against Loyola MD while Paulus has started to find his jumpshot. Let me end the debate, Paulus is a reserve now. Despite the offensive woes, Duke wins with defense and Greg Paulus is simply not quick enough.
Florida State
- I like this team. In fact, I really like this team. The Seminoles have a few NBA-caliber players on their team, and the team is finally getting healthy.
- The addition of Derwin Kitchen may be just what the Noles needed. Kitchen reminds me a lot of a right handed version of former Virginia Tech guard Jamon Gordon. Its not just the physical resemblance, but Kitchen's pass first approach and versatility in the backcourt is a lot like Gordon. Ok, the defense isn't comparable from what I've seen of Kitchen, but the two are comparable.
- One more thing, Leonard Hamilton, get Soloman Alabi some touches.
Georgia Tech
- This team is hard to watch. Just talking about them, I'm pretty sure I just turned the ball over.
- Free throws...sigh.
- The combination of Gani Lawal and Alade Aminu have certainly been a bright spot. Aminu may be the most improved player in the nation, while Lawal is fulfilling the high expectations he received when he arrived last season.
- With Maurice Miller back, the Yellow Jackets should get a little bit better, but Paul Hewitt has to abandon the 3 big lineup.
- One more thing, I've watched the Yellow Jackets several times and I'm pretty sure Lance Storrs doesn't miss from behind the arc. Here's a crazy thought, put him and Clinch in on the wings and create some space for your bigs.
Maryland
- Is it just me or was the Vasquez booing just what this team needed? Vasquez loves to play in tough environments, and he was just looking to help him and his team out by making his own fans disgruntled.
- That said, the Miami loss was unacceptable. The Terps had the game all but won, but let Miami have too many opportunities to get back in it.
Miami
- Stop shooting so many jumpshots and get Dwayne Collins the ball. Collins was double-teamed against the Terps for most of the game, but the sophomore found a way to help his team even without field goal attempts, grabbing 6 offensive boards.
- The rumors are that Eddie Rios is done for the year and will likely transfer after the season. The loss of Rios will hurt the Canes as it leaves them with only Lance Hurdle as a true point guard. James Dews and Jack McClinton will have to take on more of the ballhandling responsibilities going forward.
North Carolina
- Awkward works. That's what I told my wife while watching the UVA/UNC game last night. Officials typically call something on a play that looks awkward, and nobody benefits more than Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough went to the line 17 times (making 15) against the Cavaliers due to his unconventional play and his hard work.
- One thing opponents must have seen in the Heels' two losses to BC and Wake Forest is that the UNC perimeter defense can be exploited. All you need is a point guard as good as Tyrese Rice or Jeff Teague and you can beat the Heels. Anyone else in the ACC that can claim that?
North Carolina State
- After the debacle that was Tuesday night's loss to FSU, its clear to me that NC State's players are playing scared. Only Courtney Fells played more than 26 minutes and 10 players played at least 11 minutes. An 11th player, Javier Gonzalez, entered the game for the first time in the 2nd half at a crucial point in the game only to turn it over twice.
- Sidney, here's some advice, let your players play. Prior to the game, define roles and let your players play. Set expecations for your players, and let your players play.
Virginia
- This is a team that is struggling because their young. The Cavaliers have solid core of young talent in Mike Scott and Sylven Landesberg, but not much else.
- The sad part of Virginia's season has been the play of the experienced players such as Calvin Baker and Mamadi Diane. Diane has shot just 29% from the floor made just 7% of his three point shots. Baker has played a bit better making 39% and 24%, respectively, but questionable decision making has seen him exit the starting lineup.
Virginia Tech
- Outside of the Hokies Big Three, someone needs to
