A few months, and tons of football practices have happened since our ACC Top 10 was unveiled. Has anything changed? Not yet, but we do have some news from across college hoops' most storied conference.
Boston College Eagles
Aside from a new head coach, all is quiet in Chestnut Hill. Steve Donahue, welcome to the ACC! On the court, if you are looking for a breakout player in the ACC, I'm hear to pimp Reggie Jackson. No relation to Mr. October, the 6-foot-3 junior guard is coming off a season where he averaged 12.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He's garnering NBA attention and will probably fly under the radar in most drafts. Don't lose sight on the Eagles' other top options, Joe Trapani and Corey Raji, but Jackson is the one you want to own here.
Duke Blue Devils
While fearless leader K is off coaching the country's best professionals, I honestly see many fantasy questions for the defending champs. As usual, the backcourt is loaded with talent and depth. Everyone's question is how much Seth Curry will play, and while reports indicate he is the best shooter on the Devils' roster, it appears he is destined for a role off the bench. Kyrie Irving will challenge Harrison Barnes for Freshman of the Year honors, and along with Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, Duke's perimeter is in terrific hands. Post play is what took the Devils to the title last season, and while NBA scouts expect Mason Plumlee to take a huge step in his sophomore season, the Devils simply need him to. If it happens, he's a top ten ACC player, and a top ten draft pick.
Clemson Tigers
The big news this offseason for the Tigers was head coach Oliver Parnell's decision to leave cow town. Yes, my unbiased Gamecock self said it! Enter Brad Brownell from Wright State. Brownwell's bio notes that he takes over a program that has four straight 20-win seasons, and I'm going to tell you that's probably a lofty goal for the '10-'11 season. On paper, this looks like a rebuilding year for the Tigers, and rebuilding usually lends itself nicely to undervalued fantasy options. The incoming recruiting class is all of one man (Cory Stanton) and his impact will be nonexistent. So take a peek at last year's class, and hope they make the leap. Milton Jennings and Noel Johnson fit the bill and are definitely worth taking a gamble on. Demontez Stitt can't do it alone.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The 'Jackets have a lot to replace on the blocks and very few sure bets to fill the shoes of Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors. The backcourt will be a strength as usual, led by Iman Shumpert, Mfon Udofia, and Glen Rice, Jr.. But someone has to pull down rebounds and two redshirt freshmen are worth monitoring here. Kammeon Hosley came to Atlanta as a 6-foot-7, 190 pound kid. A year, a reconstructed knee, and 19 pounds later, he looks ready to make a splash down low. And in the never ending fantasy battle to find centers, 6-foot-11 Daniel Miller certainly looks capable on paper. He too has put on a solid 13 pounds during his redshirt season and will fill a void in the middle of your lineup with consistent minutes.
Florida State Seminoles
The 'Noles constant fantasy question: will Chris Singleton finally fulfill his enormous potential? He's going to be a fantasy asset simply because of his defensive potential (1.5 blocks, 2.2 steals in '09-'10) but 10.2 points and 49.6% from the foul line make for quite the risk. It's a make or break season for the junior. Sophomore Michael Snaer figures to make a leap, at least in the scoring column. The real sleeper here however is freshman point guard Ian Miller. He probably starts by default, and the rookie hails from Charlotte, NC. You know he wants to make four of FSU's conference opponents regret letting him leave the state.
Maryland Terrapins
Jordan Williams and rebuild. That's the story in College Park, and a glance at the Terps roster will yield that exact sentiment. You can clearly see the need for a go to "veteran", and Williams is going to be Maryland's go to guy as well as a top big in the ACC. Outside of that, take your pick amongst six newcomers. If you assume success on the blocks from Williams, you have to look for help on the perimeter - enter SG Mychal Parker and PG Terrell Stroglin. Opportunity is a key for freshmen success, and these two have it. A month from now, they may be entering a top tier in ACC dynasty drafts.
Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Herald has offered a terrific off season look at the 'Canes in the midst of football practice (scroll down just a bit). Most intriguing would be the addition of massive (6-foot-8, 350 pounds) offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson to the frontcourt. Former five-star recruit DeQuan Jones, who has struggled to put it together but showed promise last March, has missed nearly the entire summer after injuring his ankle. A few names to watch here are redshirt freshman forward Donnavan Kirk and incoming frosh Rion Brown.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The only school with "real" news to report, the Tar Heels have spent the past week in the Bahamas taking advantage of the NCAA's new rule allowing freshmen to take part in glorified scrimmages. And take part they did, as Harrison Barnes and Reggie Bullock look like they are ready to lead a UNC resurgence this season. These are exhibition games that are nothing more than pickup contests, but the firepower of the frosh can't be denied. Barnes scored 44 points and grabbed 13 boards on the island, which seems in line with what you can expect come November. Bullock on the other hand, had an equal scoring onslaught, finishing the two-game stretch with 39 points while adding 14 rebounds. Mix in a relatively bulked up John Henson, and the 'Heels are bursting with fantasy prospects. But they'll go as far as their point guards allow, both in real life and fantasy hoops. Larry Drew Jr. didn't play in the Bahamas due to a sprained ankle, but the third member of the freshmen class did, and Kendall Marshall finished with 13 assists and three turnovers. So far, so good in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Freshmen, freshmen, freshmen. Yes, the 'Pack welcome back Tracy Smith, Javier Gonzalez and Scott Wood, but there's a huge infusion of talent in the form of rookie forward C.J. Leslie and guard Lorenzo Brown. On paper, NC State looks capable of taking a major step forward, or imploding before our eyes - even before league play starts. Leslie is for real, but he likes to handle the ball often. How he blends into the team will be crucial to his fantasy prospects and the success of this club. His arrival has to hurt Smith's double-double potential. Wood is bulking up, and looks to become more than a shooter; he makes a fine sleeper in ACC heavy leagues. And Brown may be a "better" frosh option than Leslie. He's a first round pick you won't regret in ACC dynasty leagues.
Virginia Cavaliers
Year two of the Tony Bennett era offers promise and hope. Roster turnover is the key here, as the Cavs welcome a six man recruiting class, led by shooting guard K.T. Harrell. PF Mike Scott is essentially the only returning Wahoo of note, so Harrell figures to start immediately, and shoot often. This is a tremendous rebuilding project and Bennett is just beginning to put his thumb print on Wahoo roster. Similar to Clemson, rebuilding and youth translates to opportunity for fantasy owners. Until we start practice, it's pure guesswork as to which other frosh will make a splash, but take a glance at this incoming group - there's a nice blend of size and scoring. It's the future of the Cavs, so dynasty managers shouldn't be bashful. Go out on a limb and take a chance here.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Sadly, it's mostly bad news out of Blacksburg. Yes, the core of Malcolm Delaney (arguably the #1 fantasy option across America), Dorenzo Hudson and Jeff Allen are back to finally propel the Hokies into the Dance. But Florida transfer Allen Chaney's health is a major question. In summary, Chaney has had a couple of fainting spells during summer workouts, and while it appears he will return to the court, no one has a guess as to when. It'd be a big loss to VaTech's depth, and Chaney's long term fantasy prospects are at an all time low. We wish him a safe and healthy return, and I recommend trading for him on the cheap. Keep an eye on freshman Jarrell Eddie, who could provide some depth and keeper potential with or without Chaney's presence.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
We've reached the end of our early look at the ACC, and we wrap things up with another new coach and program with turnover and opportunity. Gone are Chas McFarland, Al Farouq Aminu, Ish Smith and L.D. Williams - which translates into a heck of a lot! It's not a guarantee, but we are approaching a time where writing off big men Tony Woods and Ty Walker seems safe. What's left, or should we say what's new? More frosh who could fly under the radar - starting with Philly PG Tony Chennault. My most recent hometown hero, Travis McKie brings a terrific scoring option on the wing, and 7 foot, 230 pound Carson Desrosiers is a true center. If you are in an ACC dynasty league - there are plenty of options here and across the league to start restocking your roster once Harrison Barnes and Kyrie Irving have been taken. You'd be wise to remember sophomore Ari Stewart as well.