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College Basketball ACC Power Rankings: Week 18

By Charlie Maikis

CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 04: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates as he cuts down the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils 90-83 to clinch the ACC regular season title at the Dean Smith Center on March 4, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 04: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates as he cuts down the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils 90-83 to clinch the ACC regular season title at the Dean Smith Center on March 4, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Josh Pastner of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 26, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Josh Pastner of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 26, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
11

Syracuse Orange

Last week: 18-13, 10-8 ACC
Last rank: 7

Finish: 8th in the ACC

Projected Finish: 5th

Syracuse started the season poorly, but used a late surge to pull into NCAA Tournament contention. A five-game winning streak that included two victories over ranked teams really helped them get some momentum midseason. One of Lunardi’s “Last Four Byes”, a win in the ACC Tournament over Miami would really cement their status. They were led by a trio of newcomers which helps explain why it took them a little longer than most to get into the swing of the season. Transfers Andrew White III, John Gillon, and freshman Tyus Battle joined potential lottery pick Tyler Lydon to form a formidable team. With three of the four likely leaving after this year, Syracuse will have to rebuild around Battle going forward.

Biggest Contributor: Andrew White III

The former Kansas and Nebraska player, White III excelled during his only season in New York. He led Cuse in minutes and points, playing 37 of 40 minutes and scoring 17.9 points per game. At 6-foot-7, he used his size at guard to garner 4.6 rebounds per game and his length to generate 1.6 steals per game. He was rewarded for his play with a spot on the All-ACC Third Team. He paired well with fellow transfer John Gillon to give the Orange one of the best backcourts in the ACC.

10

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Last week: 17-14, 8-10 ACC
Last rank: 10

Finish: 11th in the ACC

Projected Finish: 14th

Sure, they finished behind Syracuse and lost to the Orange in the last week of the season. But Georgia Tech out-playing expectations so much gives them a deserved bump in the rankings. Just the difference in their finish and projected finish doesn’t do it justice. Most thought they would be one of the punching bags of the ACC, fighting Boston College for the bottom spot. Instead, they are legitimately in play for an NCAA Tournament bid. They have beaten three ranked teams. With one of the least talented rosters in the league, they banded together to play like a middle of the road ACC team. In such a strong conference, that kind of jump is noteworthy.

Biggest Contributor: Josh Pastner

This could have easily gone to big man Ben Lammers, who won ACC Defensive Player of the Year. It also could have gone to Josh Okogie, who made the ACC All-Freshman team alongside three future lottery picks. But head coach Josh Pastner has been the biggest difference for Georgia Tech. He won the league’s Coach of the Year award over future Hall of Famer Roy Williams. What he did this season with probably the least talented roster he has ever coached was nothing short of extraordinary.