By his own high standards, the ACC has had a string of mediocre seasons. The 18-team league received the fewest NCAA bids in more than a decade (four) last season and was not ranked among the top three conferences before 2020.
Surprise appearance in the Final Four North Carolina (2022) and North Carolina State (2024) softened the decline, but there was always a decline. The ACC had eight top-40 teams in 2019, its last national title year. Virginia – compared to four last season.
The mediocrity has mostly been in the middle of the standings, but it may finally be coming to an end. WITH Duke doing Duke business up there, like in Virginia, North Carolina, Miami And SMU have become solid bubble teams. Half a dozen others, even Calmay increase the number of ACC bets.
For the first time in a long time, Selection Sunday will bring some very good news to Tobacco Road.
The ACC will begin the conference on December 30th.
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Duke Blue Devils vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Game Highlights
Duke Blue Devils vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Game Highlights
Final four contenders
Duke Blue Devils
North Carolina Tar Heels
Louisville Cardinals
The Blue Devils are the obvious choice for Player of the Year. Cameron Boozerbut UNC with healthy Seth Trimble and Louisville could also face significant challenges in March.
Likely tournament teams
Virginia Cavaliers
Clemson Tigers
SMU Mustangs
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Miami Hurricanes
Virginia is a feel-good story under new coach Ryan Odom. With wins over Northwestern, Texas, Dayton and Maryland, the Cavaliers are in first place in the revived ACC Division II.
Possible tournament teams
Cal Golden Bears
Stanford Cardinal
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Both West Coast players are ahead of schedule in their second ACC season. This year they also host Duke and Carolina in league play for the first time, which should make for an interesting turnaround for the traditional conference powers.
Sleeping team
The Hokies have a future pro in Greek freshman. Neoklis Avdalas and surrounded him with mostly experienced and productive role players. At 11-2, they are doing everything they can to erase last season's 13-19 nightmare.
Long shots
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Syracuse orange
Just when you think these former stalwarts have turned the corner, they lose home games to the likes of Fort Wayne and Hofstra. This is not what you need if your address is anywhere near a bubble.
Maybe next year…
Pittsburgh Panthers
Florida State Seminoles
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Boston College Eagles
The ACC could be significantly improved, but not enough to get the bottom four teams into the NCAA Tournament. New coach Luke Loucks will take over from a legend (Leonard Hamilton) at Florida State and will need a little more time. And time may be running out on the other three non-conference schools behind the likes of Quinnipiac, Drake and Central Connecticut.
