Under the Table, Table Runners

WE ARE HERE

Finally, we are here! We have arrived at the best time of the year, March Madness. The results of the regular season and conference championships have provided us a good idea on who to pick in the tournament. We have seen each teams strengths, weaknesses, if they are entering the tournament hot or cold, and which players/coaches have stepped up this season. While most teams have received national attention from the media, there are some teams in the dance that have not. Teams such as Middle Tennessee State, Bucknell, and Florida Gulf Coast have people scratching their heads when filling out the bracket. Most people are unaware of these teams strengths, weaknesses (other than playing in a non-power conference), and players that can light it up scoring. Even though these teams usually do not go as far as the Final Four, they may knock out a team that is expected to go to the Final Four, and maybe your pick for National Champions. 

Table Runners

I tried to catch as many college basketball games this year on TV as I could. If I missed games, I at least tried to keep up with each team in each conference. About every week or two, I would glance at the nation's leaders in rebounding, points per game, etc. A couple of teams and players caught my eye, and I would check up on their game-to-game performances and how each player played. All of this keeping up will hopefully help me out but could be useless if those teams/players are done after the first round. Some obvious table runners include Lonzo Ball from UCLA, Luke Kennard out of Duke, ACC Player of the Year Justin Jackson, and Kansas guard Justin Jackson. Here is a list of guys who are underrated "under the table" table-runners: 

Mike Daum, #16 South Dakota St

https://mgtvwcmh.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/url-11.jpeg

The "Dauminating" sophomore has led his Jackrabbits to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. Daum has done had a "daum" good season. In player efficiency rating, he ranked third. He was second in the nation in scoring, averaging 25.3 points per game. The Summitt League Conference Player of the Year scored 30 points or more in 12 games this season, including one game which he dropped 51 points in a win over Fort Wayne. 51 points were the most points scored in a Division I Men's basketball game all season. Daum also led the nation in free throws attempted and made. It is no secret he can score, but can he lead his Jackrabbits to a win over one of the nation's best teams in #1 seed Gonzaga? No #16 seed has defeated a #1 seed, could Daum and the Jackrabbits be the first?

Conner Frankamp and Landry Shamet, #10 Wichita State

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pAy4A0YsG6SgqLljyK6sLRIA2hA=/0x0:3481x2316/1200x800/filters:focal(1463x880:2019x1436)/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53549243/usa_today_9919970.0.jpg

Ever since Ron Baker, Fred VanVleet, and coach Gregg Marshall put Wichita State on the map in 2013 by reaching the Final Four, I have kept track of them. Baker and VanVleet were two of my favorite players to watch in college basketball. Gregg Marshall is one of the better coaches in Division I Men's basketball. Wichita State has developed into a powerhouse basketball school.

There really isn't a true star to this Shockers basketball team. The case can be made for Shaq Morris or Landry Shamet, but overall they play together as a solid, consistent basketball team. However, I think these two lethal shooters will step up big for the Shockers. Frankamp, a former Kansas Jayhawk, has experience in the NCAA Tournament with both Wichita State and Kansas. In a second round tournament game in 2014 vs Stanford, Frankamp hit 4 three-pointers, including two clutch 3's in the final 30 seconds. Unfortunately, the video only shows one of his clutch three's. I can see Frankamp being a Ryan Arcidiacono 2.0.

Shamet, a true freshman, has shown flashes of stellar shooting. The Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year ranked 3rd in field goal percentage (47.5%) among all guards in the conference. He was tied for 5th in overall offensive efficiency with 133.7, which ranks higher than players such as Luke Kennard and Lonzo Ball. Both Frankamp and Shamet shot 45% from the three. During a 5 game stretch in the season, the two combined for 27-47 behind the arc. If these scrappy guards shoot the ball the way they have during the regular season, they may just sneak into the Sweet 16. 

Devontae Cacok, #12 UNC-Wilmington

http://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/uncwsports.com/images/2016/1/30/cofc6.jpg

The Seahawks from UNCW find themselves dancing for a second straight season. Coach Kevin Keatts has received much of the attention for their success, as he should. He has revamped the UNCW basketball program into a successful program that has great consistency in scoring the basketball. His Seahawks ranked 10th in the nation in scoring with 85.2 points per game. This wouldn't be possible by the contribution of sophomore Devontae Cacok. 

The Forward flirted with averaging a double-double in points per game and rebound per game with 12.3 PPG and 9.6 RPG. Despite coming close to averaging a double-double, Cacok penciled in 12 double-doubles of the season. Of those double-doubles, two were video game-like performances. He recorded 24 rebounds in one, and in another, he put up 34 points and 19 boards. Cacok has had one of the best seasons of any college basketball player this season. His 79% field goal percentage and 146.5 offensive efficiency rating ranked first in the nation. Okay, we get it, he's an offensive machine! How is his defense 👀? Just as good; he was named the Colonial Athletic Association's Defense Player of the Year. UNCW is favored as a potential #12 over #5 seed upset since there has been at least one in recent year's tournaments. Could Cacok and the UNC Dubs keep dancing into the Sweet 16 or Elite 8? 

Angel Delgado, #9 Seton Hall

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/fd5a63274e76937387bd2ff79e72d87b31b0152a/c=146-0-2451-1733&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2017/01/09/NJGroup/AsburyPark/636195861031677635-Seton-Hall-Creighton-Feit-2-.jpg

The nation's leading rebounder comes into the tournament with a vengeance. Angel Delgado and his Pirates lost a heartbreaker to the defending national champs Villanova, on a missed layup at the buzzer in the Big East Conference Tournament. Some say he has been the "Angel" to the Seton Hall Pirates this season. In 32 games played, he recorded 26 double-doubles. Of those games with double-doubles, there were 12 in which he recorded 15 or more rebounds. Not only does Delgado lead the nation in rebounds, he also leads in offensive rebounds. There have been rumors surrounding Delgado and Dyson Vacuums regarding a potential sponsorship, because of his vacuum-like ability to suck in rebounds. We shall see if the human vacuum can be top of the line, such as Dyson Vacuum Cleaners are. 


These student-athletes have great potential to make a name for themselves, for their teams, and for their schools in the next couple of days. Will these players come through for their teams and do the unexpected? Don't say I didn't warn ya!

Sources:
http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/2017.html
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/basketball-men/d1/current/team/145
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics

ACC Tournament Predictions

Is There a True Favorite?

The Atlantic Coast Conference is one of the top conferences in Division I basketball. Each season, around 6 or so teams are selected to dance in the NCAA Tournament. The talent is rich in the conference. Teams such as UNC, Duke, UVA, Miami, and Notre Dame have been the most consistent participants from the ACC to play in the NCAA Tournament. Every season or two, a surprise team will arise from the conference and become one of the top teams. This season it was Florida State, as they improved from going 8-10 last year in the ACC, to 12-6, finishing in 2nd place.

Upsets tend to happen in every conference. They are decently consistent in the major conferences (PAC 12, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, SEC, etc). In the ACC, they are quite common, especially this season. Teams such as Georgia Tech, Wake Forrest, Syracuse, and Miami all have multiple, quality victories against some of the top teams in the conference. 

- #11 seed Georgia Tech has defeated UNC, Notre Dame, and Florida State.
- #10 seed Wake Forrest has wins over Louisville and Miami
- #9 seed Miami has dubs against UNC, Duke, and UVA
- #8 seed Syracuse has upset Duke, UVA, and Florida State

The playing field in the ACC is nearly even. You can trace last-place Boston College to first-place UNC. In fact, let's do that real quick:

- Boston College defeated Syracuse.
- Syracuse defeated Duke.
- Duke defeated UNC.

The funny thing is, that is not the only path that can be traced to Boston College and UNC! Now, am I saying Boston College can beat UNC? Ye- hold up. There is NO WAY Boston College can defeat the ACC Regular season champs. Have you looked at the calendar to see what month it is 👀? 

As crazy as the ACC is and the month of March is, this scenario is very unlikely to happen. Boston College would first have to win 4 games in a row against teams they have lost to some more than once this season. It would be amazing to see, but highly unlikely. Here is what the 2017 ACC Tournament Bracket look like:

http://raycomsports.com/sports_labs_docs/m-baskbl/2017_mbb_bracket.pdf?utm_source=all&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=mbb&utm_content=17tourney

First Round

#12 Clemson vs #13 NC State

Clemson has had a frustrating year in the ACC. Eight of their 12 ACC losses have been decided by 5 points or less. Do not sleep on the hunger of the Tigers. I see them knocking off an out of sync NC State squad and move on to face Duke in the second round.  

#10 Wake Forrest vs #15 Boston College

Wake Forrest is playing some hot basketball right now; Roll Deac's!

#11 Georgia Tech vs #14 Pitt

I've got an upset in this one. I'm picking Pitt to upset Georgia Tech. I feel the veterans on Pittsburgh will have a big day scoring the basketball and lead their team into the next round. This may burst Georgia Tech's chance on dancing in the NCAA Tournament if they lose here.

Second Round

#8 Cuse vs #9 Miami

This may be the best matchup of the tournament. Tough pick for sure, but give Syracuse in a close one!

#12 Clemson vs #5 Duke

I rather have Duke lose in their first round of the ACC Tourney than in their first round of the NCAA Tourney. Clemson will give them a hard time, but I'm taking the Blue Devils.

#10 Wake vs #7 Va Tech

I'm feeling aWake right now, despite it being late, and a Wake win. This potential matchup also has the makings of being the best of the ACC Tourney. It has high potential to come down to the wire. It's hard to go against Virginia Tech, and I'll honestly probably regret it.

#14 Pitt vs #6 UVA

Pitt has taken down UVA before, earlier in January, but not so recently. UVA avenged themselves on London Perrantes' senior night. The Cavaliers shouldn't have a problem, unless Jamel Artis, Sheldon Jeter, and Michael Young are all feeling it.

Third Round

#1 UNC vs #8 Syracuse

UNC has taken care of Syracuse their last couple of matchups. They'll probably do it again. If Syracuse defeats Miami and losses here, I still believe they will sneak into the NCAA Tourney.

#4 Louisville vs #5 Duke

A potentially solid matchup. A strong guard matchup between prolific scorers and playmakers Donovan Mitchell and Luke Kennard. I'm going to have to go with the Blue Devils here, and I am leaving bias out of it. 

#2 Florida State vs #10 Wake Forrest

I want to go with Wake because they are a hot team right now, especially if they go as far as I have picked them. Florida State has been a weird team this season. They looked as if they were the team to beat in the ACC early on, but they have bad losses to Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh and can be inconsistent at times. However, it's Bacon time! I expect Dwayne Bacon to step up in the ACC Tourney, and against the Demon Deacons.

#3 Notre Dame vs #6 Virginia

This is another matchup that may go down as the best the ACC Tournament will see this season. I have more faith in a coin deciding this game than me choosing it. I'm going to pick Notre Dame because I feel they have more weapons on offense than UVA's efficiency to stop them from scoring.

Semifinals

#1 UNC vs #5 Duke

Well, well, well, what do we have here. A tie breaker to see who wins the season series between Carolina and Duke? This would be epic, and I hope this happens for the sake of the ACC, fans, and so I would be correct. The likelihood of this happening seems to be more in favor than not in favor, I believe. Really trying not to be biased here, I am going with the Blue Devils. Grayson and Kennard will shoot as good as they did when they first played Carolina.

#10 Wake Forrest vs #3 Notre Dame

Yeah, I know I mentioned Florida State would win and it was "Bacon time," but I feel like there is going to be one team that reaches the semifinals that is not ranked as a top 6 seed in the ACC Tournament. As crazy of a run, this would be for Wake Forrest, it would end here. Mike Brey's squad is going to click on every cylinder and they will move on to the ACC Championship.

ACC Championship: #5 Duke vs #3 Notre Dame

Notre Dame wins the 2017 ACC Tournament for the second time in three years. I predict they beat Duke only by 5 points or less. Notre Dame has one of the highest potentials of any team in the ACC not just in the ACC Tournament, but also the NCAA Tournament. Mike Brey has had recent success in the month of March the past couple seasons. He has the majority of the players he had last year, and I believe that same core will once again lead him to an ACC title. 

I am excited for the ACC Tournament and plan to watch as many games as I can. This week starts the beginning of the madness this month brings. I am overjoyed with the hype college basketball brings this time of year every year!

Free (Agent) Matt Wieters!

Matt Wieters is STILL a Free Agent

A throwback pic of Matt Wieters either my dad or I took when he was playing with the Norfolk Tides in 2009.

Most of the notable 2016-17 offseason free agents class have been signed. Some free agents resigned with the team they were originally on. Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner returned to the Dodgers. Jose Bautista resigned with Toronto. Yoenis Cespedes came back to New York. However, some players switched up and turned the dial on the stove. Edwin Encarnacion signed with the reigning American League Champs, the Cleveland (w)Indians, (get it?). Mark Melancon and the Giants agreed on a four-year contract. Ian Desmond, perhaps the biggest off-season surprise, inked a five-year deal with the Rockies. What if I told you a four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, entering his age 31 season, was unsigned? Seems a little crazy right, being that it is February 21st, and pitchers and catchers reported almost over a week now.

This guy is Matt Wieters. Wieters was the Orioles starting catcher since 2009. He was the 5th overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft out of Georgia Tech. In 2009, prior to making his MLB debut, he was named the second-best prospect in all of baseball, behind David Price. In his rookie season, he flirted with a .300 batting average and led the majors in double play turned by a catcher. From 2011-2013, Wieters seemed to be settling into the majors as the Orioles star catcher. In the span of those three seasons, Wieters hit 67 home runs and 230 RBI's which ranked second and first in that time span among qualified catchers. His 10.9 WAR during those three seasons was the fifth highest in that category. Not only was Wieters a force offensively, he defense was just as good, if not better. During 2011-2013, Wieters threw out 37% of runners attempting to steal a base, which was the highest in that time period among qualified catchers in the American League. He won consecutive Gold Gloves in 2012 and 2013. In a peculiar stat, Wieters ranks 12th in the "clutch" stat among qualifiers since 2012. Fans have given him the nickname "Matty Ice" because of his success in late games.

25 games into the 2014 season, Wieters faced an arm injury that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him the entire season and the start of the 2015 season. After coming back from his injury, he was not the same player. Playing in only 75 games, Wieters tallied career lows in home runs, RBI's, games played, and percentage of runners caught stealing. When the season concluded, he opted free agency but re-signed with the O's for one more year. In his 7th season with Baltimore, Wieters was named an All-Star. He went on to have a decent year, hitting just shy of 20 homers, with a WAR of 1.7 (highest WAR since 2012) in 124 games played. 

The veteran has an impressive resume. So why is he still unsigned? Beats me honestly. It's obvious there is not one team does not want him to be their starting catcher. He would fit great with a team with a young pitching staff. Wieters caught Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, and Zach Britton when they first came to the majors. Each pitcher gelled smoothly with two-time Gold Glover. He can do the same for a young pitching staff. Which team could use a veteran catcher like Wieters?

Two come to mind: the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angelos Angels.

The Rockies would be a solid fit for Wieters. If the season started today, Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy would most likely platoon, unless they went with Wolters to be their starter, because he has more MLB experience. The Rox have one of the youngest starting staffs in all of Major League Baseball. Wieters could provide a great insight to these young stud starters, and also to the lesser experienced backstops. The Rockies have already spent much money this offseason, why not invest on a qualified veteran who could help your team? Even if money was an issue, because no one has signed Wieters this late into the offseason, they could sign him for cheap. 

The Angels are the other team. Their top candidates for starting catcher include Martin Maldonado and Carlos Perez. Perez is coming off his first full season and seems to be an average catcher. Maldonado, who was Jonathon Lucroy's backup in Milwaukee for a couple of years, is looking to find his first starting catching gig in Los Angelos. He has only played in half the number of games Wieters has, including Wieters' absence in 2014. The Angels starting pitching could use a catcher with more experience than these two.

I am not ruling out an Orioles reunion. The Orioles resign former players all the time, including Mark Trumbo, Logan Ondrusek (major league deals), and Michael Bourn and Robert Andino (minor-league deals) this offseason. Andino last played for the O's in 2012. However, I think Wieters returning to Baltimore it is a long shot. The birds plan to use Wellington Castillo as their starter, and most likely Caleb Joseph as their backup. Chance Sisco, a top prospect in their farm system, is projected to start at Triple-A Norfolk this season and may be major-league ready before the conclusion of the season.

Source: fangraphs.com

ACC Preview for Saturday

What to Expect for Saturday

The schedule for ACC basketball weekend is stacked with great potential of games. Almost every team is in action, with the exception of Virginia Tech. Here's what the lineup look like:

This screenshot is courtesy of http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/schedule/_/date/20170204/group/2

Each game, with the exception of #6 Louisville vs Boston College, has great potential to be tightly contested. Because this is ACC basketball, you can't really count any team out. Boston College could upset Louisville for all we know! However, I feel like that is the most unlikely upset. Here's what to look for in each game this weekend:


#9 Virginia (17-4, 7-2) vs Syracuse (14-9, 6-4)

Virginia vs Syracuse should be a solid game. Syracuse is coming off perhaps their most impressive game of the season, coming back from 18 down @ NC State and winning in overtime. Shooting Guard John Gillon had the game of his life, scoring a career-high 43 points. His 43 points were the most points scored by a Syracuse player since Gerry McNamara in 2004 (43 points as well). Could the Orangemen's last win be the start of a winning streak?

The last time these two teams faced was last March in the Elite 8. Syracuse, a team most people felt should not have made the tournament, stunned the #1 seed Cavaliers and reached the Final Four. Both teams have most of their players from a season ago, with the exception of Malcolm Brogdon for UVA and Michael Gbinjie and Trevor Cooney for Cuse. I am enthused for this matchup. Syracuse scores almost 10 more points per game than Virginia does. However, Virginia has THE of the best defense in the nation, allowing only 54.3 points per game. Both teams have a stellar backcourt, but Syracuse has a more efficient frontcourt specifically in the rebounding category. Syracuse has 136 more rebounds than Virginia does this season. With these factors in play for Syracuse, they are capable of pulling off this upset for their home crowd, but they are not Cavalier enough:

#9 Virginia 62
Syracuse 58


The Return of Coach K

This Saturday, #21 Duke will have Coach Mike Krzyzewski back on the sideline for the first time in seven games (recovering from back surgery). In those seven games, Duke won only 4. This Duke team has been unusual this season. Almost every college basketball analyst predicted the Blue Devils to be a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and win it all. Currently, they are on pace to receive a #3 or #4 seed and are not championship favorites anymore. They have arguably the best talent on paper, and perhaps they will start playing together better and more consistent now that Coach K is back.

The Blue Devils (17-5, 5-4) host the Pittsburgh Panthers (12-10, 1-8), who are last in the conference. The focus for Duke this game is to make sure Michael Young and Jamel Artis do not have big games scoring. The two are top scorers in the ACC. Despite Pittsburgh only losing to UNC by 2 points, I don't think this one will be close.

#21 Duke 77
Pittsburgh 62


#6 Louisville (18-4, 6-3) vs Boston College 
(9-14, 2-8)

As I mentioned before, this game is probably the most unlikely upset of the day, but you never know. Boston College does have the home court advantage, which is huge in conference play. Plus Ky Bowman, a true freshman from the same county as I, has been balling out lately, averaging 19.5 points his last 4 games. Still, I do not see Louisville having problems this game:

#6 Louisville 80
Boston College 69


Miami (14-7, 4-5) vs NC State (14-9, 3-7)

I see a potential upset in this matchup. Despite NC State blowing an easy dub last game, I think they will win vs Miami this Saturday. The Wolfpack, led by true freshman Dennis Smith Jr, has one of the more efficient offenses in the ACC. They score 10 more points per game and tally about 4 more assists per game than Miami does. Miami has lost 3 of their last 5 games but defeated UNC in one of their 2 wins in that span. Additionally, they squandered NC State to start conference play. Which Miami team and NC State team will show up this Saturday?

NC State 73
Miami 71

Maverick Rowan redeems his "should have been" game winning jump shot on Wednesday, and hits a jumper at the buzzer to lift the Pack over Miami.


Georgia Tech (13-9, 5-5) vs Wake Forrest 
(13-9, 4-6)

A matchup between two average teams. Some may say Georgia Tech is not just an average ACC team because they have fought for wins against UNC, Florida State, and Notre Dame. However, the Yellow Jackets were exterminated by Duke and Louisville, and have smaller losses to teams such as Clemson and Virginia Tech. Overall, this Yellow Jackets team is scrappy and has shown they can play with the elite. Wake Forrest has only defeated Miami, NC State, and Boston College twice, for all their ACC wins. Not nearly as impressive. Take into consideration they are the home team, which could play an impactful role into the outcome of this game. This game may be the ACC game all weekend.

Georgia Tech 69
Wake 68


Water Crisis Flows Into Chapel Hill

Tomorrow's prime-time game between #20 Notre Dame (17-6, 6-4) and #12 UNC (20-4, 8-2) may be postponed or relocated due to the fact of the city of Chapel Hill is running into a water issue. Reports have stated the water is not safe to use. People should turn to water bottles for hydration or hygiene. This was said to last at least 24 hours, which puts the Notre Dame-UNC game in serious jeopardy of being played.

In case if the game is still to be played, I'll go ahead and leave my comments. This is a matchup of two powerhouse teams in the ACC. The argument can be supported for one to state these two teams are the best of the ACC. UNC is probably the best all around team in the ACC. The Tar Heels are at the top of the ACC in the categories of rebounds per game, assists per game, and points per game. Plus, they have size, unlike Notre Dame, who turns to Bonzie Colson for most of the team's rebounding. Notre Dame has some solid shooters that have led to their team's success this season. Bonzie Colson is one of the conference's top big men, averaging a double-double (15.6 PPG and 10.6 RPG). Does Notre Dame have enough weapons to drown UNC?

They do, but they will fall just short:

#12 UNC 82
#20 Notre Dame 76


Clemson vs #15 Florida State

This is usually a solid matchup between the two schools in football. Speaking of football, THE ONLY GAME THAT SHOULD BE PLAYED ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY IS THE SUPER BOWL. Luckily this game will provide some entertainment leading up to the Super Bowl. Additionally, this game is at 12:30, so the teams will be able to watch the Super Bowl. 

Florida State has looked shaky in some of their previous games. Despite that, they should not have too much of a problem vs Clemson. Jaron Blossomgame vs Dwayne Bacon will be an interesting matchup. Both are the top scorers for their teams and are top players in the ACC. 

#15 Florida State 72
Clemson 63



Sources: 

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/conferences/standings/_/id/2/acc-conference
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/conferences/statistics/_/id/2/acc-conference
http://www.orangehoops.org/Syracuse30points.htm

Sizzling Start for Some Stars in the ACC

It has been roughly two weeks since conference play has started in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Of those almost two weeks, only Notre Dame (5-0) remains unbeaten in conference. Yes, you read that correctly. Only ONE team is undefeated. Some may say it is the luck of the Irish (pun most certainly intended). The ACC looks to be more competitive than ever this season. Notre Dame may be the favorite because of their hot start, but there is no guaranteed front runner for this conference. Teams have improved from last season, such as Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Boston College. Each team has received highly rated recruits, including Harry Giles (Duke, #1 on USA Today High School Class of 2016), Dennis Smith Jr. (NC State, #5), and Tony Bradley (UNC, #29). The talent level has always been sky high for this conference. Some players have stepped up their game since the start of conference play.

1.) Dwayne Bacon

Which do you suppose is better, Dwayne Bacon's efficiency of how he plays the game of basketball, or his name? I'll let you decide. The sophomore guard out of Lakeland, FL has shown he likes to score- and excels at doing so. He has scored 100 points through his first 5 ACC games, which puts him at an average 20 points per conference game. In a crucial test for the Seminoles, Bacon put up 29 points against one of the nation's best defensive teams in Virginia, including the game-winning bucket.

2.) Justin Jackson

The junior out of Tomball, TX has been ballin' out this year. He is making a solid campaign to be an early favorite for ACC Player of the Year. Jackson has led his Carolina Tar Heels to a 5-1 record in conference. In those 6 games, Jackson is flirting with an average of 20 points per game. In the past 4 games, he has shot the three ball with efficiency, knocking down almost %50 trifectas. Jackson is a vital part of Carolina's early success brings an intimidating presence along against his opponents. 

3.) Bonzie Colson

Bonzie, what a name. Short for Bonzilla (kidding) (actually might stand for that but highly doubtful). The Bonz has improved his game from last season. He went from being a decent big man on Notre Dame to one of the best big men in the ACC. His Notre Dame Fighting Irish has fought their way to an undefeated 5-0 record to start off conference play. They are currently on a 7 game winning streak. During the 5 game ACC win streak, however, he has managed to record a double-double in 4 of them. Bonzie is averaging a double-double, at 15.8 PPG and 10.9 RPG. His 10.9 rebounds per game are first among all ACC players. 

4.) Luke Kennard

Despite Duke's 2-3 ACC record, Luke Kennard has had the hot hand from the start. In a losing effort against Virginia Tech, Kennard exploded for 34 points. Since then, he has retained the hot hand, averaging slightly under 20 points per ACC game. With a hot hand comes accuracy. K3nnard has shot 58% in his first 5 ACC games. Talk about players who have stepped up from a season ago. People feared Kennard would lose playing time with all the new hot recruits coming into Duke, but Kennard did not let that affect him. He has easily been Duke's most valuable player this season. 

5.) Dennis Smith Jr 


NC State and their fans were overjoyed to land Dennis Smith Jr, one of the nation's top basketball recruits a year ago, and knew what to expect from him. The skilled guard leads the ACC in assists and is averaging 21 points in ACC play. In a game vs Virginia Tech, the true freshman recorded his first triple-double, scoring 27 pts and tallying 11 rebounds and assists. Smith looks for turn NC State's 1-4 conference record around, and with his prolific scoring and ability to dish the ball to his teammates to score, he should not have too much of a problem in doing so. Just like big time Wolfpack supporter and popular rap artists J Cole, Smith, too, is from Fayetteville, NC. 

Honorable Mentions

Jamel Artis
The senior from Baltimore, MD, is currently the top scorer in the ACC. Artis put on a clinic about a week ago vs #14 Louisville, dropping 43 points in a, (somehow), losing effort. He is shooting 58% from the 3 line. He and fellow teammate and senior Michael Young look to turn around their slow 1-4 ACC start. 

Chris Clarke
The sophomore from the 757 has had a quietly impressive start to conference play. He is 2nd in the ACC in field goal percentage. His pinpoint accuracy has contributed greatly to Virginia Tech's 13-4 overall record. Clarke is also a quality rebounder and has flirted with a double-double twice in ACC play. 


Source: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/conferences/statistics/_/id/2/acc-conference