2010-11 STATS: 10.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 APG (.427/.714/.222)

DEEP THOUGHTS:
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No 1. NORTH CAROLINA
The Tar Heels are not just the number one team in the ACC, they are the clear number one team in the land. They return everybody that matters, including potential All-American Harrison Barnes. You could argue that the Tar Heels have not only the best small forward (Barnes) in the conference, but also the top point guard (Marshall), best center (Zeller) and best power forward (Henson). While I wouldn’t label Strickland the top SG, he’s still pretty effective.

If you’re looking for any kind of weakness, maybe we could talk about frontcourt depth, but let’s be honest, incoming freshman James McAdoo will probably be better than Justin Knox. Anything short of a national championship will be a disappointment for this team.

No. 2 DUKE
The Blue Devils are stunningly deep next season, to the point where I have no idea how Coach K is going to handle it. Hell, their incoming freshman class (Cook, Rivers, Gbinije, Murphy and Marshall Plumlee) could all start and still finish second in the ACC. Assuming Austin Rivers is as good as advertised, then Duke is looking like a solid 2-seed (potential one) in the NCAA Tournament.

However, if they’re looking to remain the top dogs of the ACC over UNC, then the Plumlee brothers (I’m talking about Miles and Mason) need to step up their games. They are the keys to any late push into March.

No. 3 MIAMI
This is where things get hazy. The ACC is clearly North Carolina/Duke and then everyone else. The popular third pick will be the Seminoles, but I’m going to shake things up and put the Hurricanes up to three. I really think Jim Larranaga is going to improve this veteran team.

The fact is, I love their “Big Three” of Malcolm Grant, Durant Scott and big man Reggie Johnson. I’m especially excited to see Johnson in the middle. I think the 300-pound center will play like an All-ACC player next season.

No. 4 FLORIDA STATE
The Seminoles lost their two top players in Singleton and Kitchen. Don’t discount how important the pair were. In fact, I would argue Kitchen was the bigger loss, because he’s going to be the toughest to replace.

Ian Miller will take over the point guard role, even though his natural skill set is scoring. If he can run the offense and keep the turnovers to a minimum, then I’d probably stick them back up to the three spot in the ACC. I just suspect he’s going to be sizzle some days and fizzle others.

In the end though, Hamilton’s team has always been about the defense and that won’t change. Okaro White, Bernard James and Xavier Gibson will again make life difficult in the paint for just about everybody.

No. 5 CLEMSON
You have to hand it to Coach Brownell, he has a strategy…although I’m not sure what it is. With the addition of five new freshman (all should be coming off the bench in 2011-2012), the Tigers might have the most athletic team in the ACC. However, Clemson will probably be the worst shooting team in league as well.

Three things need to happen for Clemson to head back to the NCAA Tournament. First, Andre Young needs to stop jacking up threes and be a Kendal Marshall-type facilitator. Second, Devin Booker needs to become a finisher inside like his brother and third, Milton Jennings needs to show us why he was a McDonald’s All-American. (more…)

As exciting as that write was though, today is a new day and it’s time to really impress you with part two. Impressed yet? You shouldn’t be, I haven’t even started yet.

Wednesday, December 1st

Purdue @ Virginia Tech
The Hokies and Boilermakers will face off first the first time in this challenge. Virginia Tech has only played in five of these so far, but they’ve managed to take three of the five. Purdue has never really proven itself in this challenge. They’re only 3-6, including an 0-4 mark on the road. In fact, they are one of three teams (Michigan and Iowa are the other two) that have never won on the road in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Purdue got off to a nice start to the season, winning five straight, before running into Richmond. Of course, like so many teams who start the season undefeated, Purdue hasn’t really played anyone and they really won’t until Big Ten play. Virginia Tech could be their toughest test.

So far, Purdue’s mission has been to find a solid third option with Ronnie Hummel out for the season. The fact is, a threesome is always better than a twosome. I believe I saw that on a video clip I found on the Internet. So far, that mission has not been a success.

E-Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson have combined to score over 37 points per game. That accounts for 47-percent of Purdue’s points. They’ve taken nearly half of the team’s shots. You have to figure that number is going to get worse once the Boilermakers stop playing cream puffs and get into the meat of their schedule.

Speaking of cream puffs, Virginia Tech has been crucified (and left out of the tournament) because of their non-threatening non-conference schedule in the past. This season, Seth Greenberg finally put some steak and potatoes on the schedule, but the problem is, someone has to remind them that they need to actually win one or two of these bad boys.

The problem for the Hokies so far is the fact they have two great guards, but they’re both naturally shooting guards. Both Malcolm Delaney and Dorenzo Hudson can score points (they’re producing over 32 a game right now), but both are struggling to hold on to the ball. Hudson has only 10 assists to 18 turnovers, but Delaney (who is actually playing the point) is worse. He has only 18 assists to 35 turnovers (that’s nearly six a game).

If the Hokies are going to get this ship turned around, there is no better time then a televised game, at home with the crowd going nuts.

WORTHLESS PREDICTION: Virginia Tech, 81-77

North Carolina State @ Wisconsin
These two have never met in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Wisconsin has won three of their last four games in the challenge, including heading Duke its first loss in this challenge last year. North Carolina State has dropped three of four.

The Wolfpack lost Tracy Smith for three weeks to a knee injury and so far, NC State has survived without their senior big man thanks to a balanced effort. In four games, a player has scored in double figures 17 times, yet no one has broken 20 points.

Heading into the season, C.J. Leslie and Ryan Harrow were the two big-named freshman headed to Raleigh, but freshman Lorenzo Brown has been the one getting it done. He leads the team in minutes (31.2), points (12.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.8) and is second in rebounds (5.2).

Wisconsin is off to a slow start, already suffering two loses to UNLV and Notre Dame. Neither defeat was a major upset, but the fact is, the Badgers are desperately looking for a go-to guy, who will take care of business during clutch time.

Against UNLV, the Badgers had a one-point lead with 4:38 to play. While they hit their free throws, they didn’t make a single shot down the stretch (shooting 0-5, turning it over three times).

At Notre Dame, Wisconsin had a nine-point lead with 10 to play. However, they would only hit two more shots the rest of the way before putting in a worthless three with seven seconds to go.

In the end though, the home crowd can get wild in Madison. The big question will be, how will NC State’s freshman handle the crowd and the pressure. My gut says they’ll crack in the end.

WORTHLESS PREDICTION: Wisconsin, 65-60

Indiana @ Boston College
Who would have thought that Boston College is the only undefeated team in this tournament. Sure they’ve only played four games, but that’s still impressive. One team they’ve never played is Indiana, who is only 3-6 in the challenge.

These two teams couldn’t be more opposite. It would be like matching up Paris Hilton with one of the Jonas Brothers. One is stacked with experience, while the other has none.

Of the 14 players on BC’s roster, two are freshman, three are juniors and a stunning nine are seniors. Based solely on games played, there is no more experienced team in the ACC. Yet, no one would bet their first born and say this is a good team.

If you look at just scoring totals, one might think Boston College is struggling to score. They’re averaging just over 67 per game (tied for last with Virginia in the ACC). However, sometimes numbers can lie. The reality is, the Eagles are actually 21st in the nation in AdjO, according to Ken Pom.

New coach Steve Donahue has forced his experienced squad to slow it down a bit and play smart, efficient basketball. The Eagles are fifth in turnover percentage, dishing out 25 more assists than turnovers. They’re also leading the ACC in free throw percentage (77-percent). Most importantly, they’re first in the ACC in scoring defense, giving up just 59 points per game.

Of course Indiana is in the process of a huge youth movement. Last year, Tom Cream’s group produced six wins, stuck playing a ton of freshman. This season, seven of their top eight scorers are either freshman or sophomores, yet they have already equaled their win total from last year.

Defense has been a big difference in 2010-2011. Last year the Hoosiers were last in the Big Ten in scoring defense, but this year they are giving up 16 points less per game. They’ve allowed their opponents to hit just 37-percent of their shots, while they’ve hit just under 50-percent from the floor.

Having said that, Indiana hasn’t really faced a real test so far. Their six opponents are just 14-19 and Indiana has handled them by the tune of 21 per game. At least the Eagles have already been through some competition this year.

WORTHLESS PREDICTION: Boston College, 76-68

(more…)

(3) KANSAS STATE OVER VIRGINIA TECH, 73-57
After being ripped for a cupcake schedule last season, Virginia Tech went out of their way to put some meat on their schedule this season. Against Kansas State, the Hokies had a chance to prove something. Saying they came up short might be an understatement.

The Kansas State Wildcats were without power forward Curtis Kelly and preseason all-american, Jacob Pullen missed most of the first half in foul trouble. Everything was coming up Hokie. Yet with a two-point lead with 14 to play, Virginia Tech collapsed. Kansas State went on a 28-9 run and the game was over.

So what went wrong?

The Hokies struggled with K-State’s pressure defense and their length. Malcolm Delaney actually had a double-double, but not the kind you like. He scored 22 (leading all scorers), but he turned it over 10 times. The reality is, if Delaney wants to play at the next level, the 6’3 guard will have to play the point, but in college, he’s most dangerous as the two guard.

In the end, Virginia Tech fans had to be disappointed in the scoring total (57) and the margin of defeat (16), but there is no real shame in losing on the road to the No. 3 team in the land. Their next true test will come in two weeks when Purdue comes to town. If they lose that one, then we have some issues in need of discussion.

(19) MEMPHIS OVER MIAMI, 72-68
Like Virginia Tech, the Miami Hurricanes have put together a more challenging schedule for themselves. While Memphis is no Kansas State, they are ranked (#19) and the game was at midnight. While Miami failed to walk away with a win, there were plenty of positives for this young Canes team.

They played great defense, holding Memphis to only 19 made baskets (including 4-22 from three). Miami also owned the boards, out-rebounding the Tigers 51-31. Miami’s two guards and stars, Durand Scott and Malcolm Scott, did score 38 points, although they needed 27 shots to get it. Too many.

In the end, the game was a tough, physical game. The two teams combined to take an incredible 75 free throw attempts. The Hurricanes actually led by four with just under four to play, but when Memphis took the lead back, they held it for good by hitting six of their last eight free throws.

(more…)

This year, coach Seth Greenberg is trying not to make that same mistake gain.

VIRGINIA TECH’S 2010-2011 SCHEDULE

Tech’s marquee match up comes early on the road against Kansas State. The Wildcats return three of five starters from an Elite-Eight squad. After that, they’ll head to Greensboro to face an always-tough UNC Greensboro, before heading west to play in the 76 Classic.

The Hokies will open up against Cal. State Northridge. If they win (which they should), they’ll take on the winner of the DePaul/Oklahoma State game. If they’re looking for the toughest match up, they’ll want the Cowboys, who’s RPI last year was #32.

Oddly enough, after opening the season at home against Campbell, Virginia Tech will go 18 days without a home game. When they do get back to Blacksburg, they’ll have Purdue waiting for them for the Big 10/ACC challenge.

The Boilermakers are a pre-season national title contender. If all goes according to plan, Purdue could be the second top-10 team (Kansas State being the other) the Hokies will face early in the season.

They do have some cupcakes remaining in non-conference play (USC Upstate, Mt. St. Mary’s, Longwood), but Virginia Tech will head south to the Bahamas a week before Christmas to take on Mississippi State. Overall, that would mean Virginia Tech would take on four top-100 teams before they entered the meat of conference play.

For the second straight year, the scheduling gods have given Virginia Tech a break in the ACC. They will only face North Carolina, North Carolina State and Duke once each. Those are the four teams I’m predicting the Hokies will be battling with for the top prize of the ACC.

Of course the highlight of the season will be their one match up with the defending champs. When Duke heads to Blacksburg, ESPN will follow. This will be the first time ESPN GameDay will be hosted on Virginia Tech’s campus for a basketball game.

• (PG-33) Tyrone Garland 6’0, 165) ☆☆☆
• (SF-18) Jarell Eddie (6’6, 209) ☆☆☆☆

One year after bringing five new faces in, coach Seth Greenberg took a break this year, nabbing only two. Yet when it comes to recruiting, quality matters more than quantity.

Of course, Virginia Tech returns (if you can believe this) everyone but a couple of scrubs. Five of their six players will be seniors. So this new pair could be allowed some time to grow.

First up is 6’1 Tyrone Garland. The 33^rd ranked point guard is simply known has a scrappy guard. He has some range (about 20-feet), but he’s primarily a slasher, who loves to attack the rim. His passing skills are so-so, since he has been a scoring guard throughout high school.

The big question for Garland is, can he play point or will he eventually switch over to two-guard? Let’s save that question for later.

Next up is Jarell Eddie. The 6’7 small forward from Charlotte, North Carolina is a big, strong wing, who’s not afraid to get dirty inside. In fact, Eddie could find himself playing some power forward before his Tech career is over.

Like so many current Hokies, Eddie thrives in traffic. He’s known for hanging in the air to get fouled and grabbing a ton of boards.

Yet, he’s not just a inside-wonder. He has an excellent mid-range shot and can hit the three from time to time. He’s athletic and can run from basket to basket, but he will need to work on his first-step and dribbling through defenses in the half court offense.

Ironically, Eddie ended up being a weapon on the recruiting trail as well. He helped bring in 4-star point guard, Marquis Rankin. You see the two are childhood friends, who have played together since they were nine.

Rankin had received scholarship offers from Ohio State, Wake Forest and had North Carolina eyeing him too. I have to believe if Eddie wasn’t in Blacksburg, Rankin wouldn’t be there.

Now this brings me back to my question about Tyrone Garland, is he a point guard or shooting guard? (more…)

Why? Easy…strength of schedule…or lack of strength.

Virginia’s non-conference SOS was ranked #339. There’s only 347 teams, so only eight team’s had worse ratings.

Heading into 2010-2011, the Hokies are looking to beef up their schedule and are even willing to travel to the dreary Bahamas in the middle of winter to do it.

Virginia Tech will take on the SEC’s Mississippi State Rebels in a college basketball doubleheader in the Bahamas on December 18.

The inaugural Battle At Atlantis will be played in a new 4,500-seat arena that’s opening in a 60,000 square-foot conference center.

Of course Virginia Tech isn’t the only “Tech” school from the ACC making the trip south. The other match up will feature Georgia Tech vs Richmond.

“IM COMIN BACC TO SCHOOL… Final 4.”

At that moment, all of Blacksburg celebrated. Last year’s scoring champ and first-team All-American, was returning for his senior year and just like that, Virginia Tech once again was one of the favorites to compete for the top spot in the ACC.

Of course, it’s not like the Hokies are a one-man band. In fact, two other players (Dorenzo Hudson and Jeff Allen) cracked the top-25 list. Yet, while this team could overcome the loss of Hudson or Allen, the last thing any Tech fan would want to imagine is a world where Delaney isn’t on the floor. Without him, it’s not only goodbye ACC title, but goodbye NCAA tournament bid (again).

At 6-3, Malcolm Delaney has good height to run the point, often playing both guard spots throughout the game. Delaney is most dangerous in the paint, becoming one of the ACC’s best finishers.

He’s a slasher and a scorer, who can take it in with either hand. He’s got a lightening quick first step, capable of driving it all the way through the trees to the rim or putting up a sweet mid-range jumper.

Most importantly, Delaney has an amazing knack for drawing fouls. He took a stunning 273 foul shots last year, 52 more than Jon Scheyer, who finished second in free throws.

Of course getting fouled is even more important since Delaney is the ACC’s top returning free throw shooter. He shot 84% from the charity stripe last year, which was actually down from 87% the year before.

If a flaw can be found in Delaney’s game, it’s the deep ball, which is a bit shocking considering the kid came in known for his outside touch. The fact is, his three-point shooting percentage has fallen each year — from .402 as a freshman to .354 as a sophomore, to a pretty unacceptable .306 last year. It’s no wonder he’s been shooting less each year (48% of his shots were threes as a freshman, 47% as a sophomore and 42% last year).

It’s great that he recognizes this and doesn’t let it rain from deep. It shows great basketball IQ, but the Hokies have a ceiling if their top guard can’t hit threes at a better rate his senior year. (more…)

At 6-5, 220, Hudson is one of the bigger, stronger shooting guards in the league. He has a solid mid-range shot and can handle the ball like a point guard. When he gets hot, there’s not much an opponent can do to stop him.

Of course it was easy to overlook Hudson last year. Prior to last season, he scored only 247 total points. For those of you who struggle with math, that’s 4.1 ppg for his career. In fact, prior to his junior year, Hudson was a bit gun shy, disappearing in Seth Greenberg’s offense.

Yet for some players, all it takes is one game, one glorious Teen Wolf-type game to bring out the inner-scorer in them. For Hudson, that one game was last January against Senton Hall. The junior scored 41 points against the Pirates. He jacked up 22 shots (career high) and was 20-21 from the line. Prior to that game, Hudson took double-digit shots in only twice (in of 72 career games). Afterwards, he took 10 or more shots in 18 of his last 21 games. That’s called confidence.

By the time the season ended, Hudson was 10^th in the conference in scoring. His 43% from the floor was the ACC’s ninth best. He earned third team All-ACC.

Heading into 2010-2011, Hudson returns for his senior year with high expectations. The team returns its top ten scorers, including five seniors. This of course includes the return of the ACC’s leading score, Malcolm Delaney.

The Hokie point guard will remain every opponent’s number one focus, which will continue to open things up for Hudson. (more…)

Luck. Yep, luck. He’s lucky because he gets to play with arguable the best guard combo in the conference. Seniors Malcolm Delaney and Dorenzo Hudson are every opponent’s focus and the pair open things up for Jeff Allen down low. It worked that way last year and it will again this year.

First though, let’s get the bad news out of the way.

At 6-7 and a cubby 230, Allen is a short power forward and an overweight small forward. He’s not a superior athlete, he’s not going to run past anyone and he’s no threat from behind the three-point line (he’s made 21 in three seasons).

Worse yet, after three full seasons as a starter, his numbers have never really improved. His scoring and rebounding actually dipped his junior season (13.7/8.4 to 12.0/7.4), as did his shooting percentage (.488/.470).

Hell, after reading the last couple of paragraphs, I’m almost ready to drop Jeff Allen off this list…almost. Yet, it’s easy to just look at the numbers from the past. It’s a bigger challenge to look ahead.

If you’ve actually gotten a chance to watch Allen play, you can see improvements in his game. He’s slimmed down since walking onto campus as a freshman at 260 pounds and even though he can barely outrun the refs in a foot-race, he does run the floor well and his footwork and ball-handling skills have gotten better each and every year. He’s created a solid quick-release, which makes up for the fact he can’t really out-jump most defenders. (more…)