ACC - 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Preview | Sportsbookbuzz.com

North Carolina starts without its top four scorers from a year ago, but oddsmakers still list the Tar Heels among the favorites (+700) to repeat as champions, thanks in part to recruits like Josh Henson. UNC lost its top seven scorers after its title in 2005, but still finished in the top 10 the following year.

Duke will likely start five McDonald’s AllAmericans, as Coach K fields a new-look team, relying more on his forwards. Kyle Singler is expected to move to the three spot and e-foot-s senior guard Jon Scheyer will start. He’ll have to run the point like he did last year to keep Duke in the black.

Expect the Demon Deacons to be overvalued, because square bettors will remember the team that looked like a national championship contender last season. With Jeff Teague and James Johnson gone, it’ll be a rebuilding year for Dino Gaudio.

Long, deep, and talented, Florida State is going to be a sharp play after going 18-10-1 ATS (25-10 SU) last ‘season. Toney Douglas is in the pros, but the Seminoles return seven of their top nine scorers. Bettors can count on Florida State’s defense getting the job done.

For Clemson to get back to the NCAA Tournament, it’ll need to replace the departed KC. Rivers and Terence Oglesby. But Oliver Purnell has amassed one of the best recruiting classes in school history, so the Tigers should surpass last season’s underwhelming showing at the window.

Boston College surprised many by going 22-12 (15- 14 ATS) to make it to the Big Dance last season. The Golden Eagles will miss Tyrese Rice, but Al Skinner usually overachieves with his crew. For bettors to have profitability, one of Rakim Sanders, Joe Trapani, or Corey Raji has to step up.

Midway through last season, the Terrapins picked themselves up off the mat and made it to the second round of the Tourney. Now Gary Williams has a returning Greivis Vasquez. Make sure to handicap Maryland early before public bettors realize the Terps have a shot at the conference title.

The Hurricanes were picked as a favorite in the ACC last year, before they disappointed by finishing ninth in the conference. That came on the heels of a fifth-place performance the previous year. One thing is for sure: The ‘Canes will miss Jack McClinton this year.

Virginia Tech needs to improve on defense to better last season’s 13-16 ATS (19-15 SU) mark. The Hokies need to replace A.D. Vassallo, but scoring won’t be a problem for Seth Greenberg. Junior guard Malcolm Delaney looks legit, while Jeff Allen gives VT a formidable second option.

North Carolina State lost some key pieces from last year’s 15-9-1 ATS (16-14 SU) squad, but that might be good for Sidney Lowe. Since returning as head coach, Lowe finally has a team filled entirely with his own recruits. It’s a fresh start for the Wolfpack, who nevertheless will likely take a step back.

Virginia won’t be good, but bettors can still make money on the Cavaliers. New head coach Tony Bennett came from Washington State to instill a better culture and defensive mentality. Handicap Virginia to keep games close and secure a bevy of backdoor covers for sharps.

Don’t let Georgia Tech’s 12-19 (11-16 ATS) record from last season stand in the way of you and your bankroll. The Yellow Jackets are among the ACC’s most dangerous teams, with Gani Lawai back on campus to join one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.