When looking at the brackets released yesterday, there are obviously two omissions in regards to the ACC. Neither Maryland or FSU made the NCAA tournament, although according to the poll on this site up a few days ago, that is what most of our readers thought would happen.
For the 4 teams that made the tourney (Duke, UNC, NC State, and Boston College), it is time to start a new season. Let's take a look at what is ahead for each of these teams:
Duke: The Blue Devils are a #1 seed and should walk through their tournament opener (CBS 9:40 on Thursday), as #1 seed should. With a win, the Blue Devils could face either of two dangerous teams in George Washington and UNCW. GW might be missing one of their better players in Pops Mensah-Bonsu, which would significantly affect Shelden Williams ability to score down low. That being said, UNCW is a legit team as well, so either matchup will be difficult. Further in the bracket, the Blue Devils could see a talented LSU team and a rematch with Texas is there as well. Prediction: The Blue Devils will make it to the Championship game.
NC State: Like Duke, the Wolfpack are in the Atlanta Bracket. Unlike Duke, State will get all they can handle in their tournament opener (CBS 7:20 on Friday) against California. If NC State manages to get past Cal, #2 seed Texas is looming. All in all, the Wolfpack got a tough draw, but what they deserved with the way they finished their season. Prediction: Look for an opening round loss for the Wolfpack.
North Carolina: The tarheels open up with Murray St (CBS 9:30 on Friday), and unless UNC comes out with eyes glazed, should roll to the 2nd round. Waiting in the 2nd round could be Michigan St, a team that is very dangerous with their athleticism and physicality. The Spartans play George Mason, and just as easily could lose in the opening round. If UNC advances past the 2nd round, they could face #2 seed Tennessee, a good matchup for the Heels in my opinion. Further in the bracket lives #1 seed UCONN, who should advance to the regional final. Outside of the 2nd round matchup with Michigan State, this is a good draw for the Heels. Prediction: The Heels will make it to the regional final, and lose to UCONN.
Boston College: BC opens up with Pacific (CBS 12:40 on Thursday) in what may be tough for reasons off the basketball court. After an emotional loss, BC had to turn around and fly out to Salt Lake City for a Noon opener in the NCAA tournament. BC is an experienced team, so hopefully it won't affect them much, but along with getting only a #4 seed, the Eagles were done no favors. If BC can get by Pacific, a matchup with #5 seed Nevada or possible upset winner #12 Montana await. Further ahead could wait #1 seed Villanova. Prediction: Boston College will make it to the final 4 and lose to UCONN.
