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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 19, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts to scoring against the Yale Bulldogs during the first half of a second round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts to scoring against the Yale Bulldogs during the first half of a second round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Order of Finish

So the question for ACC basketball becomes if anyone can challenge Duke or if the Blue Devils are going to be among a likely logjam of quality teams in the conference. Could the Tar Heels prove me wrong and compete again for the top spot? Will Tony Bennett’s Virginia team once again be competing for a conference title? Here’s how I see the season finishing in the ACC in regards to the final standings:

  1. Duke
  2. Virginia
  3. North Carolina
  4. NC State
  5. Syracuse
  6. Louisville
  7. Notre Dame
  8. Miami
  9. Virginia Tech
  10. Clemson
  11. Florida State
  12. Pittsburgh
  13. Georgia Tech
  14. Wake Forest
  15. Boston College

One interesting note you might make is the fact that the Wolfpack are projected to finish at No. 4 in these standings. That’s how much I believe in Dennis Smith this season. Yes, Syracuse and Louisville both have big-time players of their own, but Smith is enough to take NC State to an impressive conference finish—and fourth feels like the right spot for them to climb to.

Next: 12 Biggest Cinderellas In March Madness History

But to answer the earlier, no I don’t think anyone is going to challenge Duke. There is a clear divide between the No. 1 team in the ACC entering the 2016-17 season and the teams below. North Carolina and Virginia may get dark horse buzz, but it’s all for show. They’re good teams, but the Blue Devils have the potential to be great.