2006 ACC Basketball Predictions

2006 ACC Preview

The Atlantic Coast Conference features some of the best teams that college basketball has to offer. This is a conference in flux. What will it look like when all is said and done? Here’s what we think.

The elite in the 12-team ACC are North Carolina, Boston College and Duke. Last season, the North Carolina Tar Heels outperformed all expectations. This year they have an exceptional freshman class and a bunch of talented and experienced players returning. They are one of the best in the nation.

The Boston College Eagles and the Duke Blue Devils make up the rest of the ACC’s big three. BC will rely on the talents of three returning players-- Jared Dudley, Tyrese Rice and Sean Williams and will look to develop its new guys quickly.

For the Duke Blue Devils, Coach K has put together another fine group of recruits. Last year’s freshman standout, Josh McRoberts, returns to exploit the center position, while freshman forward Lance Thomas will be given precious little time to mature. You can never count out a Coach K team.

The Maryland Terrapins have a cadre of talented but inexperienced players that expert coach Gary Williams may be able to fashion into an NCAA tournament team. This group will be able to move the ball and post up for rebounds. They won’t dominate the conference but they will help create a tough competitive edge.

Georgia Tech has some impressive freshmen, including point guard Javaris Crittenton and forward Thaddeus Young. The Yellow Jackets have a well-balanced team that can hit from the outside, post up and play effective “D.”

For the Virginia Cavaliers much of their strength and potential rests with their great guards—junior Sean Singletary and senior J.R. Reynolds. Second-year coach Dave Leitao has recruited some potential star frosh, including frontcourt-scoring threat Jamil Tucker. Look for the Cavs to improve even more this season. They are on the rise.

The Virginia Tech Hokies will feature one of the best backcourts in the ACC, while the Florida State Seminoles will have to contend with losing Alexander Johnson and his 13.2 PPG and 7.4 RPG to the NBA.

Clemson returns some sound sophomores but their latest recruits are a rung below the second-year guys. Sidney Lowe has come back from the pros to the NC State Wolfpack to try to resurrect their glory days. That will take time, hard work and insightful recruiting.

Wake Forest and its Demon Deacons will attempt to compete with a team loaded with sophomores and freshmen. The future, however, may be theirs. The Miami Hurricanes have the same problem as Wake Forest, inexperienced players with potential.

That’s a thumbnail sketch of the ACC. For more information take a look at each team’s individual profile by clicking on the team links below.

2006 ACC Basketball Predictions

Projected Order of Finish, Click on Team Name for Individual Team Preview:

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