BALLSY ACC POWER RANKINGS
Now that we’ve really hit our stride into ACC play, it’s time to pay attention to the ACC Power Rankings again.
No 1 DUKE
The next four weeks will tell us everything we need to know about your Duke Blue Devils. They have four road games, including three against ranked opponents (Clemson, Georgetown and North Carolina), not to mention a rematch against ranked Georgia Tech.
No 2 CLEMSON
Since losing to Duke, Trevor Booker has been on a roll. He’s taken 45 total shots (in three games) and is averaging 20ppg. They’ve won three-straight, including a 19-point ass-whopping of UNC, which seemed impressive at first, until you realize just about everyone has led by 20 against the Tar Heels.
No 3 VIRGINIA
You know what…why not? Sure the Cavs aren’t going to finish third in the ACC, but let’s give credit where credit is due. They’re the only undefeated team (3-0) and they are riding the league’s longest winning streak (7 in a row). Of course, they’ll be traveling to Wake next weekend, which should tell us what we need to know about this team.
No 4 GEORGIA TECH
The win over Carolina was the Yellow Jackets first big road win (after losing their last two against Virginia and Georgia). While Tech’s front court gets all the press, it has been Iman Shumpert doing all the damage recently. He was struggling for a bit after missing six games (6-25 in three games), but in his last two, he’s been flaming, hitting 17-31, scoring 30 against Carolina. No 5 MARYLAND
After struggling early in the season, Greivis Vasquez is getting it done. He’s third in the ACC in both points and assists, yet the Terps are more balanced than I expected them to be. Four players average over 11ppg, while nine players play at least 12 minutes per game.
No 6 WAKE FOREST
No shame in losing to Duke and don’t be fooled by the 20-point loss. The game was tighter than the final score. The fact is, the Demon Deacons have played some scrappy ball, win three overtime games in the past three weeks. The problem is, you can’t win anymore without a three-point shot and this team can’t hit the long ball. Wake is dead last in three’s made, while Ismael Smith is shooting a pathetic 21% from far away.
No 7 FLORIDA STATE
There’s been a lot of talk recently about whether the ACC is getting more physical. That I don’t know, but I do know that the refs are putting those whistles to use. In the Seminoles loss to NC State last week, 53 fouls were called, resulting in a stunning 69 free throw attempts. Of course this is bad news for FSU, who are second-to-last in free throw percentage, hitting only 63%.
No 8 NORTH CAROLINA
The big question of the week was, where to put a fading Carolina team? I’ll be honest, I’m as guilty as anyone for ranking them higher than their record deserves because of the name on the front of the jersey. Of course a rough season will be that much rougher with their seven-footer out for at least a month.
No 9 VIRGINIA TECH
Like so many teams in the ACC this season, the Hokies have found success at home, but are winless on the road in conference play. Right now, guard Malcolm Delaney is one of three ACC guards who lead their team in both points and assists.
No 10 MIAMI
It looks like the Canes’ pathetic non-conference schedule is finally catching up to them. Of course, before I kick them off to the curb, Miami’s three ACC loses have all been on the road. Considering seven ACC teams have yet to win a conference road game, we’ll hold off our verdict when they play more than one conference home game.
No 11 NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Bad news for Wolfpack fans. NC State is last in the ACC in scoring. No big deal if you can rebound, but of course, they’re 11th in rebounding. Not a solid combo.
No 12 BOSTON COLLEGE
Since 2008, BC has had three players transfer out, who are currently playing elsewhere (the same as Duke). They are Shamari Spears, Marquez Haynes and Daye Kaba. While all three are attending smaller schools (this weaker competition), all three are having solid years. Spears has scored in double-figures in 13 of his 15 games with Charlotte (including 20 against Duke). Haynes is average 23.6ppg at UT-Arlington and Kaba is averaging nearly 10ppg at Marist. One can never really know, but it’s hard to imagine these guys couldn’t help this year’s Boston College squad that is headed for last place in the ACC.