2010-11 college basketball preview: The ACC
The Atlantic Coast Conference took a bit of a hit in 2009-10 when the North Carolina Tar Heels failed to put together a strong season and finished near the bottom of the conference with a 20-17 record. The 2010-11 season looks to be a more promising one
for the ACC, as the Tar Heels are expected to be moving back into form, while the rest of the teams will be in a heated battle for tournament berths.
Below is a list of the five teams that are likely to the lead the ACC in 2010-11.
Duke Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils are the nation’s number one ranked side heading into the start of the season. Duke is fresh off a NCAA championship, yet has still managed to maintain the core of their team, while acquiring several promising first year players.
The club will be led by All-American Kyle Singler and senior Nolan Smith. Both starters are expected to make the All-ACC team at the end of the season and Singler is considered one of the best players in the country. The Blue Devils will also count on the
development of brothers Miles and Mason Plumlee, who are expected to fill a major role for the squad. The Devils are also hoping that they will be able to get some clutch shooting from Seth Curry, who transferred in the off-season from the Liberty Flames.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech Hokies are expected to continue to develop after an impressive season in 2009-10, in which the club finished off the year third in the conference with a 25-9 record. The Hokies will be relying heavily on Malcolm Delaney, who is expected
to improve on last year’s already impressive numbers of 20.2 PPG and 4.5 APG. Delaney is great at slashing to the basket and should create space for forward Jeff Allen. The Hokies are a big team with big guards and should be able to use their sized effectively.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels were dreadful last season, only winning five games against their conference opponents. Head coach Roy Williams will be hoping his club can turn it around this season and get back to the big dance. There are a lot of question
marks on the Tar Heels roster, but if Williams is able to develop his team appropriately they could be very dangerous. Freshman Harrison Barnes is the prize of the 2010 recruiting class, as the 6’7” 215 pound freshman is expected to have a tremendous first
season in the NCAA.
North Carolina will also be hoping for a better season from Larry Drew, who averaged 5.9 APG last season, but struggled with turnovers. If Williams is able to get Drew’s turnover numbers under control he could be a very effective guard. Finally the development
of 7’0” centre Tyler Zeller is integral.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
The North Carolina Wolfpack has an opportunity to do some damage in a weaker ACC than normal. The club will be keying on Tracy Smith, who was fantastic last season averaging 16.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Moreover, the youngster was a 52% FG shooter last season and
should be able to develop even more with another year under his belt. More than anything the Wolfpack look to have a deep line-up with plenty of potential
Maryland Terrapins
The Maryland Terrapins will take a step back in 2010-11. The club lost ACC player of the year Greivis Vasquez, as well as Landon Milbourne and Eric Hayes. The loss of three starters does not bode well for the Terrapins. However, if sophomore Jordan Williams
is able to build on a successful freshman season, Maryland may be able to get back to the tournament.
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