The Confidential

2013-2014 ACC Basketball Preview: Ranking the Teams

Amazingly, another college basketball season is upon us.  This year, the ACC is joined by Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame.  Next year, Louisville replaces Maryland.  So we have 16 teams to rank!  And here is how they stack up:

1. Duke.  It is hard not to put the Blue Devils in the top spot.  They have everything but size.
2. Louisville.  Sure, the Cardinals have lost some key parts, but they are also returning a lot from a team that rolled to the title.  Too bad we have to wait another year for them to replace Maryland.
3. Syracuse.  If the guards play well, Syracuse should be a two or three seed.  If the absence of Triche and Carter-Williams is too much, Syracuse could find itself a four or five seed.
4. North Carolina.  The Tar Heels have lost a lot of talent, but return a fair number of contributing players.  If they take the next step, North Carolina could overtake Syracuse here.
5. Virginia.  The Cavs have a unique system and it will give the rest of the ACC fits.  Some prognosticators have them ahead of Syracuse and North Carolina.  We’ll see.
6. Notre Dame.   Mike Brey always has the Fighting Irish playing well as the calendar turns.  There is no reason to think that this year will be different.
7. Pittsburgh.  Pitt rebounded last year after a dreadful 2011-2012.  Still, we expect more out of a Jamie Dixon program.  We think they will edge past Maryland.
8. Maryland.  The Terps have no rivals in the ACC or so they claim.  So who cares about their final trip through?  Not us.
9. Florida State.  If the Seminoles can return to playing good defense, then a trip to the Big Dance may be in store.  There is enough talent here.
10. Boston College.  The Eagles were horrible two years ago and much improved last year.  If the trend continues, BC should find itself close to middle of the pack.
11. Georgia Tech.  Brian Gregory is a Tom Izzo disciple.  The results have not been there yet, but the Yellow Jackets are getting there.
12. NC State.  The Wolfpack lost several key players from last year.  However, it was also a very talented team.  There is Big Dance upside here.
13. Clemson.  It is hard to root against a team with a guy named Jaron Blossomgame.  But the Tigers just do not seem ready for a trip to the post-season yet.
14. Wake Forest.  Some good players return.  But Jeff Bzdelik is almost in a must-win situation to save his job.  That usually means either good things or awful things.
15. Miami.  The Hurricanes were a great story last year, but they lost way too many contributors to be a competitor this year.  We think.
16. Virginia Tech.  Losing Erick Green hurts.  Are they sure losing Seth Greenberg was smart???

What do you think?  Get your comments in ASAP!