Mar 22, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) dunks against Saint Louis Billikens center John Manning (54) in the second half of a men
With the 2014-15 college basketball season fast approaching, a preview series will be rolling out detailing who I believe the top five players in each major conference are with reasoning that hopefully helps back up those assertions. First up is the ACC.
1) Jahlil Okafor (C), Duke Blue Devils
Without playing a single game in a Duke uniform, Okafor is already being talked about as the frontrunner to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award. Okafor possesses rare polish for a big man his age, and he has the tools to dominate the post on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he mixes things up with a healthy dose of both power and finesse, making it difficult for the defense to find a consistent way to slow him down. When doubled in the post, he has a knack for finding the wide open man, making doubling him a dangerous proposition. Defensively, he can be a guy that anchors a defense in the post with his physical presence. He cleans up the glass like he does just about everything else – with ease. The kid is smooth, and he’s poised to lead the Blue Devils to the pinnacle once again.
2) Montrezl Harrell (PF/C), Louisville Cardinals
Harrell’s NBA draft stock is hotly debated, but there’s no denying his ability at the college level. He showed up his sophomore season with a lot to prove and big shoes to fill after Gorgui Dieng departed for the NBA draft, and he passed every test. He showed that he could be a double-double threat every night, and he demonstrated that he’s willing to do the dirty work that many guys aren’t. He makes a killing off hustle plays, and if he keeps it up, he’ll make a living off them in the NBA.
3) Marcus Paige (PG), North Carolina Tar Heels
The 2013-14 season could have been a disaster for the Tar Heels had it not been for Marcus Paige. When the Tar Heels couldn’t seem to find their identity as a basketball team, Paige provided the steady, star presence they so desperately craved. He single-handedly created offense when it was lacking, and he wreaked havoc defensively when the Heels needed a big stop. That might sound like a dramatization of both his ability and significance, but it’s not. He’s a big time player, and an influx of talent around him from the last recruiting class should take some of the load off his shoulders and allow him to do what he does best – shoot the rock and get buckets.
4) Justise Winslow (SF), Duke Blue Devils
Winslow is highly thought of as a perimeter defender, but don’t sleep on his offensive potential as a slasher. At 6’6″, 221 pounds, he has great size and strength for a wing player, and he utilizes both traits to get to the rim with regularity. He doesn’t have an arsenal of fancy moves yet, but he doesn’t need one at this point. With an explosive, long first step, all he needs is a split second to be around his man and leave a defense scrambling to help. One area of his game where there is a lot to be desired is with his jump shot. He has poor mechanics, and he doesn’t shoot a high percentage from deep. Given the Blue Devils plethora of other scoring options, having one wing player on the court who isn’t a three-point threat should be a nonissue. With Winslow locking up the opposition’s best perimeter player and Jahlil Okafor patrolling down low, the Blue Devils are going to be a tough group to penetrate.
5) Tyus Jones (PG), Duke Blue Devils
If you’re just considering talent, Jones has to be considered as one of the top five players in the ACC. However, with Quinn Cook returning at the point guard position, some wonder if Jones will get the opportunity he needs to show his true ability this season. Coach K is a smart coach, though, and he will find a way to get his best players on the court, even if he has to deploy a lineup with two point guards. Jones is a guy that proved he could score the ball a variety of ways in high school, but he was still a pass first point guard despite being the best scorer on his team. He’s a natural leader, and he will fit into the Duke system well.