The ACC season is nearly a quarter of the way through and nearly all preseason predictions have been tossed out the window. The ACC standings show that some teams that were expected to contend are at the bottom of the standings, while some teams that struggled in non-conference play are bouncing back. Here are list of Contenders & Pretenders:
Contenders
- Duke - The Blue Devils have been led by their two All Americans, but have also received support from guards Sean Dockery and Greg Paulus which have maintained them at the top of the conference. When Demarcus Nelson finally returns healthy, Duke will be tough to beat.
- NC State - The Wolfpack had a hiccup in Chapel Hill, but have played well at home and on the road. The Pack basically have 6 players with Andrew Brackman coming off the bench. All six players are averaging right at double figures, but the key to this team is Cedric Simmons who gives the Pack a presence in the paint.
- UNC - Like the Wolfpack, the Tarheels had a hiccup when they played Miami this past weekend. Roy Williams knows he has a young team, and inconsistent play will happen, but the Heels have proven they can win on the road, something very important to contending for an ACC crown.
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AP/Sara Davis/Yahoo! |
Pretenders
- Maryland - The Terps had two tough road losses against Miami and Duke which throws them into the pretender list. Gary Williams team looked oddly similar to last season's rendition before beating Wake Forest on Sunday night.
- Wake Forest - The Demon Deacons have started 0-3 in the conference have too many question marks to contend. The Deacs have no 3rd scorer, no point guard, and haven't found a way to stop people on the defensive end yet.
- Boston College - The Eagles just got their first conference win in what has been a rude welcome to the ACC. Boston College must find a way to get more scoring from someonne not named Jared Dudley or Craig Smith.
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AP/Chris Gardner/Yahoo! |
