It's July. The NBA summer league just wrapped up, colleges are on break and many, like myself, are counting down the days until football begins. But anyone who knows a thing or two about winning their fantasy league knows there is no off season. And since attrition is at the forefront of basketball news the past few weeks, there is no better time than now to look at what additions and subtractions throughout the ACC mean for the leagues' top fantasy players. As you can see, my editor and I don't agree on rankings and it's only July! This is what makes fantasy college hoops so great. You certainly aren't short on choices, and your early selections can come down to personal preference. The top three players here figure to be first round picks in all Tier 1 leagues, so what's your poison? Consistency and an all-around game, allbeit nothing sexy? A dynamite scorer who doesn't hurt in other categories, but might sink you in FG % singlehandedly? Or a hot shot frosh with unlimited potential, who hasn't played a game since his prom? If there is this much parity this early in the year, just imagine how exciting March is going to be! So, here is an early, early Top 10!
1. Kyle Singler, F, Duke Blue Devils
This is pretty self explanatory. Singler averaged 17.7 points and seven boards last season. He shoots the three around 40% and was the Most Outstanding Player at last year's Final Four. He went for 16.5 points and 7.7 boards as a sophomore, so you can see Singler is a model of consistency. That won't change in his final season.
2. Malcolm Delaney, G, Virginia Tech Hokies
The conference's top scorer in '09-'10, Delaney dropped 20.2 points each time out last year. He won't hurt you on the glass (3.7 last season) or in the assist column (4.5 a year ago) and he shot a terrific 84.2% from the line. Delaney's field goal percentage leaves a little to be desired (38.7%) but he is a threat to drop 30 each time out, and you can't find a better scoring option in the ACC.
3. Harrison Barnes, F, North Carolina Tar Heels
Yeah, that's right. A freshman makes the top three, and he may be underrated here. It's always a risk to rate someone this high who has no NCAA experience, but Barnes is a superb talent. Comparisons to Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony are being tossed around by NBA scouts, and ESPN ranks Barnes as the top pro prospect in college. Barnes' makeup is equally high, and he should have no trouble handling these lofty expectations. Averages similar to Singler are a safe guess, with a higher ceiling being very possible.
4. Kyrie Irving, G, Duke Blue Devils
Maybe I'm losing my mind. Maybe I can't forget about Duke's preseason video last year, and their remake of a scene from Titanic. Or maybe Irving is really that good. There is no shortage of guards in Durham, but Irving offers the best chance for an all-around fantasy game. A pure point guard who can shoot and slash, Irving has drawn comparisons to Duke's last point guard from New Jersey, Jason Williams. Irving can't pull up on the fly and drain the three as well as Williams, but he will stuff stat sheets all season and challenge Barnes for Rookie of the Year honors in the conference, and nationally.
I feel pretty confident with my top 4 ... maybe Irving is a little bit of a reach, but based on potential and upside, I'm not likely to waiver on this group. After this tier however, I think most of the next six are pretty interchangeable, and offer way more concerns than they do upside.
5. Tracy Smith, F/C, North Carolina State Wolfpack
On paper, Smith probably deserves to be ranked higher. Coming off of a season where he averaged an impressive 16.5 points and 7.3 rebounds, Smith also has the luxury of being center eligible in some leagues. However, Smith only had one double-double in ACC play. I'm also concerned about how Smith and incoming freshman C.J. Leslie will play together. Leslie likes to have the ball in his hands, and I think we could be looking at a dip in Smith's scoring as a result.
6. Nolan Smith, G, Duke Blue Devils
I might catch some flack, but I actually think this is too high to rank Smith. Yes, his jump in scoring from his sophomore season to his junior year was remarkable. But what else does Smith offer from a fantasy standpoint? He averaged three assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals. The steals aren't bad, and of course like all Blue Devils, Smith will bury threes. If you think Smith can average the same 17.4 points this year, feel free to draft him. But with Irving likely to run the point most of the time, and the addition of Seth Curry to the rotation, I think Smith's numbers are the most likely to suffer as a result.
7. Jordan Williams, F, Maryland Terrapins
The one player in this tier with true upside, Williams may be the next star in the ACC. He averaged 9.6 points and 8.6 boards as a rookie last year, and finished the year with double-doubles in both of the Terps' NCAA Tournament games. At 6-foot-10, 260 pounds, there are few, if any, bodies in the league that can handle Williams down low. Maryland's top three scorers from a year ago all graduated so I think it's easy to project some growth for Williams. Get him cheap this year, because you won't be able to in another season. Double-double averages are very reasonable expectations.
8. Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College Eagles
Between Jackson, Joe Trapani and Corey Raji, I had a hard time choosing just one Eagle to include here. That honor went to Jackson however simply based on his all around ability. Last season, Jackson put up 12.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The dimes are what make Jackson so intriguing as they can be hard to come by in the collegiate ranks. Jackson had two games last year with double digit assists, and he also had two with double figure rebounds. He may not be on a lot of lists come draft time, so make sure he is on yours.
9. Mike Scott, F, Virginia Cavaliers
Nothing sexy here, but Scott has averaged over seven rebounds in each of his last two seasons, and is coming off a career high 12 points per game last year. With lots of new faces in Charlottesville, Scott will be called upon to lead the team on and off the court. It'll be a long season for Tony Bennett and company, but Scott should be plenty consistent and help bind your ACC fantasy roster together.
10. John Henson, F, North Carolina Tar Heels
It may be a reach to slide Henson into the top 10, but his upside is just too high to ignore. He has a great chance to lead the ACC in blocks this season, immediately giving him fantasy value. His shot isn't pretty, but Henson can get to the boards and get cheap putbacks. His free throw shooting might hurt, but Henson played well down the stretch last season, and should continue to grow as a sophomore. Speaking of growing, early reports are Henson is up to 208 pounds after playing last season at 195. For better or worse, he'll be a fun player to own.
Others Considered: Joe Trapani (F), and Corey Raji (F) - Boston College; Durand Scott (G) - Miami; Dorenzo Hudson (G) and Jeff Allen (F) - Virginia Tech; Chris Singleton (F) - Florida State; Iman Shumpert (G) - Georgia Tech; Seth Curry (G) - Duke; Tyler Zeller (F) - North Carolina