*** College Basketball Preview - Atlantic Coast Conference ***

The Sports Network

By Scott Haynes, College Basketball Senior Editor

OUTLOOK: It was another banner season for the ACC, as arguably the nation's best conference proved it all year long. In the NCAA Tournament, the ACC proved to be the winningest conference (12-4), including North Carolina winning the national title. It was the ACC's third national championship in the last five years and the 10th overall. After adding Miami and Virginia Tech a year ago, the ACC will become a 12-team league with Boston College coming on board in 2005-06. While the Hokies and Hurricanes struggled at times in their new surroundings, the Eagles will make a smoother transition with a full array of weapons. Still, this is Duke's conference to lose, as there may not be a better team on paper than the Blue Devils to start the season. Boston College will push hard to make it competitive at the top of the standings, as will Wake Forest and Maryland. The middle of the standings will see a much-improved Miami program, a puzzling NC State team, the defending national champion Tar Heels and Georgia Tech all vying for NCAA Tournament consideration. Battling it out to avoid the conference cellar will be Virginia Tech, Florida State, Clemson and finally a Virginia team under new management.

CONFERENCE CHAMPION: Duke

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH: 1. Duke, 2. Boston College, 3. Wake Forest, 4. Maryland, 5. Miami-Florida, 6. NC State, 7. North Carolina, 8. Georgia Tech, 9. Virginia Tech, 10. Florida State, 11. Clemson, 12. Virginia

TEAM BY TEAM ANALYSIS:

DUKE - The Blue Devils won the ACC last season and finished the year with a record of 27-6. The team looses versatile guard Daniel Ewing and inconsistent forward Shavlik Randolph, but there is plenty returning to the fold, not to mention the arrival of three McDonald's All-Americans. Of course, the crown jewel of Mike Krzyzewski's team is All-American J.J. Redick. The 6-4 guard is one of the nation's premier scorers and is coming off a junior campaign in which he averaged 21.8 ppg. With Redick launching from the outside at will, All-American forward Shelden Williams was able to control the paint, averaging a double-double with 15.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. With both back for another run at a national title, Duke has to be considered a favorite heading into the 2005-06 season. Of course, the role players are plentiful with Sean Dockery, Lee Melchionni and DeMarcus Nelson all getting plenty of playing time last season. The trio should see their production rise with a quality year under their respective belts. With the addition of one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, including freshmen Josh McRoberts, Eric Boateng and Greg Paulus, this team is once again loaded. McRoberts may be the best freshman in the country when all is said and done, with his ability to score both inside and out, taking the pressure off Redick and Williams from carrying the workload game-in and game-out. Paulus is a shifty court-general with explosive scoring capabilities. He will play right away at the point and provide a perfect complement to Redick in the backcourt.

BOSTON COLLEGE - The new kids on the block, the Eagles should be able to make a smooth transition to the ACC. Al Skinner's squad is loaded with talent and comes in off a 2004-05 season in which the team won a school record 24 regular season games and finished 25-5 after an early exit from the NCAA Tournament. With the record-setting year, Skinner was given a well-deserved contract extension in September. This team returns a majority of its talent from a year ago. The frontcourt duo of Craig Smith (18.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and Jared Dudley (16.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg) is as good as it gets and big things are expected of the pair again this season. Junior swingman Sean Marshall (11.1 ppg) presents matchup problems in the backcourt at 6-6 and will be a perfect complement to Dudley and Smith. Senior guard Louis Hinnant is not much of a scorer (5.3 ppg), but does an excellent job running the offense (4.8 apg). With seven- footer Nate Doornekamp gone, the defensive presence in the paint will be 6-10 sophomore Sean Williams, who earned All-Big East Rookie accolades last year for his shot-blocking prowess. The incoming class is highlighted by freshman guard Tyrese Rice, who will be asked to provide a scoring spark from the perimeter. Rice finished his high school career with 314 three-pointers and will obviously get the green light from long range this season.

WAKE FOREST - Skip Prosser has had some the best talent in the country in Winston-Salem over the last few years and although the Demon Deacons have won a ton of games, they have struggled in the postseason. The loss of All- American Chris Paul, along with players like Jamaal Levy, Vytas Danelius and Taron Downey will make it awfully difficult for the Demon Deacons to approach the 27 wins they amassed last season. However, there is still enough left in the cupboard to remain an upper echelon program in the ACC. With sniper Justin Gray in the backcourt and Eric Williams down low, there is plenty of reason for optimism. Gray averaged 16.0 ppg last year and shot over 40 percent from behind the arc. Despite his strong shooting, Gray is likely to move to the point this year, a role that may hinder his ability to light up opposing teams. The 6-9 Williams is a load in the paint and is coming off a junior year in which he averaged 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per outing. Help up front will hopefully come from senior Chris Ellis (6-9, 267) and junior Kyle Visser (6-11, 244), while backcourt support will be up to 6-5 Trent Strickland, as well as incoming freshmen Harvey Hale and Shamaine Dukes.

MARYLAND - It was certainly a down year for the Terrapins last season, as they failed to make it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1993. At 19-13 overall, the squad also halted a streak of 20-win seasons that started in 1996. The loss of guard John Gilchrist could actually be a blessing, as he had talent, but lacked the ability to play well with others. Gilchrist is the only loss for Maryland, so a great deal is expected in College Park in 2005-06. The frontcourt duo of Nik Caner-Medley and Travis Garrison is solid. Caner-Medley is the top returning scorer on the team after netting 16.0 points per game. Garrison added 10.1 ppg and a team-high 6.5 rpg and along with Caner-Medley (6.2 rpg) gives the team plenty of grit on the glass. Shooting guard Chris McCray (14.1 ppg) is also a defensive monster. Gary Williams will ask McCray to step up and become the team-leader this year. Joining him in the backcourt will be juco transfer Parrish Brown, who will hopefully run the point for the Terps, after averaging 22 points, five assists and five rebounds a game for Kennedy King Community College. Throw in dynamic defender D.J. Strawberry and physical guard Sterling Ledbetter and this will once again be a team that thrives at the defensive end of the court.

MIAMI-FLORIDA - The Hurricanes made a decent showing of themselves in their first year in the ACC, going 16-13 last season, en route to an NIT bid. First- year coach Frank Haith made huge strides last season and another step or two in the right direction is expected in 2005-06. The bulk of the talent returns to Coral Gables and if the team is able to continue its upward momentum, the Hurricanes could end up in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. That being said, there is a tremendous amount of youth on this team, and those youngsters will need to make immediate contributions. The crown jewel of the squad is All-ACC guard Guillermo Diaz, who can do a little bit of everything. He is a slasher who can get to the basket, or drain the three- pointer with regularity. Diaz was among the conference's top scorers last season (18.6 ppg) and could actually improve on that this time around. Senior Robert Hite joins Diaz to form perhaps the conference's top backcourt. Hite is another scoring threat after averaging 17.3 ppg last season. Throw in 6-2 junior Anthony Harris (12.4 ppg, 4.6 apg) and it is easy to see where Miami's strength lies. Up front, the team will rely on 6-10 forward Anthony King to shoulder the workload and hope that his scoring (6.3 ppg) comes up to par with his defensive abilities (team-high 8.0 rpg and second in the ACC in blocks). Brian Asbury, a 6-7 freshman from South Miami High School could be the best of the incoming class and should garner minutes right away.

NC STATE - The Wolfpack may have overachieved last season, as they went 21-14 overall and finished up making a Sweet 16 appearance. However, such a run this season may be difficult, considering the team lost one of its all-time greats in All-American Julius Hodge. The versatile swingman did everything for Herb Sendek's squad last season and it will be impossible to fill his shoes. However, there is a solid nucleus returning to Raleigh and that could be enough to fuel the team through another strong season. A healthy Ilian Evtimov is the key in the frontcourt. He does a little bit of everything and could help assuage the loss of Hodge. The other player of note in the frontcourt is sophomore Andrew Brackman, who recorded a team-high 40 blocks as a freshman. A fundamentally sound player, the 6-10 Brackman could be in for a breakout campaign. The backcourt is in fine shape with the return of Engin Atsur (9.4 ppg), Cameron Bennerman (9.6 ppg) and Tony Bethel (8.0 ppg). The top freshman is probably 6-6 guard Courtney Fells, who brings a lot of athleticism to the court. The former high school quarterback, was the Player of the Year in Mississippi as a senior, after averaging 23.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.

NORTH CAROLINA - The Tar Heels are coming off a magical season in which they captured their first NCAA title since 1993 and went 33-4 overall en route to the crown. The problem is that the euphoric feelings have dissipated, with the loss of the team's seven top scorers from last year. This is clearly a team in transition with the losses of Sean May, Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, Jawad Williams and Marvin Williams. The loss of freshman Marvin Williams stings the most, because if he had stayed, this is a team that would once again vie for the conference crown and be a factor in the NCAA Tournament. So, where will Roy Williams look for scoring this year? Well, the cupboard is not bare in Chapel Hill, but it doesn't look stocked either. Senior forward David Noel is the most likely candidate to step into the leadership role, but he averaged just 3.9 ppg a year ago. Joining him up front will be Reyshawn Terry (6-8 junior). Sophomore Quentin Thomas will take over at the point, but he averaged just over six minutes a game last season and did little to impress. Newcomers will have to play significant roles this season and Williams has a few that he thinks can fit the bill. Tyler Hansbrough, a 6-9 235-pounder is the best of the bunch and he will get tons of minutes down low. The other faces of merit are all guards, in Bobby Frasor (6-3, 195), Marcus Ginyard (6-5, 199) and Danny Green (6-5, 202).

GEORGIA TECH - While North Carolina lost the most in terms of talent from last season, Paul Hewitt's Yellow Jackets run a close second. With the loss of guards Jarrett Jack, B.J. Elder and Will Bynum and center Luke Schenscher, the cupboard is bare in Atlanta. The returning players from last year's roster lack a single start among them, and it will be up to the youngsters on the roster to translate their talent into victories this season. Theodis Tarver (6-9 senior) and Mario West (6-4 guard) are the only upperclassmen on the roster, but neither was a key contributor in 2004-05. Sophomore Ra'Sean Dickey (6-9, 255) will be the go-to-guy in the frontcourt this season. He connected on over 60 percent of his shots a year ago and should see his numbers rise considerably with more playing time. Another player with great potential in the frontcourt is sophomore Jeremis Smith (6-6, 232), who missed most of last season with a knee injury, as well as sophomore swingman Anthony Morrow (6-5, 205). Sophomore Zam Fredrick will handle the point, but the star of the backcourt may very well be freshman Lewis Clinch, who averaged 21 points per game as a high school senior.

VIRGINIA TECH - Seth Greenberg's Hokies were a pleasant surprise in their first season in the ACC last year, going 16-14 overall and a respectable 8-8 in the country's best conference. If the roster remains relatively healthy, this team could once again be competitive, but that is a big if. An explosive backcourt highlights the Hokies in 2005-06, with the return of juniors Zabian Dowdell (14.4 ppg) and Jamon Gordon (10.9 ppg, 4.1 apg). Getting Markus Sailes back in the lineup will only enhance one of the conference's top backcourts. He missed most of last season with a stress fracture. The frontcourt will be anchored by junior forward Coleman Collins (6-9, 235), who averaged 11.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game a year ago. He will get help from 6-7 swingman Deron Washington and incoming freshman Cheick Diakite (6-8, 230). The team has already been bitten by the injury bug when sophomore Wynton Witherspoon fractured his foot recently. The 6-7 forward had won the small forward position to start the season, but will miss the first six to eight weeks while recovering from surgery. The team also lost a newcomer with Hyman Taylor transferring out. Other freshmen that will need to play important roles are A.D. Vassallo (6-6, 213) and Terrance Vinson (6-8, 210).

FLORIDA STATE - There were high hopes for the Seminoles last season and they wilted under the pressure, going just 12-19 overall and 4-12 in league play. The good news is there isn't any pressure this year. The bad news is it is because the team has little chance to improve in 2005-06. Gone are guard Von Wafer and forwards Anthony Richardson and Adam Waleskowski and they were really the only proven commodities on Leonard Hamilton's team. The frontcourt may be better than anticipated, if 6-10 Alexander Johnson can finally live up to expectations. Junior Al Thornton (9.1 ppg) is a solid performer, but the team is really banking on a full array of newcomers, including heralded Nigerian born Uche Echefu, who averaged 21.2 points and 9.0 rebounds as Maryland's High School Player of the Year last season. Ryan Reid (6-9, 220) is another freshman of note in the frontcourt this season. Junior Jerel Allen (6-4, 195) is looked upon as FSU's next Tim Pickett, an explosive junior college performer that will be called upon to provide backcourt scoring immediately.

CLEMSON - The Tigers suffered through some growing pains last season, but still finished the year at .500 (16-16) and received an NIT bid. The bad news coming in is that the team must now play without steady forward Sharrod Ford (14.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.1 bpg), who was one of the conference's top power players. The good news is that coach Oliver Purnell can now go about running his offense through his talented guards. Senior Shawan Robinson will be the veteran leader in the backcourt and was decent last season averaging 10.8 ppg. Sophomore Cliff Hammonds was one of the ACC's top freshmen a year ago, averaging 10.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per outing. However, swingman Cheyenne Moore has transferred and Troy Mathis has yet to play for the Tigers and is currently healing from knee surgery in the spring, reducing the depth in the backcourt. He was to play the point for Clemson this season, but his possible absence could push Hammonds into the role. Incoming players of note include 6-7, 290-pound Julius Powell and 6-5, 180-pound K.C. Rivers. Up front, senior Akin Akingbala (6-9, 220) will be asked to shoulder the workload, along with sophomore James Mays (6-9, 215).

VIRGINIA - The Pete Gillen era is officially over and so may be Virginia's penchant for falling apart down the stretch. The Cavaliers finished a game under .500 last year and won just four ACC games, leading to the resignation of Gillen. Enter Dave Leitao who is about as different a coach from Gillen as possible. That is probably a good thing in Charlottesville, as a fresh approach is necessary in turning things around. However, Leitao may lack the personnel to make much of a difference in 2005-06. Gone are stalwarts Elton Brown (12.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and Devin Smith (16.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg). The frontcourt has no proven commodity and the team will struggle to get production in the paint. The likely candidates to lead the way up front are junior Donte Minter (6-8, 245) and Gary Forbes (6-6, 210). The star on this team is sophomore point guard Sean Singletary, who can both score (10.5 ppg) and distribute (3.9 apg). The backcourt is bolstered by junior J.R. Reynolds (10.7 ppg) and T.J. Bannister (4.3 ppg). The incoming class is not exactly overwhelming, but 6-8, 250-pound Laurynas Mikalauskas could make a moderate contribution in the paint.