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ACC Basketball 2016: Preview and predictions

By Cody Williams

Feb 6, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) and guard Grayson Allen (3) react near the end of their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) and guard Grayson Allen (3) react near the end of their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) dribbles in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Miami won 65-50. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) dribbles in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Miami won 65-50. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dark Horse – Miami Hurricanes

Truly, you could probably consider any team in the ACC that’s not the Blue Devils a dark horse because that’s how far and away they’re the best team by. However, one club that doesn’t seem to be getting nearly the amount of credit or looks as they probably should in terms of their prospects is the Miami Hurricanes. Though they have a history of underperforming once out of the regular season, this might be the year where they can get over that hump and prove a lot of people wrong.

Jim Larranaga lost two great guards from his team last season in Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez, which is probably why The U is getting a bit overlooked. But Davon Reed and Ja’Quan Newton were Nos. 3 and 4 in scoring last season for the Hurricanes and return another year. They have the talent to put up even bigger numbers and could have that opportunity without the ball-dominant guard-duo on the floor anymore.

What’s more is that Miami also adds two top-30 recruits coming into the 2016-17 campaign with forward Dewan Huell and guard Bruce Brown. If Larranaga is able to work with these two young me to where they can contribute heavily behind the leadership of Reed and Newton, there’s enough talent in Coral Gables for them to be able to at least compete with the ACC basketball heavy-hitters this season.