It's the beginning of the ACC basketball season, so let's take a quick run through the ACC rosters and rank the top 5 guards, forwards, and centers in the league.
The interesting thing about an exercise like this is that it shows where the depth of the league will be. In this case, I believe its in the ACC forwards.
The Rules
- To keep things simple a player under 6'4" is a guard, Between 6'4" and 6'8" is a forward, and taller is a center.
- This ranking will be based on a combination of talent and expected production.
Top 5 ACC Guards
- Marcus Paige
- Jerian Grant
- Tyus Jones
- Codi Miller-McIntyre
- Terry Rozier
Also Considered: Olivier Hanlan, Angel Rodriguez, Kaleb Joseph, Cat Barber, Trevor Lacey
The first two were really easy, but it got messy quick after that.
Top 5 ACC Forwards
- Montrezl Harrell
- Malcolm Brogdon
- Justin Jackson
- Justise Winslow
- Pat Connaughton
Also Considered: Aaron Thomas, Michael Young, Wayne Blackshear
Just like with the guards, the top two players were no brainers. The two young guys at 3 and 4 make the college game look easy, despite their inexperience. Connaughton got the nod at 5 because he's a heckuva pitcher, otherwise you could make a case for any of the others considered.
Top 5 ACC Centers
- Jahlil Okafor
- Devin Thomas
- Chris McCullough
- Brice Johnson
- Zach Auguste
Also Considered: Mike Tobey, Landry Nnoko, Rakeem Christmas, Kennedy Meeks
Okafor was the easy pick for the top spot here, while Thomas is the only other proven commodity in my mind. McCullough's freak athleticism will stand out for Syracuse and I expect Johnson and Auguste to have big years.
I know someone wants to know how I left _____ off my list. My only comment is, if you second guess me, I challenge you to give me your top 5 including ______.