We were lucky enough to have 3 online notables from the world of ACC Basketball to join us, TheCourtMaster who posts over at TheCourtMaster.net, James who you can find over at the Duke Basketball Report, and Watzone who runs The Blue Devil Nation. We've received some fantastic feedback about part 1 from our ACC Basketball Roundtable, so we are proud to present to you part 2...
6. What effect, if any, will Virginia's new arena have on the Cavaliers?
TheCourtMaster: Well, Maryland's recent drop off has shown that a beautiful new arena is no guarantee of success, but I think Cavalier coach Dave Leitao has this program on an upswing and the arena will add to that positive momentum.
James: It may get credit for more than it deserves; Virginia's ACC schedule should put them in a strong position for an NCAA invitation.
Watzone: It is a plus for recruiting, but even the home team adjusts in the first season, so I will say very little this year.
JP: If nothing else, It should bring excitement around the Virginia program, and possibly making Virginia home games an "experience". Combine that with a UVA team that has some exciting players, and it could be a powerful combination.
7. Which ACC coach will be on the hotseat in February?
TheCourtMaster: It's a toss up between Skip Prosser at Wake Forest and Frank Haith at Miami. No team underachieved more last season that the Deacons, and Prosser is pretty much starting over this year. This will Haith's third year at Miami, and if still doesn't have an NCAA trip to show for it, the few natives that care in Coral Gables will get restless.
James: None. Gary Williams could be there in year or so if Maryland stays out of the NCAA's, but the weaker teams still have relatively junior coaches. Skip Prosser will also be in trouble in a year or two.
Watzone: Gary Williams and Maryland have disappeared since their National title. If they struggle, he is the choice. Frank Haith of Miami if not.
JP: I get that sense that Maryland fans are getting impatient with Gary Williams. There may have been some unreal expectations after the national championship, but Williams hasn't had much success the last few seasons and the roster probably isn't as good this year as it was the last two.
8. With the top recruiting classes pulled in by ACC schools in the offseason, what 1 player do you see as a lock to be 1 and done and heading to the NBA next season?
TheCourtMaster: Either one of Georgia Tech's studs, point guard Javaris Crittenton and forward Thaddeus Young. They both already have NBA bodies and NBA games.
James: I don't follow the NBA. I've been told that Thad Young at Georgia Tech is the best bet.
Watzone: Thaddeus Young and Brandan Wright lead the pack in my opinion and are equal in my eyes for departure at this moment.
JP: Brandan Wright has NBA written all over him with his combination of height and athleticism.
9. Coach of the Year
TheCourtmaster: Paul Hewitt
James: Dave Leitao
Watzone: Paul Hewitt
JP: Seth Greenberg
10. Freshman of the Year
TheCourtMaster: Javaris Crittenton
James: Thad Young
Watzone: Tywon Lawson or Thaddeus Young
JP: Thaddeus Young
11. Player of the Year
TheCourtMaster: Tyler Hansbrough
James: Tyler Hansbrough
Watzone: Tyler Hansbrough
JP: Jared Dudley
12. 1st Team All-ACC
TheCourtMaster: Tyler Hansbrough, Greg Paulus, Jared Dudley, Al Thornton, Josh McRoberts
James: Greg Paulus, Thad Young, Al Thornton, Tyler Hansbrough, Jared Dudley
Watzone: Tyler Hansbrough, Josh McRoberts, Jared Dudley, Al Thornton, Sean Singletary
JP: Jamon Gordon, Tyler Hansbrough, Jared Dudley, Sean Singletary, Al Thornton
13. Regular Season Champs
TheCourtMaster: UNC
James: Logic says UNC, heart says Duke
Watzone: UNC
JP: UNC
