2008 ACC Basketball Preview

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) includes four clubs that are veritable top-25 teams. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Miami Hurricanes and Duke Blue Devils are all in this elite mix. The North Carolina Tar Heels, who are considered to be tops in the conference, are also thought to be perhaps the best team in the nation.

The Tar Heels of North Carolina are talented, strong and deep. The frontcourt, which features Tyler Hansbrough, is exceptional, while the backcourt offers elite guard Ty Lawson. The NCAA Finals are in this team’s future.

The Miami Hurricanes see their top players return for another year, making this team a true contender. With four seasoned starters back, including guard supreme Jack McClinton, this team should be back in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight season.

Mike Krzyzewski’s Duke Blue Devils are lacking an inside game and that will hurt this team’s chances of going deep into the tourney. Still, coach “K” knows how to win. Duke possesses talent and should never be counted out. Freshman Elliot Williams, a backcourt wiz, will slash to the basket and score.

Everyone is coming back for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Plus, the Deacons managed to muster one of the top frosh classes in the nation. With three top 50 high school players, this is a notable team composed of fine vets and rookies.

Will the Virginia Tech Hokies go to the Big Dance this time? They were not invited last season and want to ensure that they’ll be there in 2009. The Clemson Tigers have lost some key talent and that will compromise their chances in 2008-2009.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have talent but need to become a team, while the Maryland Terrapins offer a fine backcourt but are lacking depth and talent upfront. The Wolfpack of NC State are NIT bound, but they could go to the Big Dance if certain guys step up.

Boston College features one of the finest guards in the conference—Tyrese Rice. However, the rest of the club is thin. Three of the Florida State Seminoles’ top four scorers are gone and so too are this team’s hopes of finishing any higher than tenth. Finally, Sean Singletary, the heart and soul of the Virginia Cavaliers, is gone. What will this team do? They’ll probably finish last.

The battle for second place in the ACC will be between the Canes, Devils and Deacons. First place goes to the North Carolina Tar Heels.

2008 ACC Basketball Predictions

Click on School Link For Individual Team Preview

1) North Carolina Tar Heels
2) Miami Hurricanes
3) Duke Blue Devils
4) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
5) Virginia Tech Hokies
6) Clemson Tigers
7) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
8) Maryland Terrapins
9) NC State Wolfpack
10) Boston College Eagles
11) Florida State Seminoles
12) Virginia Cavaliers