Ah...expectations, they're out there, just ask any Duke fan about what will happen next season. Ask any NC State fan about their basketball team and their incoming recruits. Talk to the Virginia Tech faithful about Malcolm Delaney's decision to return to school and you'll hear the hope of a fanbase.
How quickly people forget where we were just one year ago. Let's see, about a year ago Elliot Williams decided to transfer, Duke was going to have a high school kid come to school early, and Harrison Barnes had just picked UNC over Duke. The Blue Devils were on the decline and the game had passed by Mike Krzyzewski Georgia Tech had a great incoming class coming in and Derrick Favors would once again allow Paul Hewitt to return to national prominence. Deon Thompson was a dominant force for the US National Team and some kid named John Wall had finally announced he was going to Kentucky. After losing Tyrese Rice, Boston College looks to a solid core of returning players surrounded by Joe Trapani and Rakim Sanders and is picked by most as a tournament team.
Things don't always turn out just like they seem, do they?
Let's play a little game, IF 2010-11 GOES LIKE 2009-10...
- ...then the team not named Duke or UNC with the highly rated recruiting class won't live up to the hype. I'm looking at you NC State and Wake Forest.
- ...the team picked 2nd in the conference, the unassuming, defensive minded, team with the experienced backcourt and a key player returning will win the ACC and make a run in the tournament. I'm looking at you Virginia Tech.
- ...the team that loses their heart and soul guard but returns most of their roster will in fact struggle mightily despite the returning talent. I'm looking at you Maryland
- ...the team that wears Orange from South Carolina will jump out to a great early season record mainly due to an inferior schedule, only to hit the ACC and be totally unprepared. I'm looking at you Clemson, it seems to happen every year.
- ...the defensive minded team that has a player raise his game to the next level will compete for the ACC title. I'm looking at you FSU.
- ...the preseason freshman player of the year will never dominate like expected, but in fact have ups and downs as most freshmen do. Nice to meet you Harrison Barnes.
- ...the new incoming coach will get off to a good start and raise expectations far too high. Bzdelik, Brownell, Donahue, take your choice.
- ...the preseason player of the year, Kyle Singer will once again not win the award, due to a player from up north that doesn't have to share the limelight...I'm looking at you Malcolm Delaney.
- ...the preseason favorite coming off of a National Championship will be in fact relegated to the NIT. I'm looking at you Duke.
Keep the list going, add more in the comments section...
