BALLSY ACC RANKINGS – WEEK THREE

Here are this week’s ACC Power Rankings. It was a rough week for the ACC, as it seemed almost everyone suffered a loss. The Devils earned the top spot after winning the NIT, while NC State moves up nearly half-a-dozen slots. The biggest loser was Maryland, who had a rough time in Hawaii. Enjoy.

1. Duke
The victory over No 13 Connecticut boosts the Blue Devils to No 1 in the ACC. John Scheyer’s 10.3/1 assist-to-turnover ratio should impress even the greatest Scheyer haters.

2. North Carolina
Larry Drew’s 10 assists against Nevada was a good sign for the Tar Heels faithful. However, a new question has emerged…which freshman will Coach Williams be able to rely on once ACC play starts, particurally at the guard spot? Strickland and McDonald are shooting in the low 30’s, hitting only 1-11 from behind the three-point line.

3. Clemson
A great comeback win over No 10 Butler will help Tigers fans get over the A&M loss, but Trevor Booker needs to get more shots. Four times in seven games, he has failed to take double-digit shots. He’s an All-ACC player, get him the damn rock.

4. Florida State
Solomon Alabi only hit four shots against Marquette Sunday night, but his last one with 11.9 seconds left, handed the Seminoles a one-point win over a solid Marquette squad. Great players make great plays at big moments, that’s what mamma always taught me.

5. Georgia Tech
Freshman Derrick Favors is hitting an astonishing .722 from the floor. Over his last three games, he’s hit 18 of his last 21 shots. However, he has yet to take 10 or more shots in a game this season. Are you seeing a theme here in my week three rankings?

6. North Carolina State
There have been plenty of early season loses in the ACC and I’ll admit, I’m surprised the Wolfpack wasn’t one of those. Junior Tracy Smith has led the way, averaging a double-double (15/11).

7. Virginia Tech
The Hokies have eight players averaging double-digit minutes, yet only two players are averaging double-digit points. Malcolm Delaney leads the team with 21.8 per game. He can thank his ability to get to the line. He has taken 43 free throws so far. The next top-three guys on the team have combined to take just 41 free throws.

8. Wake Forest
Not only did Wake lose to William & Mary, the game was no contest.  It didn’t help that the Demon Deacons took 36 three-point shots, hitting only 10. While guard Ishmael was the worse (2-9), Aminu was a solid 0-7 from three, 4-18 all together.

9. Miami
There are cupcakes and then there are cupcakes. The Canes may be 7-0 but three of those wins came against schools I didn’t even know existed until I saw them on Miami’s schedule (Nova Southest, Florida Gulf Coast and my personal favorite, USC Upstate).

10. Maryland
Hawaii was unkind for the Terps. After taking down Chaminade, they were no match for Cincinnati and Wisconsin. The first half was the problem. In those two loses, they’ve been outscored in the first 20 minutes, 58-35.

11. Boston College
Where’s the D? The Eagles have given up 80+ in four games, including both their loses. In their 12-point defeat to Northern Iowa, BC allowed the Panthers to shoot 65% from the field.

12. Virginia
For a guard, Sylven Landesberg really can’t shoot the long ball. A year after hitting only 31% of his three pointers, he’s at 22% so far this season. Of course he’s only taken nine threes this season.