Key Loses: G
E.Carter, C D.Clifford
Frontcourt:
D+
7'1 Dennis Clifford was the one “big” to play more than ten
minutes a game on average last season (27.5 m/g). However, he is gone
to graduation. As is 6'11 Idy Diallo, who averaged just under ten a
game. The Eagles will replace them with 6'10 redshirt freshman JC
Reyes, who was hurt after seven games last season. Reyes will be
asked to play a large role on the team, and he is a capable
rebounder. He will not be a consistent contributor on the offense end
though. They also have senior transfer, Mo Jeffers, who
started in the team's exhibition game. Jeffers, at 6'9, will likely
see minutes at both the five and four this season. He was not much of
a scorer at Delaware. However, he dropped 20 on nine of twelve
shooting in the team's exhibition game. The team's third big man is
6'9 freshman, Nik Popovic. Scout.com described Popovic last
season, as a “skilled-four with great hands, who can shoot, pass,
and dribble.”
Connor Tava is another senior transfer likely to start. Tava
is just 6'6, but plays bigger. He scored 12.3 points/game for Western
Michigan last year, and added 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He will
be a productive and versatile forward this season.
Sophomore AJ Turner, 6'7, will be the starting small forward.
He only averaged 5.8 points/game in 27.5 minutes last season.
However, he could be the second or third scoring option for the team
this season. Garland Owens, an undersized small forward, will
backup multiple positions. He is the most experienced player on the
team. At 6'5 220, Owens is a good rebounder for his size, although
he is not much of a threat on offense, especially behind the arc.
Ervin Meznieks, a 6'7 junior, who played 19 minutes a game as
a junior, will get minutes at either forward position. He's a
perimeter oriented forward.
Boston College has more depth and size than they had last year in
the frontcourt. The team should be good on the boards as well.
Although, they will need someone to step up to replace Clifford as a
rim protector and scorer.
Backcourt: C-
Boston college's best player last year was their senior combo guard,
Eli Carter. Carter averaged, a team high, 16 points a game last
season. Their top scoring this season will be sophomore
shooting guard Jerome Robinson. Robinson is the team's leading
returning scorer; he averaged 11.7 a game last season. He also led
the team in minutes played (along with Carter) at 33.4 per game.
Robinson will now be the focal point of the offense. He's the best
pure scorer, and the best 3pt shooter, 38.1% last season. Sophomore
transfer Jordan Chatman gives the team added depth at shooting
guard, and will be one of the teams' better 3pt shooters.
The point guard position will be filled by either Ty Graves or
Ky Bowman. Both are three-star freshman. Bowman received the
start in the Eagles' exhibition game, and played 22 minutes. Graves
spelled him, and played 18. Bowman was the better of the two,
finishing with six points, four rebounds, and three assists, while
also turning the ball over three times. Graves scored two points on
one more shot than Bowman, while adding two rebounds, and no assists,
and he turned the ball over three times. Both will get playing time
this season at the point, but neither is a conference average option
at this sage in their career. The Eagles are hoping they can minimize
mistakes, and distribute well.
Garland Owens is the player on the team with the most
experience. He is capable of playing multiple positions, and could be
a super sub; Owens played over 20 minutes a game last season. At 6'5
220, Owens is a good rebounder at his position, although he is not
much of a threat on offense, especially behind the arc.
Overview:
Boston College has no where to go but up, following an 0-18 ACC
regular season a year ago. They have lot's of young players, and
sophomores AJ Turner and Jerome Robinson are a talented duo. However,
if they are to lead a charge. It won't be till next year. Though they
have a little more size and depth throughout their lineup, expect at
center.
14 Georgia Tech
Key Loses: G
M.Georges-Hunt, G A.Smith, F C.Mitchell, F N.Jacobs
Frontcourt:
C-
Georgia
Tech lost several key members of their frontcourt however, they keep
junior center Ben
Lammers.
Lammers played only 14.8 minutes/game last season, averaging 3.6
points and 4 rebounds per game. If he maintained his production from
15-16, and played 25 minutes a game, Lammer's line would look like 6
points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. That's not bad, but I
think he is capble of scoring more. He put up 20 in the Yellow
Jackets' exhibition game Saturday. Redshirt freshman Sylvester
Ogbonda will
be the backup center.
Quentin Stephens, a 6'9 senior, is the leading returning scorer at just 5 points/game. He could be the only other starter in the frontcourt, while Georgia Tech employs a three-guard lineup. Stephens is athletic and long enough to guard either forward position. He is also a versatile scorer, capable of bursting to the basket, and shooting from outside. However, he is incredibly inconsistent (0-8 from 3pt range in tonight's exhibition game), and needs to be a more reliable performer this year.
Georgia Tech have a few forwards on the bench. First, Abdoulaye Gueye is a redshirt sophomor, who missed last season. He has size at 6'9, but lacks the strength to be a prototypical power forward. Kellen McCormick is a 6'7 senior transfer from Western Michigan. He made the most of his 14.8 minutes a game, averaging 6 points, and shooting 45.8% from three point range. Freshman Christian Matthews is another 6'7 forward. All three reserve forwards' playing time will depend on whether coach Josh Pastner wants to play with three guards or two most of the time.
There is potential here. Lammers and Stephens could thrive while being thrust in the spotlight this season, and the reserves are an interesting bunch with some outside shooting ability. The Yellow Jackets will struggle when either Lammers gets in foul trouble, or Stephens goes through one of his cold streaks from outside.
Backcourt: C-
Georgia Tech lost their top two guards from a season ago, Marcus
Georges-Hunt and Adam Smith. Between the two, the Yellow Jackets are
losing over 30 points/game. Replacing them will first be Tadric
Jackson, a 6'2 junior, who will be the team's starting shooting
guard. He will have a chance to be the team's top scoring option.
Jackson is best finishing at the basket, but has been an inconsistent
shooter, at best. He shot just 27.7% from three point range a year
ago. Tadric Jackson probably has the most potential of anyone on the
team; he was a consensus top-100 recruit just two seasons ago. In
addition to being a questionable shooter, Jackson could struggle on
defense due to his size. 3* Freshman Josh Okogie, who was
ranked 149 in the class by Rivals.com, started at the three for
Georgia Tech in their exhibition game. At 6'4 he's a better fit at
shooting guard, and should see minutes at both positions this year.
Jodan Price, a 6'6 senior transfer, like Okogie, could see
minutes at shooting guard or small forward.
Senior Josh Heath should be the starting point guard,
although he is suspended for the first four games of the season. He
brings veteran leadership and experience to the position, although he
will have his hands full filling the void left by the graduation of
Georges-Hunt. Heath's best attributes are his control over the ball,
and decision making. He is not a large threat to score, and did not
shoot well from outside last year, 29.4%. Freshman, Justin Moore,
started the exhibition game in Heath's absence, and will likely start
to begint he season as well.
Tadric Jackson seems ready to step in, and be the team's top scorer,
and Heath is a solid, if unspectacular, point guard. However, neither
will be as good as the players they are replacing. The team also
lacks able shooters. It's a solid, but uninspiring good. Josh Okogie
and Justin Moore are both interesting freshman, who will be essential
to any push Georgia Tech makes this year.
Overview:
The hiring of Josh Pastner as head coach could be a major coup for
Georgia Tech. He is a terrific recruiter, and will bring much better
players into the fold in years to come. However, he did not have
enough time this offseason to make his mark. This Georgia Tech team
will be much worse than their 2015-16 counterpart. The team lost
their four most essential players, and their replacements are not of
the same quality.
13 Wake Forest
Key Loses: F
D.Thomas, G C.Miller-McIntyre, F C.Hudson
Frontcourt:
C+
7'1 sophomore center Doral Moore was the seventieth ranked
recruit by rivals.com prior to last year. However, he only played 7.1
minutes/game due to conditioning. Now, he is ready to be a key
contributor for Wake Forest. He will get somewhere between 15 and 25
minutes this season. Wake would prefer he play closer to 25, because
he could be their most productive player while on the floor. Moore
transforms the look of the team, making them one of the bigger teams
in the conference, and he has tremendous upside on both offense and
defense. Sam Japhet-Mathias is a big 3* (scout.com) freshman;
he's listed at 6'11 280 lbs. He will see minutes under the basket
this season, and he further gives the Deacons the ability to play
big. Even with two big centers on the team, Wake could decide to
start smaller, with sophomore forward John Collins playing the five
at the onset of games. But, more on him...
now. John Collins is a 6'10 sophomore power forward. He will
be the best frontcourt player on the team this year. Wake Forest will
have the flexibility to play him at either the four or five this
season, though he is a natural fit at power forward, and would
dominate there. Collins is a dynamic athlete. He will finish
powerfully at the rim, and is a strong rebounder and shot blocker.
Collins scored half a point every minute last season (7.3 points in
14.4 minutes on average), which was the same rate at which graduated
star forward Devin Thomas scored at last season. Collins could be one
of the best breakout players in the conference.
Junior forward Dinos Mitoglou was a breakout candidate as a
sophomore last season. However, he was a mild disappointment. He
averaged slightly less points/game (9.7:9.2), and his three point
accuracy declined from 38.5% his freshman year to a more pedestrian
31.8%. Mitoglou is valuable as a stretch four, and Wake Forest could
even opt to go real big playing Moore, Collins, and Mitoglou togther,
though I have zero intel to suggest Danny Manning has even
considered that possibility. That's just me fantasy coaching the
team. No matter where Manning decides to play Mitoglou and
Collins, Dinos will be a key player; he has played 22 minutes or more
each of his first two seasons. Mitoglou has the necessary offensive
tools to be a double digit scorer this season, especially if he can
shoot from outside more consistently than last season. Freshman
Donovan Mitchell will back up Collins and Mitoglou at the
four. He is just a 3* recruit, but he has good size and athleticism
with upside (scout.com), and will be an interesting prospect to watch
for the future. [These lanky, athletic 3* forwards with potential
seem to be Manning's taste. Moore, Collins, and now Mitchell all fit
that mold].
The small forward position is the biggest question mark in the
frontcourt (as it was last year), with Cornelius Hudson, the player
tallying the most minutes there last season, gone. Senior transfer
Austin Arians is the likely starter, and he was the one to
start Wake's exhibition game. Arians averaged 11.4 points per game in
31.2 minutes. He shot 35.3% from three point range, which is a better
percentage than anyone who returns from last years' team. Arians'
backup will be junior Greg McClinton, who was an occasional
starter for Wake Forest last year. McClinton is not much of a scorer,
and is not a threat at all from outside. He provides toughness and
defense though. Wake has enough depth to be flexible at the small
forward position as well. They could either play big with Mitoglou or
Mitchell moving down. Or, play small operating with a three guard
lineup, as they often last season.
There is a lot of talent in this frontcourt. John Collins is a
potential star, and Moore also has considerable upside, depending on
his minutes. Moore could be the most effective player in limited
minutes. Mitoglou and Arians are solid role players, and the Deacons
have a deep bench. Also, don't sleep on Japhet-Mathias. He and Moore
could draw considerable attention down low, which would open up room
for the explosive Collins.
Backcourt: C
Bryant Crawford is the best returning player on this team.
The combo guard sophomore forced his way into a starring role his
freshman season, and ended up playing more minutes than anyone on the
team. That's more minutes than Devin Thomas, and more minutes than
point guard Codi Miller-McIntyre (both graduated). Crawford will now
be the focal point of this team. Crawford can do it all. He is
an effective scorer, and will look to increase his 13.8 point/game
from a season ago. He can knock down shots from behind the arc,
shooting 34.8%. Crawford is also an effective distributor. He led the
team with 4.4 assists a game last year. Crawford is a total package
guard, though he would like to cut back on his 3.5 turnovers a game,
and raise his overall FG%, which was 39.4%. Crawford will be backed
up by freshman Brandon Childress. Childress is described by
scout.com as “an excellent three point shooter, who isn't a natural
playmaker yet.” Childress may also struggle on the defensive end,
and is small at 6'0. His jump shooting prowess is a needed asset
though.
Mitchell Wilbekin is the returning starter at shooting guard.
He, like Mitoglou, disappointed his sophomore season, failing to
breakout. In fact, Wilbekin, again, like Mitoglou, regressed. He
averaged the same amount of points 7.3 (he averaged 7.2 his freshman
year), but his shooting percentage dropped. Wilbekin at his best is a
solid combo guard with a knack for hitting timely threes. However, he
has established himself as just a role player, maybe that's fine.
Wilbekin will be pushed for minutes by sophomore transfer from
Charlotte, Keyshawn Woods, and 6'5 freshman, Rich Washington. Woods
is a good shooter; he averaged 8.4 points last season, while shooting
46.6% from beyond the arc (taking almost three shots from that range
a game). Washington is also a good shooter, and scout.com touts him
as a marksman behind the arc with a “balanced game.” Washington
will see time at both the two and the three when Wake Forest decides
to play smaller.
Crawford is the highlight in the backcourt, and Wilbekin is a very
good role player, but the Demon Deacons don't have anyone to replace
the production of Miller-McIntyre. The newcomers are interesting
though, and should be good additions on the bench.
Overview:
12 Notre Dame
Key Loses: G
D.Jackson, Z.Auguste
Frontcourt:
C+
Notre
Dame will have a hard time replacing center Zach Austuste. Auguste
was one of the most dominant big men in the conference, averaging 14
points and 10.7 rebounds a game last season. 6'10 junior, Martinas
Geben, will get the first
crack at starting. He averaged just three minutes last season. So,
Geben is of unknown quality. He has nice size though, and should be a
solid rebounder for the team. He should not be much of an offensive
asset outside of under the basket. Notre Dame's other options at
center will be smaller guys like 6'8 Elijah Burns, who did not play
his freshman season, and 6'9 true freshman John
Mooney. Mooney is more of
a stretch four than a center. He can hit his jumper and rebound, but
struggles in the post (scout.com).
Bonzie
Colson is the returning
power forward. Colson is just 6'5, but he has an incredible length,
which makes him serviceable at the position. Colson averaged 11.1
points per game last season, adding 6.7 rebounds. He also shot 33.3%
from three point range. Colson is very good on the offense glass as
well. Colston will be backed up by 6'7 sophomore Matt
Ryan. Ryan is a natural
small forward, but will likely see most of his minutes at the four.
He is a capable shooter, hitting 37.4% of his three point attempts
his freshman year. Versatile freshman forward, Nikola
Djogo, 6'7, is capable of
playing the two, three, or four. He can score on the outside, or
driving to the basket (scout.com).
VJ
Beachem, a 6'8 senior, is
the top returning scorer on the team. He is also the favorite to lead
Notre Dame in points this season. Beachem is a terrific shooter. He
hit 44.4% of his attempts beyond the arc a year ago, while taking 5.5
shots from that range each game. Beachem shot 47.6% overall. Listed
at just 201 lbs, Beachem is not a presence inside, both scoring and
on the boards, despite his 6'8 frame. Instead, he's largely a
perimeter oriented player. Beachem will be backed up by forwards Matt
Ryan and Nikola Djogo. 6'6 guards Rex Plueger and Steve Vasturia
could also slide up when Notre Dame plays smaller.
Notre
Dame has two good starting forwards, but the center position is a
question mark. They do have good depth at small forward, but very
little big man depth. Only Geben is 6'10 or taller, and he may
struggle to average 20 minutes played this year. VJ Beachem is an
All-ACC caliber scorer, and Bonzie Colson is a really nice role
player, with an interesting skill set. However, this group is worse
off than they were a year ago with the graduation of Auguste.
Backcourt: C
In addition to losing their best frontcourt player from a year ago,
Zach Auguste, Notre Dame lost their best backcourt player, Demetrius
Jackson. Jackson was everything you want in a college point guard. He
could score, averaging 15.8 points a game, distribute, 4.7 assists,
and avoided mistakes, achieving an assists to turnover ratio of
greater than 2:1 last season. Jackson was also an incredible leader.
Notre Dame will replace Jackson with junior, Matt Farrell, and 4*
freshman, Temple Gibbs. Matt Farrell will get the first chance
to start. He did not play much as a sophomore last year, averaging
just 13.4 minutes, and scoring just 2.6 points a game. He also was
not a great three point shooter at just 32.4%. Farrell will be
counted on to be dependable with the ball, and make smart decisions
to get the ball to Beachem, Vasturia, and the others. Temple Gibbs
is the more exciting prospect of the duo. He is Notre Dame's most
highly touted freshman. Scout.com describes Gibbs as “an aggressive
scorer, who can both knock down a jump shot, and is comfortable
driving with either hand.” They also mark his strength and IQ as
strengths. Gibbs will see plenty of action due to his potential, but
the Irish may balk at giving him the lion's share of minutes at
point, because of his defensive deficiencies, and because he may not
be ready to play the position at the college level yet.
Steve Vasturia seems to have been at Notre Dame forever, but
he is just now entering his senior year. Vasturia played more minutes
last season than any other player on the team. He is a good shooter,
averaging 11.4 points per game. However, his 3pt percentage dropped
from 41.1% his sophomore year, to 34.4% last year. Vasturia could
challenge Beachem as the teams' top scorer, especially if he shoots
closer to his sophomore season rates. Vasturia is a good all around
player. He has good size for the position, and can also dish the
ball, averaging 3.2 assists last season. 6'6 sophomore, Rex Pflueger,
will back up Vasturia. Pflueger proved to be clutch at times last
season, but was not a consistent scoring threat for much of the year.
He will get more opportunity this season, and will hope to build on
his 32% 3pt shooting percentage from a year ago. Pflueger is a very
good defender.
Like Auguste, Demetrius Jackson is a huge loss. It's impossible to
project the backcourt to be as good as last year without him. There
are still some nice pieces here. Vasturia is a good ACC shooting
guard, and Gibbs has a lot of potential at point guard. However,
Gibbs is still young and raw, and Matt Farrell isn't an exciting
replacement for Jackson. Notre Dame's backcourt also lacks depth
after the four mentioned here.
Overview:
Notre
Dame only lost two significant players from last year's team. But,
boy, were those two significant. The Irish's three returning
starters, Colson, Bechem and Vasturia, are great players, and could
conceivably give this team a chance to go dancing in March. However,
there are still huge question marks at center and point guard, and
the team will struggle against many teams in the ACC due to size.
11 Pittsburgh
Key Loses: G
J.Robinson, G S.Smith, C R.Maia
Frontcourt:
C+
Pittsburgh only loses one frontcourt player who averaged more than
ten minutes a game last season. That's Rafael Maia, who averaged just
12 minutes. Despite his limited playing time, Maia's absence is
significant because he and Alonzo Nelson-Ododa were the team's only
true center to play significant minutes. This leaves the Panthers
without a center, save for 6'11 JC transfer Rozelle Nix. Nix's
conditioning may prevent him from playing a significant role on the
team. So, Pittsburgh will start three forwards.
Senior Michael Young will lead the frontcourt, and the team.
He is a skilled power forward, with good size, at 6'9, and the
ability to play face up. He led the team in points and rebounding
last season with 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds a game. He also chipped
in 2.3 assists. Young can stretch defenses as well. He made a third
of his 3pt attempts a year ago. Michael Young could make a push to be
a first team All-ACC caliber player depending on how far he can lead
this team.
Starting alongside Michael Young (at least they did in Pittsburgh's
exhibition game against Pitt Johnstown) will be 6'8 senior, Sheldon
Jeter, and 6'8 sophomore, Cameron Johnson. Jeter played
18.6 minutes a game last year, and was an efficient scorer, shooting
53.3% from the field. He averaged 8.1 points a game, which was .44
points per minute; a rate just behind starters Young and Jamel Artis.
Jeter also averaged 4.8 rebounds per game, and led the team with .8
blocks per game (again, in under 20 minutes a game). Jeter's length,
and shot blocking ability may mean he will be the forward to play
under the basket. Jeter is capable of hitting the three pointer,
however his percentage dropped from 37% his sophomore year to just
21.7% last year. Jeter reestablishing himself as a perimeter threat
would add an extra wrinkle to this frontcourt. Johnson is a big wing.
He played seldom last season, averaging just 11.7 minutes. However,
he will need to step up this season. Johnson is an outside shooter.
He took more than half of his shots from beyond the arc through the
first two seasons of his Pittsburgh career. He shot 37.5% from that
range last season. Johnson has a lot of potential due to his shooting
range, and length from the wing. He could be a breakout candidate for
the Panthers.
The Panthers' backup forwards will be 6'9 junior, Ryan Luther,
and 6'8 freshman, Corey Manigault. Luther played 13.6 minutes
a game last season. He has good size for a college power forward, and
will contribute on the boards. Luther can also step outside; he shot
44.4% from the outside last season. Manigault is a 3* power forward
who will be asked to step in at center at times this year. Rozelle
Nix will see time at center as well. He is the team's biggest
player at 6'11 and 300 lbs. It will be interesting to see how many
minutes he can go each game. Nix is a player to watch. Pittsburgh has
played senior Jamel Artis at several positions throughout his career,
and that will continue to be the case this season. For the
purposes of this preview I am considering 6'8 wing Cameron Johnson a
forward, and Jamel Artis, who could be the team's primary ball
handler, a guard.
Backcourt: C+
Jamel Artis is one of those players that seems to have been
around forever. The now senior is a big swingman, listed at 6'7 215,
and has even played power forward. Artis is incredibly versatile,
with a wide set of skills. Last season he averaged 14.4 points, 4.8
rebounds, and 3 assists a game. He can shoot from the outside the
arc, shooting 36.3% last season; he can also power his way inside.
Pittsburgh lost reliable point guard James Robinson, to graduation,
which could lead Artis to handling the ball more this year. His
versatility will allow the Panthers to use him in the frontcourt as
well as the backcourt. Artis will join Young as potential All-ACC
players.
Joining Artis in the backcourt will be 6'6 shooting guard Chris
Jones. Jones will not be one of the team's stars, but he is a
solid role player. He scored just 6.1 points a game last year, and
was an inconsistent shooter, managing just a 28.8% shooting
percentage from beyond the arc. Jones will see his scoring average
rise this year, as he is due for a boost in minutes from the 19 he
averaged his junior season. The Panthers will hope Jones can raise
his shooting averages from a year ago; he will be one of the keys to
the team's success.
Pittsubrgh's reserve guards will be sophomore Damon Wilson, and
freshmen Crisshawn Clark and Justice Kithcart. Damon Wilson was
a top 100 recruit just a year ago. However, he played just 10.8
minutes/game, and was not very productive. Wilson has good size at
6'5, and can be dynamic; he will get more playing time this season,
with a chance to breakout. Crisshawn Clark is a 6'4 shooting
guard, looking to crack the rotation. Justice Kithcart is the
only true point guard on the roster, and figures to play a role.
Artis is great, and Jones is an experienced role player. Wilson has
some potential as well, but has yet to show it. The two freshmen are
unknown commodities at this stage. Pittsburgh may struggle due to
their lack of a point guard in James Robinson's absence. It could be
Jamel Artis, going the way of Michael Gbinije, and moving from the
wing to the point guard position. That is at least intriguing.
However, past Artis and Jones, there is a lot of questions about the
quality of depth in the backcourt, and Jones isn't an elite ACC
player either.
Overview:
Pittsburgh will go as far as Artis and Young can take them. They are
special ACC players. However, there are a lot of question marks
surrounding them. The team lacks size, and interior defense. They
could also struggle in the backcourt, especially if it's found Artis
is out of his comfort zone there.
10 Virginia Tech
Key Loses: G
J.Hudson
Frontcourt:
B-
Virginia Tech's frontcourt will be led by 6'7 junior senior, Zach
LeDay (not to be confused with 6'7 junior, Seth LeDay). LeDay is
versatile, capable of playing either forward position. He averaged
15.6 points/game last year with 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. LeDay
can score all over, and shot 35.6% from beyond the arc.
6'10 sophomore Kerry Blackshear will be the team's center, or
biggest forward in the starting lineup. Blackshear will not be a star
on this team, but he does a lot of things well. He's long, and will
be the team's best interior defender. He's a good rebounder,
averaging 4.5 in under 20 minutes a game last season. He also gets up
and down the floor well for his size, which is important in this
offense. Backing up Blackshear will be 7'0 senior Johnny Hamilton,
who averaged just over seven minutes last year, and freshman Khadim
Sy. Sy, like Blackshear is 6'10, and could spend time at either
the five or four.
Virginia Tech's small forward will be Chris Clarke. Clarke
was the team's most highly touted freshman a year ago. The now
sophomore is an explosive athlete, allowing him to play bigger than
his 6'6 frame. Clarke is a great rebounder. He averaged 6.0 a game
last season, and added 8.4 points in just over 20 minutes. Clarke
needs to improve on his perimeter shooting though he shot just 12.5%
there last year. Clarke's explosiveness will make him an asset on
both ends of the floor; he has a lot of room for growth in the coming
season.
Virginia Tech does not have a lot of depth after Sy and Hamilton.
So, they will often have to play even smaller than their starting
lineup, which features a 6'7 power forward.
Backcourt: C+
The Hokies return the four backourt players who played the most
minutes last season. The group is led by combo guard, senior Seth
Allen. Allen scored 14.7 points a game his junior year, and added
3.o rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He was not a very good shooter though,
managing just 28% from three.
6'5 junior shooting guard, Justin Bibbs, led the team in
minutes played last year. He was also the team's best shooter,
scoring 11.7 points with a 3pt % of 45%. Bibbs is a great compliment
to Allen and LeDay who will create space for Bibbs outside.
Virginia Tech has considerable depth in the backcourt. Two more
players, sophomore Justin Robinson and senior Devin Wilson, averaged
over 20 minutes a game last year. Justin Robinson is a 6'1
point guard. He averaged 7.3 points and 2.8 assists his freshman
year. Robinson is a decent shooter, shooting 35.1% from three point
range, but there's still room for growth. Devin Wilson is also
a point gard. Wilson is not a threat on offense, but is a steady and
reliable ball handler. He averaged 2.2 assists last season, and just
2.1 points. Returning from injury this season is 6'5 junior Ahmed
Hill. Hill last played two years ago, when he averaged 8.7
points, while shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc. At 6'5, Hill may be
the guard most likely to play the three when necessary.
Overview:
Virginia Tech may be ready to take a big step in the ACC under Buzz
Williams. LeDay is a star player, and the Hokies have considerable
talent around him. There are a plethora of guards, who will
contribute this year. Seth Allen is trying to continue to grow into a
star guard as well. The weakness of this team is their size, which
makes sophomore Kerry Blackshear a key player to watch.
9 Clemson
Key Loses: G
J.Roper, C L.Nnoko
Frontcourt: B
6'10 senior, Sidy Djitte, replaces graduated center Landry
Nnoko underneath the basket. Nnoko'a greatest contributions came on
the defensive end, where he blocked 2.3 shots a game. Djitte can also
be an asset on defense. However, he is a better scorer and rebounder
than Nnoko. Last season Djitte played just 15.1 minutes/game, but was
just behind Nnoko in rebounding (5.2:5.7). Djitte also shot 62% from
the floor, averaging 5.3 points. Djitte will be the starter this
season, but will likely only play between 20-25 minutes. He will be
spelled by 7'0 junior Legend Robertin. Robertin has yet to get
his footing at Clemson. He played less than five minutes a game last
year, which was his first with the team.
Clemson's prospects this season rest on the shoulders of their power
forward, 6'7 senior, Jared Blossomgame. Blossomgame can truly
do it all. He averaged 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and blocked 1.3
shots a game his junior season. He also has a diverse offensive game,
which allows him to bang in the post, and step outside the arc, where
he made 44.6% of his attempts last year. Blossomgame will be favored
to once again join the All-ACC team this year, if not challenge for
ACC POY.
Clemson will round out their starting frontcourt with small forward,
Donte Grantham, a 6'8 junior. Grantham will have the
opportunity to become Clemson's second scoring option, behind
Blossomgame. He is a big small forward for the college game, and
needs to use his size better, while both scoring and rebounding.
Grantham is a capable 3pt shooter. He shot 35.4% from that range last
season. Grantham is also a good distributor. He averaged 2.3 assists
last season, and had a team high 1.64 assist to turnover ratio.
Clemson will have Texas A&M transfer, Elijah Thomas,
coming off the bench once he is eligible at midseason. Thomas was a
highly sought after recruit just a year ago, but got injured his
freshman season. Thomas is a physical 6'9 power forward. 6'5 freshman
swingman, Scott Spencer, should see minutes at the three this
season. Scout.com describes him as a “gifted 3pt shooter,” with
some athleticism. He should be able to contribute on the offensive
end right away.
Clemson has good size with a legitimate center, power forward, and
small forward in their starting lineup. The three starters are also
very experienced. Oh, and, Jaron Blossomgame is a star. There may be
a lack of depth, especially before Thomas is eligible.
Backcourt: C+
Clemson's top returning backcourt player is senior Avry Holmes.
Holmes will slide over to the shooting guard position this season.
Holmes is good pressing the offense, and attacking, but can also hit
an outside shot. Holmes shot just 33.3% from beyond the arc last
season, but that was far behind his percentage from the previous two
seasons. Holmes scored 10.0 points/game last season, and should
increase that total this season with Roper gone. Holmes is also a
good defensive player on the perimeter. Despite starting at shooting
guard, Holmes will likely be the team's backup point guard.
With Holmes sliding over, incoming transfer, Shelton Mitchell,
will be taking over duties at point guard. Mitchell is a more natural
fit at point guard than Holmes was last season. He averaged 3.3
assists for Vanderbilt two seasons ago.
Clemson has a ton of depth in the backcourt. Another incoming
transfer, Marquise Reed, will have a prominent role. He scored
15.1 points per game for Robert Morris his most recent season, while
shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc. Reed could make an impact quickly
in games coming off the bench. Gabe DeVoe returns for his
sophomore season. He averaged just 5.3 points in 19.5 minutes/game
last year, while shooting just 30.1% from three. He needs to produce
better this year, if he does not want to get lost in the shuffle. The
6'3 shooting guard Clemson also added 4* freshman, AJ Oliver.
Oliver is a scorer. Scout.com says he is an athlete, able to
explode to the rim, and hit threes. Clemson also has sophomore, Ty
Hudson. Hudson did not play in the team's exhibition game. He
could get buried on the depth chart this season, or redshirt (though
I could not find any information to support that at this time).
Clemson's backcourt is deep, especially at shooting guard. They are
hoping to get immediate production from their transfers: Reed and
Mitchell.
Overview:
Clemson has an experience frontcourt, with an All-ACC caliber player
in Jaron Blossomgame, and a good number two, Donte Grantham. The
backcourt has made some nice additions that will compliment the team
nicely. Clemson has a potential window of success this season, with
Blossomgame graduating at the end of the season. They are certainly
on the rise, but it's yet to be determined if they can be a NCAA
tournament team.
8 Florida State
Key Loses: G
M.Beasley, G D.Bookert, G M.Brandon, C B.Bokanovsky
Frontcourt:
C+
Florida State lost their only true center to play signifiant
minutes, averaging 18.0, last season, 7'3 Boris Bojanovsky. The
Seminoles still have a lot of size on their roster, both 7'1 senior,
Michael Ojo, and 7'4 sophomore, Christ Koumadje, could
be a part of the rotation. Koumadje played just 6.1 minutes a game,
but recorded .7 blocks per game. At that rate he would average 2.1
blocks if he played as many minutes as Bojanovsky did a year ago. 3*
freshman, Mfionadu Kabengele, a 6'9 big man, could provide the
team with another option at center.
The Seminoles return two power forwards: 6'9 senior Jarquez Smith
and 6'8 junior Phil Cofer. Neither of the duo exceeded 15
minutes a game last season. Smith played 14.4 minutes a game last
year, totaling 5.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and a block per game. Cofer
missed time last year to injury. He played 12 minutes a game, scoring
3.8 points and adding 2.0 rebounds. Smith is the longer player, and
better defensively right now. Cofer is a better athlete. It will be
interesting to see how much time each plays this year; it will depend
on how big Florida State wants to play.
Florida State's best frontcourt player will be freshman, Jonathan
Isaac. The 6'10 forward is a top recruit in the nation, scout.com
named him the fifth best recruit this year, while Rivals has him at
eighth. Scout.com describes Isaac, as a “versatile forward, with a
good jump shot, and athleticism, who needs to add strength, and
improve his defense.” Isaac has many similarities to Brandon Ingram
last season. They are both long forwards with perimeter oriented
games. Isaac, due to his side, may be better on the interior as well
than Ingram was, though Ingram seemed a little more nimble. Isaac is
the key to Florida State's season this year. He's is poised to be the
ACC's freshman leader in points scored.
There are several long wings on the team that could swing up to play
the three at times this year. In fact they may line up with three
guards a majority of the time. Sophomores Dwayne Bacon and Terrance
Mann are the tallest of these players at 6'7 and 6'6, respectively.
Backcourt: B
Dwayne Bacon and Xavier Rathan-Mayes both flirted with
entering the draft last season, but chose to return to school for at
least another year. They are the only two returning players to
average more than 17 minutes a game last season, and will be starters
once again this season. Rathan-Mayes is one of the best returning
point guards in the conference. He averaged 11.8 points and 4.4
assists per game. Rathan-Mayes still has room to grow, especially as
a shooter. He shot just 28.5% from 3pt range last year. He is capable
of averaging 15 points and 5 assists a game this year. Bacon will
start at either the two or the three, depending on how Florida State
wants to play. Bacon was the team's leading scorer last season. He
averaged over 15 points/game last year, and added 5.8 rebounds. Bacon
is long, and is an explosive athlete. He's at his best while driving
to the basket. Like Rathan-Mayes, Bacon needs to work on his jump
shot. He shot just 28.1% from beyond the arc last year. Sky is the
limit for Bacon, who could compete for the ACC's scoring title if his
shooting improves.
6'6 shooting guard, Terrance Mann, will lead the reserves, or
start alongside Bacon and Rathan-Mayes in a three guard lineup. Mann
is another long, and athletic wing. He scored 5.2 points in 17
minutes a game last season. He is only a marginally better shooter
than Bacon and Rathan-Mayes; he shot 30.8% from three last year.
Florida State added several guards during the offseason. Freshman CJ
Walker will be the backup point guard. Scout.com lists him as
their one hundredth best recruit coming into the season. He is an
aggressive player; scout.com describes him as competitive, but
lacking athleticism. Trent Forrest was named scout.com's
ninety-fifth best recruit. He is in the same mold of other Florida
State shooting guards. He is more of a slasher than a scorer, with
some rebounding and defensive abilities. PJ Tucker and Braian
Angola-Rodas are another pair of tall guards, 6'4 and 6'6, that
give the team even more depth.
Despite losing Malik Beasley, Florida State returns two potential
starts in Bacon and Rathan-Mayes. They also have a ton of depth.
However, one thing Florida State lacks are shooters! They lost their
two best from a year ago, Beasley and Devin Bookert, and returned no
player that shot better than 30.8% from beyond the arc.
Overview:
Florida State is one of the teams with the highest potential. They
have size, but will likely play smaller and run the court more. That
could effect them on the defensive end, as it did last year. A lot of
pressure will be on Isaacs. He is an All-ACC type talent, but will
need to come along quickly. He could be the team's best shooter, and
needs to be assertive on the offensive end. It will be interesting to
see how he is on defense. He will likely play a lot of minutes at the
four, defending inside, and he lacks strength. Rathan-Mayes and Bacon
will run the offense, both are dynamic players, but need to find some
consistency from outside. The seminoles could also benefit from some
production from their big men. If that get that. They will be in the
tournament at the end of March.
7 North Carolina State
Key Loses: G
A.Barber, G C.Martin, F C.Martin
Frontourt: B-
North Carolina State returns senior center BeeJay Anya. Anya
is a defensive standout. He has averaged 2.2 blocks or more each of
the last two seasons, while averaging 23 minutes a game or less. He
will not do much on the offensive end, but NC State won't need him
to. NC State will have size behind Anya, Omer Yurtseven is a
6'11 5* freshman from former Constantinople. Yurtseven has big
upside, and will be a much better option offensively than Anya. The
Wolfpack can also turn to freshman, Ted Kapita. A strong 6'8
big man, who can help on defense, and on the boards. Kapita could
come off the bench to play the four or five positions.
Abdul-Malik Abu is NC State's best returning player. He
averaged nearly a double-double last season, averaging 12.9 points
and 8.8 rebounds, to go along with 1.3 blocks a game. Abu is
incredibly versatile. He can play any of three frontcourt positions,
though he will play at the four most of the time this year. Abu would
be backed up by senior Lennard Freeman. However, he's absent
following leg surgery. 3* freshman, Darius Hicks is an
undersized power forward who will get minutes this season. He can
help on the glass, and defensively due to his strength and
athleticism (scout.com).
Last year, NC State started two tall wings, but Caleb Martin has
transferred, leaving only 6'7 sophomore Maverick Rowan. Rowan
averaged 12.9 points his freshman season, but shot only 33.6% from
3pt range, a number he will need to improve upon this year. Rowan
needs to improve his defense—he was dreadful last year—this year,
especially if he is going to guard some of the ACC's small forwards
this year.
Backcourt: B
NC
State lost star point guard, Cat Barber, one of the conference's best
players last season, who averaged 23.5 points a game. Replacing him
will be top-ten recruit, Dennis Smith Jr. Smith
is one of the most promising players in the country, and he is the
favorite to win ACC freshman of the year. Smith is everything one
could want in a college player. He can score going to the basket, and
shooting from outside. His athleticism and burst are his best
attributes, and scout.com lauds his creative ability. Markell
Johnson is another top-100
recruit this season, and will back up Smith this season.
NC
State has been starting 6'5 Charlotte transfer, Torin Dorn,
at the shooting guard position. He was a good scorer for Charlotte,
averaging 12 points in 27.5 minutes a game. He shot an alright, 34.2%
from three his freshman year with Charlotte, which is better than
anyone returning for the Wolfpack. Senior Terry Henderson
figured to play a key role last season after transferring from West
Virginia. However, he was injured in the first game. Henderson has
the potential to be a leading scorer on this team, his last year with
West Virginia he averaged 11.7 points per game, while shooting 37.6%
from beyond the arc. Interestingly, Henderson and Dorn have been
starting for NC State in their exhibition games, as the team plays
with a small lineup. Seriously
small: Abu-Rowan-Dorn-Henderson-Smith.
Smith
is a star in the making, and will lead the team in Barber's absence.
Although, it would be too much to expect him to match Barber's
production from a season ago. Henderson and Dorn are good shooters,
and add to the talent on the offensive end. NC State struggled with
their perimeter defense last year, so they will need to improve there
this season.
Overview:
Car Barber leaving for the NBA is a big loss for NC State, but
they've replaced him as well as possible, with a high potential point
guard who will be ready to take over the team right away. NC State
has a bunch of shooters that will help on the offensive end. The
Wolfpack are also strong on the inside on defense. Abu and Yurtseven
could also form a dominant pair offensively. This NC State team is
very balanced. The only area of concern is the perimeter defense.
6 Miami
Key Loses: G
S.McClellan, A.Rodriguez, C T.Jekiri, F I.Uceda, G J.Palmer
Frontcourt:
B-
Miami loses their starting center, Tonye Jekiri to graduation. In
his place they will start 6'10 sophomore, Ebuka Izundu. Izundu
played just 5.6 minutes a game last year, so much of his ability is a
mystery at the college level coming into the year. He did average 2.3
points a game, which means he scored .41 points per minute. That's ~8
points in 20 minutes. 7'0 4* freshman, Rodney Miller will back
up Izundu.
6'8 senior, Kamari Murphy, is an athletic power forward. He
scored 5.6 points, and 6 rebounds in just under 25 minutes a game
last season. Murphy is due for an increase in minutes this season,
and he could approach double digit points and rebounds. Sophomore
Anthony Lawrence, a 6-7 small forward, will jump into the
starting lineup. He played 12 minutes a game last year, averaging 4.1
points a game. He shot 42.9% from beyond the arc last year.
Miami's backup forwards are newcomers to the team. Dewan
Huell is a 6'9 freshman. He was a top-30 recruit entering the
season. Scout.com describes Huell as an athletic power forward, who
still needs to grow stronger. Rashad Muhammad is a 6'6 junior
transfer. He scored 13.9 points two seasons ago for San Jose State,
shooting 36% from 3pt range. Davon Reed will also swing up to play
the three at times.
Backcourt: B+
This season, Miami will have to overcome the loss of their
two best players last season: their entire starting backcourt.
Sheldon McClellan was their star shooting guard. He averaged 16.3 ppg
last season, shooting 40.6% from 3pt range, and was capable of
scoring in a hurry. Angel Rodriguez was the veteran point guard who
led the team, oh yeah, and he chipped in 12.6 points and 4.5 assists
himself. How Miami replaces these two players will determine how
successful their season is.
Ja'Quan Newton, a junior combo guard, will be jumping into
the starting lineup to replace Rodriguez. He was a key player a year
ago off the bench, scoring 10.5 points in just 22.7 minutes a game.
He scored at a faster rate, .46 points/minute, than anyone on the
team last year not named McClellan. Newton is not a true point guard
like Rodriguez was, but he is more dynamic, with more scoring
potential. He can is great getting to the basket, and is also a
slightly better 3pt shooting than Rodriguez (34.6% : 34.1%). Newton
will need to do a better job with the ball though, last season his
assist to turnover ratio was nearly 1:1 (2.5 assists to 2.1
turnovers).
Replacing McClellan at shooting guard will be 6'6 senior, Davon
Reed. Reed was a starter last season, playing the three position
most of the time; he will certainly see time there again this season
as well. Reed is a consistent player on offense. He averaged 11.1
points a game last season, while shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc.
Reed should also be a solid defender at the two with his size.
The Hurricanes will turn to two freshman to come off the bench in
the backcourt. Bruce Brown is a top-30. Despite not starting,
Brown is Miami's best hope to replace McClellan. Scout.com ranked
Brown their twenty-eighth best recruit of 2016, and label him as a
strong guard who muscles his way in the paint, and capable of
shooting from outside. They also say he is raw a ball handler though.
That may come into play this season since Miami does not have a true
back up point guard to Newton, and Brown may be the player tasked
with the responsibility. Dejan Vasilijevic is a 3* freshman.
He will get a fair share of minutes at shooting guard this season.
Overview:
Miami loses three key (essential) players from a year ago, so they
aren't likely to finish as high in the conference as they did last
season. However, they should not regress too far. Murphy returns as a
starter for the frontcourt, and should be a better scorer and
rebounder this season with more of an emphasis on him. Lawrence and
Izundu are solid additons alongside Murphy. The focus of this team
will still be the backcourt. Newton is a different player than
Rodriguez, but is more talented, and will be a 'take the ball and
charge' kind of leader. Reed is a reliable scorer on the wing.
Freshmen top-30 recruits, Brown and Huell, are coming off the bench,
and are very exciting prospects. Brown could step in for McClellan
right away on offense. Miami will still play fast, and push the pace
on offense. They will be just fine despite losing so much from last
year's team.
5 Virginia
Key Loses: G
M.Brogdon, F A.Gill, C M.Tobey
Frontcourt: B
Virginia will have to replace two important players in the
frontcourt: forward, Anthony Gill, and center, Mike Tobey. Both of
whom started most games last season. In their absences, Virginia
start just two frontcourt players, neither of whom started a year
ago.
Austin Nichols will be the star in the frontcourt this season
(after being suspend for the first few games). He is a junior
transfer from Memphis. Nichols is a nice replacement for Gill. He
will be of most help to the team on defense, and rebounding. He last
averaged 6.1 rebound, and 3.4 blocks in his last season with Memphis.
He is also a capable scorer, averaging 13.3 points/game. Nichols will
immediately be one of the conference's best big men.
Junior Isaiah Wilkins will be the other sure starter in the
frontcourt. He played a key role coming off the bench last season,
playing 21.4 minutes a game. Wilkins is good on defense, grabbing
rebounds, and hustling. However, he has little offensive upside; at
least, he showed little of it last season. Wilkins averaged just 4.6
points and 4.1 rebounds a year ago.
6'11 sophomore, Jack Salt, started the season opener in
Nichols' absence, and started at times last year as well. He averaged
just 6.6 minutes a game. Salt is a solid interior defender, and the
Cavaliers could be accused of overkill on the defensive end when they
play Salt, Nichols, and Wilkins together. Sophomore Jarred Reuter,
an undersized power forward, figures to play more than the 4.8
minutes a game he played last season. Also, coming off the bench will
be redshirt freshman, Mamadi Diakite. The 6'9 big man missed
the first game of the season. He was a top-50 recruit a season ago,
and is a high upside prospect. It will be interesting to see what his
role will be this season.
Backcourt: B-
Virgina will likely play three guards this season. They will be led
by senior point guard, London Perrantes. Perrantes has been a
starter in each of his seasons with Virginia. Perrantes is a complete
point guard. He is a good ball handler, averaging 4.4 assists, and
1.8 assists per game. He is also a good defender, and an efficient
scorer. Perrantes averaged 11 points a game last year, and shot an
incredible 48.8% from 3pt range. Perrantes may need to step up, and
become more of a scorer this year though.
Darius Thompson at times as Virginia's third guard last year,
and he should fill that position again this season. The 6'4 junior
had less than stellar production his first year (last season) with
UVA, he averaged just 4.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per
game. Thompson's tendency was to drive the ball in the lane at every
opportunity last year, but shot a stellar 39% from 3pt range, despite
taking just one per game on average.
The Cavaliers lost their best player from a year ago to graduation,
Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon was the team's best scorer, and their best
perimeter defender. So, he leaves a big whole in the lineup. Virginia
will try to replace Brogdon with a couple different players. 6'5
junior, Devon Hall will be the starter. Hall's best asset may
be his defensive ability on the perimeter. He is not nearly the
offensive threat that Brogdon was though. Hall averaged just 4.4
points a game last season, while 33.3% from three.
Virginia has a solid set of reserve guards. Marial Shayok, a
6' junior, is the only holdover from last year's team. He played 15
minutes/game last year, while averaging 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds
per game. Shayok is a good perimeter shooter; he shot 43.6% from that
range last year. Joining him will be freshmen Kyle Guy, and Ty
Jerome. Guy was ranked as the forty-second best recruit coming
into the season by scout.com. They tout him as a great perimeter
scorer. He is a little undersized at 6'2 though. Jerome will play
some minutes at point guard this season; he was ranked by scout.com
as the fifty-fourth best recruit.
Overview:
Virginia
has lost their two best players from last season: Brogdon and Gill.
Austin Nichols is a worthy substitute for Gill. However, Brogdon will
be a much harder player to replace. The Cavaliers will play much the
same style as last year. They will be a strong defensive team as they
have been in recent years. Perrantes is a great point guard in this
conference as well. However, there is a question of who will be the
team's go-to scorer. No one on the roster seems capable of putting up
20 consistently.
4 Louisville
Key Loses:
G/F D.Lee, G T.Lewis, F/C C.Onuaku
Frontcourt:
B+
Louisville lost their best frontcourt player from a year ago,
Chinanu Onuaku. He won't be missed too badly, because Lousville has
plenty of options to replace him. 6'10 senior, Mangok Mathiang
will replace Onuaku at the five in the starting lineup. Mathiang has
a ton of potential in that position as a long and athletic big. He is
capable of replicating Onuaku's 9.9 points and 8.5 rebounds last
year. However, he may not play enough minutes to do so. He played
only 10 games last year, and did not averaged more than 18.8 minutes
played in his first three seasons with Louisville. Last year, while
playing 18.8 minutes/game, Mathiang averaged 7.1 points, 5.7
rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Backing up Mathiang will be 7'0 juniors,
Maz Stockman and Anas Mahmoud. Mahmoud played twice as many minutes
as Stockman last season, and figures to play more again this season.
Mahmoud is a versatile defender, with surprising lateral movement for
his size. He is not much of a threat on offense though, other than
getting the easy buckets 7-footers are privy to.
Jaylen Johnson will once again start at power forward. The
6'9 junior will look to be more involved in the offense this year; he
took less than five shots a game last season, averaging just 5
points. He is a solid rebounder, and gives the team good size and
strengthens the interior defense. Johnson will likely split minutes
with 6'10 sophomore, Ray Spalding. Spalding played 17.5
minutes/game last year as a raw freshman. He is a good athlete with
great potential, but still has a long way to go to be a finished
product at this level. Last season he actually outperformed Johnson,
averaging 5.6 points, and 4.3 rebounds.
Louisville loses their starting small forward from a year ago,
former grad transfer, Damion Lee. He was their leading scorer last
season. Stepping into his shoes will be two current and former top-20
recruits: sophomore, Deng Adel, and freshman, VJ King.
Adel will get the start. He was a bit too raw last year, and played
just 12.1 minutes/game. He is an athletic swingman, with the
potential to dominate on the offensive end. VJ King is similarly
gifted on offense. Scout.com's twentieth ranked recruit is long and
athletic, like Adel, at 6'6. He is also a versatile scorer. Both can
leave their mark this season, and Louisville could be unstoppable on
offense when they play together, if they're clicking.
Backcourt: B-
Junior point guard, Quentin Snider, returns. Snider
scored only 9.4 points per game last year, deferring to Damion Lee
and Trey Lewis. He is very efficient from the outside though, hitting
40.4% of his 3pt attempts last season. He is a good ball handler, and
leader on offense. He turned the ball over just 1.3 times per game
last season, and 3.5 assists.
Sophomore Donovan Mitchell will step into the starting lineup
at shooting guard. He is an explosive athlete, and is best charging
at the basket. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds, while playing
just 19.1 minutes a game last season. Mitchell needs to work on his
jump shot though; he shot just 25% from beyond the arc his freshman
year.
Senior transfer Tony Hicks will come off the bench in the
backcourt, and may spend time at either guard position. Hicks
averaged 13.2 points, while shooting 37.1% from three, his final
season with Penn. David Levitch, a senior, may see an increase
from his 7.1 minutes a game last year, and freshman, Ryan McMahon,
may also play. Adel and King could also play at the two at times,
especially when their both on the floor together.
Overview:
Louisville lost their three best players from a year ago, but they
have a deep roster to replace the departures. Mathiang, Adel, and
Mitchell, could all reproduce numbers put up by Onuaku, Lee, and
Lewis a season ago. Louisville is incredibly athletic with Mathiang,
Adel, King, and Mitchell are set to play significant minutes. Adel
and King, especially, can form a powerhouse tandem on offense.
3 Syracuse
Key Loses: G
M.Gbinije, G T.Cooney, G/F M.Richardson
Frontcourt: B
Syracuse boasts significant depth in both the frontcourt and
backcourt. DaJuan Coleman returns for an extra senior season;
he was the starting center last season, and will resume that role
this year. Coleman averaged just 17.5 minutes/game last year, and
will likely average less than 20 again this year. This is due to
Syracuse's depth at the position. Coleman averaged 4.9 points and 4.7
rebounds a game last year. Coming off the bench in place of Coleman
will be 7'2 sophomore transfer from Providence, Pascal Chukwu.
Chukwu is huge, 7'2, and could be
an eraser at the base of the zone. He likely will not be much of a
threat on offense, but that is rarely the case for Syracuse centers.
The
strength of Syracuse's team will be at forward. The starters were key
cogs on last year's Final Four team. Tyler
Lydon, a 6'9
sophomore, is the player getting all the attention preseason. Many
are already projecting Lydon to be a lottery pick next summer. The
lanky forward will see time at all three frontcourt positions for
Syracuse this season. He is a great defender on either the wing, or
underneath the basket. Lydon is an exceptional shot blocker,
averaging 1.8 last season. He and Chukwu could be nightmares for
opposing teams. Despite his defensive prowess, Lydon is best known
for his offensive game. Lydon has an excellent jump shot, and
finished last season shooting 40.5% from 3pt range. He is very
difficult to guard on the perimeter; he has the athleticism to get by
many bigs who get pushed outside to guard him. Lydon could have
difficulty finding his shot this year. Last year, he benefited
greatly from Gbinije, Cooney, and Richardson getting so much
attention. Now, he will be expected to assume the mantle of a go-to
scorer. He fits better as a complimentary second option though.
Another "Tyler," 6'8 senior, Tyler
Roberson, will
be the team's starting power forward. Roberson is long, and
athletically gifted, making him a tremendous rebounder. He averaged
8.5 rebounds last season. Roberson needs to be more assertive on the
offensive end though. Roberson has never been a dominate offensive
player. He averaged a career high 8.8 points a game last season.
However, his athleticism and physicality could make him a double
digit scorer this year, especially if he develops a more consistent
mid range jumper. Roberson averaging a double-double this season is
not out of the question.
6'10
freshman, Taurean
Thompson,
will come off the bench for Syracuse. He's a top-100 recruit,
according toscout.com. His size and length will make an immediate
impact on defense, and on the boards. However, he needs to refine his
offensive skills. Thompson has a high upside, but may struggle to
find playing time during the second half of the season. Boeheim,
despite having a deep team this season, prefers to stick with the
same core of players, especially in the second half of games.
Syracuse starts a big team, but they will play smaller just as often
with 6'7, Andrew White, and 6'6, Tyus Battle, sliding over to the
wing.
Backcourt:
B
Syracuse
loses their entire starting backcourt from a year ago, Michael
Gbinije and Tyler Cooney; they also lose swingman, Malachi
Richardson. Those three players were the team's three leading
scorers, and the three players who played the most minutes last year.
Replacing those three will be the key to Syracuse's team this season.
Frank
Howard,
a 6'5 sophomore, will replace Gbinije at point guard. Howard played
just 10.5 minutes/game last season, averaging 1.6 points, 1.3
rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. So, it may be a tall task to ask
him to replace the fifth year senior. However, Howard looked
incredible against Colgate [yes, this is cheating since that was the
first game of the regular season, and it's only against Colgate
anyway]. Howard looked like a much more confident player at all
facets of the game. He took four shots, making all of them, including
three from 3pt range. Howard also looks more comfortable handling the
ball, and distributing to teammates. Howard's size always enabled him
to be a good defender in the zone, and his ability there should grow
with a season of practice under his belt. Howard could be a surprise
breakout player. Howard will split time at point guard (almost a
50-50 split) with senior transfer John
Gillon.
Gillon comes from Colorado State, where he averaged 13.2 points/game
last season, along with 3.8 assists. Gillon is quick and agile at
6'0, and is best taking on defenders, and driving to the rim. His
competitiveness is his best attribute, and he brings a different
style than Howard.The starting shooting guard will be another graduate transfer, Andrew White III. White is a natural college three at 6'7, and may end up playing position positions an equal amount of time. White is a high level scorer. He averaged 16.6 points for Nebraska in the Big Ten last season. He is effective scoring inside, and out. He shot 41.2% from three point range last season, and can also slash to the hoop. White also moves great without the ball on offense. White should be effective on defense; he fits the zone, and is exceptionally tall for a guard at the top of the zone. Tyus Battle, is Syracuse's most highly touted freshman this year. He, like, White, is tall for a shooting guard at the college level, 6'6. Battle and White will often play together. Battle is a dynamic athlete. He is big. He is quick. He can jump. Oh, and he can also knock down shots from outside. Battle could end up being the best scorer on this team. The biggest weakness in Battle's game are his ball handling and decision making. Neither are a surprise given his freshman status. Battle should be a good defender in the zone. He will look to force turnovers, and get out and run in transition.
Overview:
Syracuse
loses three key players from their Final Four team, but they have
added several key pieces as well. In fact, you could make a strong
argument that Syracuse is better coming into this season then they
were a year ago. They have several players who could be the leading
scorer, Lydon, Battle, and White. They still have their patented zone
(and ESPN has probably patented the phrase "patented zone,"
when describing Syracuse). Most importantly, they still have Boeheim,
at least for a couple more seasons, and Boeheim has proven in recent
years adept at adapting his zone to the team in front of him. The
biggest question mark on this team will be at point guard, where
Howard and Gillon will carry the load. Syracuse has played best in
recent seasons when they had a point guard leading the way: Johnny
Flynn, Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis, and Gbinije.
2 North Carolina
Key Loses: G
M.Paige, F B.Johnson, C J.James
Frontcourt:
A-
UNC
loses one of it's frontcourt starters from a year ago, but it's a big
one: forward Brice Johnson. Johnson led the team in points and
rebounds, averaging a double-double, 17 points and 10.4 rebounds.
Lucky, for the Tarheels, it's the next man up, and that man,
replacing Johnson, Isaiah
Hicks. Hicks is
a strongly built power forward, at 6'9 242 lbs. He played just 18.1
minutes a game last season, due to the team's depth, but was
incredibly productive, averaging 8.9 points and 4.6 rebounds. Hicks
put up points at an impressive rate, scoring nearly .5 points every
minute. Hicks isn't the athlete Johnson was (is anyone?), and
probably will not be as consistent with his mid range jumper, but he
is a great replacement at the four.
The
rest of the team's frontcourt is intact. F/C Kendall
Meeks is
back for his senior season. The man with the mutton-chops averaged
9.2 point and 5.9 rebounds last year. However, he is due for an
uptick this year with Brice Johnson gone. Meeks is could in the post,
and may benefit form playing alongside Hicks, another interior
oriented player. Meeks needs to work on his interior defense though,
and staying out of foul trouble. He played just 20.6 minutes a game
last season. Backing up the big men will be 6'10 freshman, Tony
Bradley.
Bradley is UNC's highest rated recruit; scout.com lists him at 26.
Bradley could produce in a similar way Hicks produced off the bench
last season, while deserving to start. Bradley will be another great
rebounder for the Tarheels as well. Sophomore Luke
Maye is
natural power forward, maybe a little undersized, and figures to get
a slight uptick from the 5.6 minutes a game he played last season.
Justin Jackson will be the team's starting small forward this season. Jackson is a tall, lanky wing. He's 6'8. Jackson the hot pick to have the biggest breakout season last year. He had a good season, averaging 12.2 points per game, third on the team. However, he struggled mightily from beyond the arc. Jackson shot just 29.2% from three. Jackson needs to be a more consistent shooter this season, especially with Marcus Paige gone. Now a junior, Jackson has a chance to lead the team in scoring. Theo Pinson, a 6'6 junior, would have been a starter if he had not injured his foot before the season. He and Jackson are both more natural college threes, but one will have to move to shooting guard, once Pinson returns around January. Pinson is an interesting player at this level. He isn't great at anything. He isn't a good shooting, making just 29% of threes last year. He averaged just 4.5 points/game. However, he handles the ball and passes really well for his size. He averaged 2.9 assists last year.
Backcourt: B
In addition to losing their best frontcourt player from a year ago,
North Carolina lost their best backcourt player, Marcus Paige. He was
the team's leader, and the player who was going to knock down a big
shot when the team needed it most. The Tarheels will have a tough
task replacing him. Joel Berry II will take on Paige's role on
the team this year. Last season, the now 6'0 junior, averaged 12.8
points per game, which was actually lightly higher than Paige's
scoring average. Berry also shot better from beyond the arc, 38.2% to
Paige's 35.6%. Berry also showed an ability to hit the clutch shot at
times. Berry is an all-around point guard. He is also strong driving
in the lane, and averaged 3.8 assists last year, while turning the
ball just 1.6 times a game. Berry will be one of the best, if not the
best, point guard in the conference.
Nate Britt, a 6'1 senior, was expected to come off of the
bench. Due to Pinson's injury, he has begun the season playing
alongside Berry. Britt is a solid veteran player, but he isn't a
special talent, and is best suited to the bench. He averaged just 5.4
points per game last season, while shooting 32.1% from 3pt range.
Behind Britt will be Kenny Williams. Williams struggled to
find playing time last season, as a highly touted freshman. This year
he will be a key player in the backcourt though. Williams, a 6'4
sophomore, is a more dynamic player than Britt on offense, and
capable of scoring in a hurry.
North Carolina will also have a pair of freshman occupying their
bench. Seventh Woods is a 6'2 point guard. Scout.com rated him
their fortieth best recruit this season. They describe him as an
elite athlete, with potential to be a great defender. It will be
interesting to see how North Carolina uses him this year. Will they
only play Woods to spell Berry, or will they bring him in alongside
their starting point guard? The other freshman is 6'5 shooting guard,
Brandon Robinson. Robinson is scout.com's fifty-sixth best
recuit this year, and will give the team another guard with some
size.
Overview:
North Carolina loses their two best players from a year ago: Brice
Johnson an Marcus Paige. However, they are still super talented.
Isaiah Hicks will come into the starting lineup, and be a better than
adequate, although not equal, replacement. Joel Berry II is also
ready to take control, and lead this team. He is a potential All-ACC
player this season. Justin Jackson is going to score from the wing,
but he could be the ACC's leading scorer if he finally lives up to
his potential. UNC also has one of the conferences best big men,
Kennedy Meeks. Their bench is also great with freshman Tony Bradley
capable of producing in the frontcourt, and Kenny Williams, Seventh
Woods, and Brandon Robinson providing quality depth at the guard
positions. Williams especially could have a breakout season.
1 Duke
Key Loses: F
B.Ingram, C M.Plumlee, G D.Thornton
Frontcourt: A
Duke loses two starters from their frontcourt a year ago. Both are
big loses. Marshall is a literal “big” loss. The seven-footer
averaged 8.3 points and 8.6 rebounds a game last season. Brandon
Ingram was the team's second leading scorer from the wing, averaging
17.3 ppg. Duke replaces those loses with five freshman additions in
the frontcourt, and the return of Amile Jefferson, who missed most of
last season with an injury.
Amile Jefferson starts the season as the starting center. He
is a natural power forward, but is capable at the five at this level.
Jefferson averaged a double-double, 11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds,
last year before getting hurt. He may not be the same rim protector
that Plumlee was last year, but he helps the team out in other ways.
There is depth behind Jefferson, sophomore, Antionio Vrankovic,
a seven-footer, will play more than the 2.8 minutes/game he played
last season.
With 5* freshman, Harry Giles, injured for the time being, 6'10
sophomore, Chase Jeter, is going to get his chance to start.
Jeter averaged just 7.9 minutes a game last season, and was largely
ineffective when he was on the floor. However, he still has a lot of
potential, and is just a year removed from being a top-20 recruit in
his own right.
Duke could start three freshman in the frontcourt, if they were all
healthy. PF Harry Giles, SF Jayson Tatum, and C Marques Bolden are
scout.com's second, fourth, and eighth best recruits for 2016,
respectively.
Harry Giles is still trying to overcome a knee injury, which
required surgery, but should be back before conference play begins.
Giles has great size at 6'10, and is also very athletic. He is going
to be one of the conferences best rebounders when he finally does
play. Giles is also versatile on offense. He can play in the post,
and play above the rim. He also can step outside a little
(scout.com). Giles is the total package if, and when, he is healthy.
Jayson Tatum is a big small forward at 6'8. He is a talented
scorer with a nice mid range game, and is good off the dribble for
his size. Tatum is an improving shooter from beyond the arc as well.
Tatum moves well for his size, and should be an asset on defense
(scout.com).
Marques Bolden is another seven-footer. He is still raw, but
has huge potential. He can be a contributor on both sides of the ball
right way.
Duke will have even more depth in the frontcourt with freshmen,
Javin DeLaurier and James White. DeLaurier is a 6'8
power forward, who was scout.com's forty-first best recruit. White is
a 3*, 6'7 small forward.
Backcourt: A-
Duke returns three guards who played 26.7 minutes or more last
season. They also add a top-20 freshman. The group is led by last
season's leading scorer, Grayson Allen. Allen will move over
to the point guard position this season due to Derryck Thornton
transferring. Allen is an exceptionally talented scorer. He was the
leading scorer for Duke a year ago, averaging 21.6 points, while
shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc. He is just as effective driving
to the basket as well. Allen will be the favorite to lead the ACC in
scoring yet again. Allen, at 6'5, is also a good rebounder for a
guard. He averaged 4.6 last year. He also dished out 3.5 assists.
That last number will be important this season. He will have lots of
scoring options around him, and his decision making will be tested.
Allen's one weakness is on defense. He is not a great on he ball
defender. Even so, Allen will be the favorite to be named ACC player
of the year this season.
Due to injuries to Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum, Duke will begin the
season starting two shooting guards: 6'5 senior, Matt Jones,
and 6'6 sophomore, Luke Kennard. Both Jones and Kennard
averaged more than 10 points a game last season. Jones averaged 10.4,
while Kennard averaged 11.8, coming off the bench. Kennard has a
quick trigger, and does not tire of shooting. His percentage slipped
due to poor shot selection at times. He finished the season at 32%.
Jones was more selective, and shot 41.5% from that range. Kennard has
the higher upside on the offensive end, but Jones is the better ball
handler, and defender. It will be interesting to see how Jones and
Kennard's minutes are divvied up once Jayson Tatum enters the
starting lineup.
Coming off the bench will be 6'3 freshman, Frank Jackson.
Jackson is another scorer, and plays best with the ball in his hands.
Jackson is scout.com's eighteenth best recruit this season, giving
Duke four of their top-18 freshmen. Jackson will put up points in a
hurry (he took 15 shots in Duke's opener against Marist). Either
Jones or Kennard, will ultimately end up on the bench as well.
Overview:
Duke not only enters the season as the best team in the ACC, but the
best team in the country. They lost several important players, but
added four 5* freshman. The frontcourt is stacked with Jefferson,
Giles, and Tatum likely starting once everyone is healthy. Giles and
Tatum could be the two best freshmen in the conference, and Jefferson
will help the team everywhere, while still capable of scoring double
digit points. The backcourt does not receive as much aid as the
frontcourt, but Duke also did not lose much from last year there. The
three best guards return: Allen, Jones, and Kennard, and they did add
a top-20 recruit, Frank Jackson, who could drop 20 any night in as
many minutes. The team is also the deepest team in the ACC. There are
some questions. Health is a concern. Jefferson was injured last year,
and Giles, Tatum, and Bolden all begin the season with injuries as
well. Also, the team lacks a true point guard. Both Allen and Jackson
play well with the ball in their hands, but they will look to create
their own shot first. Finally, the key to this team will be their
chemistry. Four 5* players join four veterans who played important
roles last year (Jefferson, Allen, Jones, and Kennard. There is also
Chase Jeter, who could be a breakout candidate, but played less than
10 minutes a game last year. It may take some time to find out how
these players fit.
G Grayson Allen – Duke
G Joel Berry II – North
Carolina
G Dennis Smith Jr. - North
Carolina State
F Jaron Blossomgame - Clemson
F Austin Nichols - Virgina
G London Perrantes -Virginia
G/F Andrew White III – Syracuse
F/G Justin Jackson – North
Carolina
F Jayson Tatum - Duke
F Michael Young – Pittsburgh
G Ja'Quan Newton – Miami
G Dwayne Bacon – Florida State
G Jamel Artis – Pittsburgh
F Zach LeDay – Virginia Tech
F Isaiah Hicks – North Carolina
Honorable Mention:
F/C Amile Jefferson – Duke
G Xavier Rathan-Mayes – Florida
State
G Donovan Mitchell – Louisville
F VJ King – Louisville
F Kennedy Meeks – North
Carolina
F Abdul-Malik Abu – North
Carolina State
F VJ Beachem – Notre Dame
F Tyler Lydon – Syracuse
F Tyler Roberson – Syracuse
G Bryant Crawford – Wake Forest
G Dennis Smith Jr. -North
Carolina State
G/F VJ King – Louisville
F Jayson Tatum – Duke
F Harry Giles – Duke
C Omer Yurtseven - North Carolina State
Honorable Mention:
G Frank Jackson – Duke
G Tyus Battle - Syracuse
F Jonathan Isaac - Florida State
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