Most Mondays I'll try to take a look at the conference and give my two cents on how I'd rank the conference from top to bottom. I'm sure you'll have an opinion on my rankings, so if you disagree post your own rankings in the comments section below.
- Duke: The Blue Devils without Nolan Smith in the lineup would probably be ranked 3rd or lower. With Smith back in action the Blue Devils' offensive efficiency is nearly 140 in the last two games. By the way, how about freshman Andre Dawkins scoring 20 points on 7-9 shooting (6-8 3 pointers) against Radford.
- Clemson: The Tigers really impressed me when I watched them against Liberty last week. With the departure of Rivers and Oglesby some were concerned about the Tigers perimeter play, but Purnell replaced two perimeter shooters with a handful of guys that can knock down the open shot or create for others off of the dribble.
- UNC: The Heels lost to Syracuse in New York due to turnovers and lack of perimeter shooting. As bad as things were in the second half on Friday, there were some good things against Ohio State in the game prior. The Heels defense was impressive against the Buckeyes and that is how the Heels will have to make their mark this season.
- Miami: Similar to the Heels, turnovers have been the issue for Miami. Miami currently leads the conference in turnover % at 26%. This is going to happen when you're relying on two ACC newcomers at point in Durand Scott and Malcolm Grant. The good news is that when Miami isn't turning the ball over they are very efficient scoring the basketball. Miami is 2nd in the ACC in FG% and 3rd in 3 PT %.
- Maryland: This season has been about defense for Maryland. The Terps lead the ACC in defensive efficiency allowing just 67 points per 100 possessions.
- Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets loss to Dayton shouldn't hurt them in March as the Flyers are a solid team. Despite the talent on the roster, offense has been the issue so far for Paul Hewitt's team. Georgia Tech is dead last in assist/turnover ratio in the ACC and must improve their halfcourt offense.
- FSU: The Noles lead the ACC in efficiency margin after three games. Most impressive is the offensive balance FSU has shown. Through 3 games eight Seminoles average 7 points per game or more.
- Boston College: The Eagles impressed me by their performance in their 2 first games without Rakim Sanders, Corey Raji, and Cortney Dunn. Unfortunately, they'll continue to have to play without Sanders after an ankle injury will keep him out another 2 weeks. The Tyler Roche for ACC player of the year bid has slowed after Roche averaged just 5 points per game over the last 2 games.
- Wake Forest: Wake Forest has been bit by the turnover bug so far and the Demon Deacons are still searching for an identity outside of Al-Farouq Aminu. Aminu has been as advertised thus far averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds in Wake's 3 wins.
- Virginia Tech: The Hokies are going to be in for a long season until Seth Greenberg can find a viable third scoring option. I thought JT Thompson was going to be the guy, but the junior is averaging just 16.5 minutes per game.
- NC State: While I picked them last in my preseason predictions I'm impressed with NC State winning the Glen Wilkes Classic. Thats as much as I can say about a team that still has the second worst efficiency margin in the ACC.
- Virginia: Not surprisingly the tempo has slowed at Virignia by nearly 10 possessions per game from last season. The good news for UVA is that the points per game has actually increased from 70 to 72 points per game.
