2010-2011 ACC Basketball Preview, Predictions Picks & Odds | Sportsbookbuzz.com

2010-2011 ACC Basketball Preview, Predictions Picks & Odds

All eyes will be on the Duke Blue Devils in 200 as they attempt to follow up last year’s dream season. After finishing the regular season 26-5 with a conference record of 13-3, Duke proceeded to win the ACC tournament and then the NCAA tournament as a one-seed. With forward Kyle Singler returning for his senior season, Duke will once again be a favorite to go all the way.

The Maryland Terrapins weren’t far off from Duke in the regular season, finishing 23-7 and sharing the regular-season conference title with a 13-3 record in the ACC. But an early exit in the second round of both the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament put a damper on the end of the season. With all three of the Terrapins’ leading scorers (Greivis Vasquez, Landon Milbourne, and Eric Hayes) having departed, the rest of the team will have to step up in 2010 to compete for the ACC title.

The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Florida State Seminoles finished tied for third in the conference last season with a 10-6 record in ACC play. With three of their top seniors returning, including their leading scorer last year in Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech figures to be in the thick of things. for the ACC title this season. Rorida State led the ACC in scoring defense last season, and will once again rely on their defense to try and fluster opposing teams.

Finishing tied for fifth in the conference with 9-7 records in the ACC were the Clemson Tigers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Clemson will have to over~omethe departures of their coach [Oliver Purnell) and their leading scorer (Trevor Booker), but have brought in capable coach Brad Brownell to keep things running smoothly. Wake Forest also introduces a new coach in Jeff Bzdelik, who, like Brownell, will be without last year’s leading scorer, Al-Farouq Aminu.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had a disappointing season last year with a 7-9 conference record, and things won’t get easier this year with Derrick Favors and leading scorer Gani Lawal departed. The Boston College Eagles (6-10 ACC) return both of their leading scorers from last season.

After finishing tied for ninth in the conference at 5-11, the North Carolina State Wolfpack, UNC Tar Heels, and Virginia Cavaliers will try to rebound in 2010. The Miami Hurricanes (4-12 ACC) played well last season, but need to do better in conference play.