ACC Forecast: North Carolina Still Rules

Mike DeCourcy - SportingNews.com

Bold Predictions

1. North Carolina will have trouble accomodating all the available frontcourt talent. There are five starting-quality players for three spots. Of course, that's Roy Williams' kind of math problem.

2. Maryland's biggest challenge will be finding a winning formula now that its lineup is more conventional. It might take more time than Terps fans would like.

With the leadership of Marcus Ginyard, UNC is poised to win the ACC once again.2. Maryland's biggest challenge will be finding a winning formula now that its lineup is more conventional. It might take more time than Terps fans would like.

3. North Carolina will win the ACC. Duke has the kind of experience that wins league titles, but the Devils could be in trouble if backcourt issues arise. North Carolina has players to throw at any problem.

The Best of the ACC

Freshman: Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech

Rebounder: Trevor Booker, Clemson

Passser: Greivis Vasquez, Maryland

NBA prospect: Favors

Defender: Solomon Alabi, Florida State

Shooter: Jon Scheyer, Duke

Leader: Marcus Ginyard, North Carolina

Under pressure: Vasquez

Nonconference game: Michigan State at North Carolina (Dec. 1)

SN All-Conference Team

G Malcom Delaney, Jr., Virginia Tech

G Greivis Vasquez, Sr., Maryland

F Kyle Singler*, Jr. Duke

F Trevor Booker, Sr., Clemson

F Ed Davis, Soph., North Carolina

* -- Player of the Year

Coach of the Year

Leonard Hamilton, Florida State

Projected finish

(NCAA Tournament teams in bold)

1. North Carolina

2. Duke

3. Clemson

4. Wake Forest

5. Maryland

6. Florida State

7. Georgia Tech

8. Boston College

9. Virginia Tech

10. N.C. State

11. Miami

12. Virginia

Mike DeCourcy is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at decourcy@sportingnews.com.

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