All-Decade Teams: ACC

2001-02 through 2010-11 seasons

Each team includes the top 5 players from that program over the course of the past 10 years. I have not attempted to put together teams that fill all 5 positions on the floor. As a result - Maryland is guard-heavy; Miami lacks a post presence; and NC State starts 3 power forwards.

The order in which the programs are listed corresponds to the power rankings from my previous post, "A Decade of ACC Basketball." This order should not be construed to mean that I think NC State's top five players from the last decade are better than the top players from the programs listed in spots 7 through 12. In fact, I believe Virginia (ranked 12th in the power rankings) has a more impressive top 5 than the Wolf Pack. That being said, I have ranked the players within each program.

Where part of a player's career came before the 2001-02 season, I have taken those years into consideration for purposes of this post.

Where a player transferred to an ACC program, I have not taken into account the year(s) prior to the transfer. So, for example, Jack McClinton's freshman season at Siena is not included in the span of years following his name.

One more thing - the second 5 for Duke would likely be the 3rd best 5 in the conference (after UNC and Duke's A-team). Chris Duhon, Jon Scheyer, Gerald Henderson, Mike Dunleavy, and Shelden Williams would make up the Blue Devil B-team (with Dahntay Jones and Luol Deng missing the second cut). Pretty incredible.

1. Duke
1. Jason Williams (00-02)
2. J.J. Redick (03-06)
3. Kyle Singler (08-11)
4. Carlos Boozer (00-02)
5. Nolan Smith (08-11)

2. North Carolina
1. Tyler Hansbrough (06-09)
2. Sean May (03-05)
3. Ty Lawson (07-09)
4. Raymond Felton (03-05)
5. Rashad McCants (03-05)

3. Maryland
1. Juan Dixon (99-02)
2. Greivis Vasquez (07-10)
3. Lonny Baxter (99-02)
4. Steve Blake (00-03)
5. John Gilchrist (03-05)

4. Boston College
1. Troy Bell (00-03)
2. Craig Smith (03-06)
3. Jared Dudley (04-07)
4. Reggie Jackson (09-11)
5. Tyrese Rice (06-09)

5. Wake Forest
1. Chris Paul (04-05)
2. Josh Howard (00-03)
3. Jeff Teague (08-09)
4. Justin Gray (03-06)
5. Eric Williams (03-06)

6. North Carolina State
1. Julius Hodge (02-05)
2. Anthony Grundy (99-02)
3. Tracy Smith (08-11)
4. Marcus Melvin (01-04)
5. Brandon Costner (06-09)

7. Georgia Tech
1. B.J. Elder (02-05)
2. Jarrett Jack (03-05)
3. Gani Lawal (08-10)
4. Iman Shumpert (09-11)
5. Chris Bosh (03)

8. Clemson
1. Trevor Booker (07-10)
2. K.C. Rivers (06-09)
3. Edward Scott (00-03)
4. Sharrod Ford (02-05)
5. Demontez Stitt (08-11)

9. Florida State
1. Toney Douglas (07-09)
2. Chris Singleton (09-11)
3. Al Thornton (04-07)
4. Tim Pickett (03-04)
5. Jason Rich (05-08)

10. Virginia Tech
1. Zabian Dowdell (04-07)
2. Malcolm Delaney (08-11)
3. Bryant Matthews (01-04)
4. Deron Washington (05-08)
5. A.D. Vassallo (06-09)

11. Miami
1. Darius Rice (01-04)
2. Jack McClinton (07-09)
3. Robert Hite (03-06)
4. Guillermo Diaz (04-06)
5. James Jones (00-03)

12. Virginia
1. Sean Singletary (05-08)
2. Roger Mason (00-02)
3. J.R. Reynolds (04-07)
4. Travis Watson (00-03)
5. Sylven Landesberg (09-10)

A Wednesday Between Night Class Post

A Draft Analysis

This analysis compares UNC Power Forward Tyler Hansbrough and Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair. Most project Blair to be off the board by the end of the lottery and Hansbrough as a late first round to mid second round choice. Who's the better prospect? I'm not sold on Blair's draft status as being much higher than Hansbrough.
College Success. Despite Hansbrough's incredible accomplishments in college, many feel his skill set won't translate well to the NBA game. Adm. Sax is not one of those many. It is hard to find a more decorated college player than Tyler Hansbrough. Blair was a first-team All-American by most accounts of people who matter. However, Blair had relatively no tournament success. The edge is obviously to Hansbrough, but luckily for Blair this category means very little to predicting NBA success. Advantage: HANSBROUGH
Size. This is all the rave, because as many people tell me on the television: You can't teach it. Blair lists as 6-7 at 265 pounds, and I'd suspect that is about spot on. Hansbrough is 6-9 at 250 pounds, which also seems accurate. It's hard to give an advantage to either, because they are both vertically undersized to guard most big men in the NBA. It's likely they will make up for the lack of height in strength, and Blair would get the nod. Ultimately, I see Blair being able to add a lot more muscle than Hansbrough at this point. He's two years younger and his body still looks a little doughy - I suspect he could possibly get much stronger. If not, this is really a draw. BLAIR (slightly)

Athleticism. This has been the one true knock on Hansbrough's game since he joined the draft discussion each post-season since his freshman year. Frankly, I don't see a clear disadvantage for Hansbrough athletically on the defensive side of the ball. He's not a big that's going to be able to switch off on guards or even threes, but I don't think he's going to get pushed around in the post either. Blair isn't what you would refer to as a superior athlete either. His game is much like Hansbroughs in that it relies on pick and rolls and one handed finishes over smaller opponents. Utlimately, I think both of their offensive games will suffer in the NBA because of their athleticism. They will have trouble scoring. DRAW

Jump Shot. Hansbrough's jumpshot has developed nicely since his freshman year. Originally, he was able to knock down baseline 12 footers, but he has really extended his game this year. He can knock down an open three, and although most prefer he wouldnt' take them, it's still an indicator of his shot. Blair's shot is still coming along. HANSBROUGH

Defense. Neither Blair nor Hansbrough alter many shots throughout the game. Blair averages over a block a game, however. Both play good help defense, but Blair has the tendency to get in foul trouble. DRAW
Rebounding. Blair pulled down over 12 boards a game this year. Hansbrough pulled down 8, with his best year (as a Junior) pulling down ten a game. Most of Hansbrough's work is done on the offensive glass, which I think he could be really effective at in the NBA. However, Blair's width and strength are going to dominate on the defensive glass. BLAIR

Free-Throw Shooting. Hansbrough gets to the line almost as much as anyone in college basketball history, and he makes over 75 percent of his attempts there. It's a knock on his offensive production in some minds, but it's nice to know he's smart enough to draw a foul and talented enough to knock the shot down. HANSBROUGH
Potential. Arguably, Hansbrough has peaked as a basketball player. His numbers declined this year, although a lot of that has to do with the emergence of Ed Davis, Deon Thompson, and the short-lived season of Tyler Zeller. Blair is the younger, and in a best case could become a poor man's Elton Brand in the NBA. Hansbrough is already a Udonis Haslem. He would excel on a team where he is not the first or second option, and can focus on crashing the offensive boards and knocking down open jumpers off a pick and roll. It's hard to imagine Hansbrough not being a success in the NBA. But, I think Blair conceivably has the higher upside. BLAIR
This is an extremely rough sketch of what could play into one's head when addressing a big man need for the next several years. I don't think either are starters for the majority of the league, but would receive significant minutes on almost every team. Blair has more upside, but a team knows exactly what they are getting with Hansbrough. The direction to go in depends on the team, but I don't think that means lottery has to draft on potential. Hansbrough is good enough to go in the lottery. The point of this was to try and see if there really was much difference between the two players. Honestly, I don't see much of one. Blair really only has the upperhand in potential and rebounding. Hansbrough is a better shooter, better from the line, and lets a team know exactly how they will improve with him on the team.

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The UK Revolving Door

With the arrival of the Knight in Shining Hair Gel, the University of Kentucky roster for next year has become almost a complete unknown. Graduation destroyed the roster with the departure of Jared Carter. Michael Porter graduated, and though had another year of eligibility, chose to spend time with his family, rather than play for UK next year. Jodie Meeks has entered his name in the draft, with the possibility of returning for his senior year. Patrick Patterson is suspected to do the same. GJ Vilarino was released from his letter of intent, and it is suspected Daniel Orton may do the same. Demarcus Cousins verbally committed last night, and Xavier Henry, John Wall, Nolan Dennis, and Eric Bledsoe are all still considered Kentucky for next year.

Here is a worst-case scenario rotation:

Point Guard: Liggins and Galloway
Off Guards: Miller, Hood, and Razor
Big Men: Cousins, Stevenson, Pilgrim
Here is a best-case scenario rotation:

Point Guard: Wall and Dennis (Liggins/Galloway)
Off Guards: Meeks, Henry, Miller, Hood,
Big Men: Patterson, Cousins, Orton, Pilgrim

Here is an unusual, but possible roster:
Point Guard: Liggins and Bledsoe
Off Guards: Henry, Nolan Dennis, Miller, and Hood
Big Men: Patterson, Cousins, Orton

That is a young team with only two players receiving significant minutes from last year's team.

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Picture of the Week

"Stunting is a habit"

March Madness: National Championship

After splitting the Final Four games, my tourney record stands at 47-15. One game left.

2 Michigan State vs. 1 North Carolina [9:21 ET]
The Pick: North Carolina
-Michigan State has exceeded expectations en route to Tom Izzo's fifth Final Four. The Spartans are deep and perhaps ahead of schedule, as they will return the majority of their 11-man rotation for next season. But, the Tar Heels began the season as the clear favorites and now close out the season in the same position. Ol' Roy's squad has won all of its tourney games by at least 12 points -- beating overmatched Radford by 43, SEC champion LSU by 14, Mark Few's talented Gonzaga squad by 21, Oklahoma and Player of the Year Blake Griffin by 12, and Villanova by 14 in the Final Four. While the Heels never quite lived up to their preseason billing as potentially the most dominant team in history, Psycho T and company have the opportunity to close out their championship run in style. And, if there's one thing Psycho T knows (other than how to dominate the souls of other human beings), it's style. The Spartans have a shot, but expect the Tar Heels to prevail.

March Madness: Final Four

Heading into the Final Four, I'm 46-14 for the tourney. Three games to go. And now, my Final Four picks...

2 Michigan State vs. 1 Connecticut [6:07 ET]
The Pick: Connecticut
-The Spartans' depth could keep this one close. Plus, Goran Suton's range may force Hasheem Thabeet out of his comfort zone on the defensive end. Ultimately, however, I think UConn's star power (A.J. Price, Jeff Adrien, and Thabeet) will be too much.

3 Villanova vs. 1 North Carolina [8:47 ET]
The Pick: North Carolina
-Villanova is playing fantastic basketball, and the future is bright in Philly. But this is Carolina's year. The Tar Heels' frontcourt is going to have its way with the Wildcats. I expect a big game out of Psycho T.

ACC Review

Boston College: As usual, Al Skinner will maximize his team's talents. Unfortunately, there's not much talent on the roster beyond Tyrese Rice and Rakim Sanders. Unless Sanders realizes more of his potential on the offensive end, a trip to the NIT is likely in store for the Eagles.

Clemson: Oliver Purnell can flat-out coach. His teams are greater than the sum of their parts, and selfless play is their defining characteristic. When (and if) the talent catches up to the coaching, the Tigers could be really scary. I'm expecting around a 5 or 6 seed for a Clemson team that's going to pick up a few more losses in a deep ACC. Still, look for the hard-nosed Tigers to make some noise in March.

Duke: Same story as last year for the Blue Devils. Excellent perimeter defenders. Patient offensively and even more dangerous with Nolan Smith speeding up the pace in place of put out to pasture Greg Paulus. As usual, though, Duke has absolutely no post presence, and that does not bode well for Duke's prospects come March.

Florida State: As I stated in a previous post Florida State is my sleeper team. I don't necessarily think the Seminoles are going to make a deep tourney run, but I do think they're going to continue to rack up wins in a tough ACC.

Georgia Tech: This program has become something of a joke. The Yellowjackets have finished with a losing record in two of the past three years, and it looks like it will be three of four after this campaign. Outside of Tech's surprising run to the National Championship game in 2004, there hasn't been much to be excited about during Paul Hewitt's tenure. Then again, Tech has become a popular stop for one-and-done superstars. Chris Bosh, Thaddeus Young, and Javaris Crittenton all spent two semesters at One-and-Done U. With the signing of high school star Derrick Favors, Yellowjackets fans can take solace in a trip to the NIT next March.

Maryland: The Terrapins will not be relevant on the national stage until they replace Gary Williams. They simply lack the talent possessed by their ACC foes, and I can't blame any high school athlete for not wanting to play for Williams. While the game may not have passed him by, the culture of today's athlete has. There won't be any dancing for the Terps in March.

Miami: The media probably liked Miami a little too much given the Canes' preseason ranking, but this is a tourney team. Miami's losses against Connecticut, Ohio State, Clemson, and North Carolina are nothing to be ashamed of. The only thing missing from Miami's resume is a marquee win, though the Kentucky win is looking more and more impressive. Things are looking up for the Frank Haith-piloted Hurricanes program.

North Carolina: The two surprising losses may be a blessing in disguise going forward. I think they're still the team to beat.

North Carolina State: Brandon Costner, Ben McCauley, and Courtney Fells are solid players, though I was wrong to think this would be the talented Fells' breakout season. In short, Sidney Lowe's squad has too much talent to be a non-factor in the ACC. Yet, that is exactly where we find the Wolf Pack.

Virgina: Freshman Sylven Landesburg has been a bright spot, but this is the least talented team in the ACC.

Virginia Tech: Another year and another scrappy Hokies squad. Seth Greenberg is one of the country's most underrated coaches. His teams can beat anybody on any given night, and that's becoming something of a constant in Blacksburg. With the exception of a trouncing at the hands of the Blue Devils and a 1-point loss at lowly Georgia, the Hokies' other losses have been respectable, despite the fact they occurred on their home court (1-point OT loss to Xavier, 4-point loss to a decent Seton Hall club, 2-point loss to Wisconsin). Since the Duke debacle, however, Virginia Tech has reeled off 4 wins, including a 7-point win at Wake Forest. Expect the Hokies to slip into the tournament.

Wake Forest: The young Demon Deacons have outplayed anyone's reasonable expectations. In fact, rather than hitting the proverbial wall, I predict Wake finishes the season solidly, does no worse than a 3 seed, and is a team no one wants to play heading into the tourney.

Player of the Year: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Runner-up: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Hard not to pick the reigning National Player of the Year here, but Teague is more valuable to his team (and his play has been off the charts). The fiery Teague has gone from a relatively unknown talent to looking like the second coming of Gilbert Arenas.

Coach of the Year: Dino Guadio, Wake Forest
Runner-up: Oliver Purnell, Clemson
Everyone knew Wake had talent, but no one thought they'd be this good so soon. Guadio has done an extremely good job managing a diverse assortment of talent, and the Demon Deacons execute in the half-court. Despite the Tigers last two losses, I can't say enough about Purnell's job over the last few season's for formerly moribund Clemson.

Freshman of the Year: Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
Runner-up: Sylven Landesburg, Virginia
Landesburg puts up splashier numbers on a weak Cavaliers squad, but Aminu has been an integral part of Wake's resurgence. Plus, the versatile frosh is putting up some pretty good numbers in his own right (12.6 points and 8.6 boards per contest). Florida State's Chris Singleton also deserves a shout out for his play and incredible potential. Sadly, Leonard Hamilton's "coaching" ensures that Singleton will only experience marginal improvement during his stay in Tallahassee.

Defensive Player of the Year: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Runner-up: Trevor Booker, Clemson
I really toyed with the idea of giving this one to Booker. He's the steadier defender of the two. The Clemson junior plays great position defense, hits the boards, and averages an impressive 2.7 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Henderson has more lapses on the defensive end. However, he's a lockdown defender and has a penchant for making the game-changing play.

1st Team All-ACC
Tywon Lawson, North Carolina
Tyrese Rice, Boston College
Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Trevor Booker, Clemson
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Teague and Hansbrough are getting the majority of the headlines, but Lawson has been masterful. His assist-to-turnover ratio in the Tar Heels' high octane secondary break offense is an impressive 3.7-to-1. He's also displayed an outside shooting touch that he did not possess earlier in his career.

2nd Team All-ACC
Jack McClinton, Miami
Toney Douglas, Florida State
Gerald Henderson, Duke
A.D. Vassallo, Virginia Tech
Kyle Singler, Duke
The most glaring omissions from the list are Gani Lawal, Greivis Vasquez, and Danny Green. Lawal is averaging a double-double on yet another disappointing Paul Hewitt-coached Yellowjackets team. Vasquez, Maryland's mercurial point guard, is putting up impressive numbers across the board, but he's too inconsistent as a floor general to merit a spot on the second team. Green's had a fine year thus far. He plays excellent defense and has moved ahead of Wayne Ellington to become UNC's third most indispensable player. But I guess that's the problem -- how does any team's third most important player make all-conference in a league with as much individual talent as the ACC?

All-ACC Defensive Team
Gerald Henderson, Duke
Danny Green, North Carolina
Jeff Allen, Virginia Tech
Trevor Booker, Clemson
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
UNC's weakness is its defense, but Tar Heels occupy two spots on the all-conference defensive team. Tar Heel Tywon Lawson and Dukies Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith narrowly miss the cut. Lawson averages 2.4 steals per game, but he was utterly dominated by Jeff Teague. I imagine scouts were cringing at Lawson's inability to handle an athlete with Teague's length. As for Singler, he plays solid defense, but I'm not sure he likes to bang in the post. Sophomore Smith does a great job of pressuring the ball but needs to work on his upper body strength.