Ok, things are just beginning to change in the ACC with the most recent new of North Carolina’s Kendall Marshall, John Henson, and Harrison Barnes leaving early but the landscape in the conference is also becoming more clear for next season. Austin Rivers of Duke and Dion Waiters of Syracuse (who, along with Pittsburgh, is joining the conference in the coming years) are the only other conference underclassmen who have declared for the NBA draft. Now Syracuse and Pitt are both possibilities to join next season, but may not. Either way, this is how it would play out in my mind if the teams stayed as they are now.
1. Duke
Losing: SG Austin Rivers- The team’s best playmaker and leading scorer left to fulfill his dream of playing in the NBA. The only true playmaker on the team, Duke does not lose much on defense. F/C Miles Plumlee- The senior captain of the team came on late as a rebounder, including a Coach K era record 22 boards against Maryland. Strongest player down low.
Returning: G Seth Curry- The best offensive weapon returning improved his defense as the season went along. A great long-range shooter proved he could score in other ways during stretches. F/C Mason Plumlee- The big man led the team in rebounding and may have been the best athlete on the squad. Needs to continue to work on his post moves and free throw shooting. F Ryan Kelly- Can stretch the court unlike any player in the conference with his outside shooting and length (6-11). PG Tyler Thornton- The team’s best on the ball defender helps his team by leading with energy. Needs to continue working towards being able to fully run the point. SG Andre Dawkins- The first person anyone thinks of when describing inconsistency. Can make the outside shot look very easy or go scoreless with a few turnovers. F Josh Hairston- A big body who hustles and plays good defense. PG Quinn Cook- The team’s best ball handler showed signs of great passing at times. Will probably gain more time with the departure of Rivers and could end up being the starting point guard.
Adding: F/C Marshall Plumlee-The freshman redshirted this season but has been called the best pure post player of any of the brothers. F Alex Murphy- Said to play like his brother at Florida, meaning a good outside shooter who can rebound. SG Rasheed Sulaimon- Incoming freshman is one of the top shooting guards in the country and just won the McDonald’s All-American 3-point contest.
Bottom Line: The loss of Rivers could go either way for Duke. Sure, he was their top offensive weapon, but also went against Coach K’s philosophy and ended in too many one on one scenarios for the Blue Devils. This will become Curry’s team and the consistency of the guard play, along with the maturity of the bigs, will determine whether Duke can make a late run.
2. NC State
Losing: SF CJ Williams- The senior leader of this squad has to be up for most improved player in the conference, if not the country this year. Hard work, hustle, and best body to battle opposing swingmen will be missed. PG Alex Johnson- Transfer came in and immediately made an impact with both his ball handling and outside shot.
Returning: PF CJ Leslie- One of the best talents in the country should come back and be a preseason All-ACC pick. Versatility to shoot a mid range shot and attacks the rim. PG Lorenzo Brown- Maybe the biggest upside of any player on the roster continued to get used to his role as ball handler as the season continued. Athletic freak that can drive and shoot. G/F Scott Wood- Arguably the best shooter in the conference was streaky at the end of the season. Opponents began to expend most of their energy in shutting down his outside shot. F/C Richard Howell- Best post player on the team almost averaged a double double. Should come back as a more aware player who will stay out of constant foul trouble. F Deshawn Painter- A good option off the bench has length and strength down low. An improved mid-range game will make him the best sixth man in the conference. C Jordan Vandenberg- The big Australian mysteriously never returned after injuring his shoulder in December. The big man takes up space however, and is one of the taller players in the country. F Tyler Harris- Little used but big upside with excellent athleticism. PF Thomas de Thaey- Also used sparingly but was called on when bigs got into foul trouble.
Adding: SF TJ Warren- Although not necessarily a great athlete, Warren has worked his way up to a top recruit with a solid build and an excellent shot. G Rodney Purvis- An excellent offensive weapon who can score and pass and is listed as one of the top guards in the country. PG Tyler Lewis- Leader who has excellent vision and knowledge of the point guard position.
Bottom Line: NC State is looking forward to next season. Their recruiting class is listed as one of the tops in the country, as all three are McDonald’s All-Americans. However they will have to figure out a true leader of the team, and Brown seems to fit that mould. Look for this team to continue to improve throughout the season and be near the top of the ACC standings come year’s end.
3. Syracuse
Losing: F Kris Joseph- The team’s leading scorer was an all-Big East performer this season and was the go-to player in the clutch for the Orange. G Scoop Jardine- The fifth year senior was the team leader in assists and was a co-captain. Hated by other teams, but loved by his teammates. SG Dion Waiters- Maybe the most talented player on the deep Orange squad was lost at times, including a couple boneheaded plays that led to the end of Syracuse’s season in the Elite Eight.
Returning: SG Brandon Triche- Very athletic guard was also streaky. Ability to go on runs in a game where he was the best shooter and also scoring off the bounce, but also the ability to get lost on defense and turn the ball over too much on offense. C Fab Melo- The Big East defensive player of the year may have improved more than anyone in the country this season. Had off the court problems in the classroom and it would not be surprising if he spurned the college scene. F CJ Fair- A long, athletic big with the ability to shoot mid range shots over most players in the country. Also inconsistent, had the ability to score 20 points in a game at times. SF James Southerland- Maybe the best shooter on the team, came on late as a serious threat from outside. Another streaky player who could break into stardom. F/C Rakeem Christmas- The freshman was thrust into a starting role after Melo was suspended for the NCAA tournament. A talent that is waiting to mature.
Adding: C/F DeJuan Coleman- A big body who is a tremendous rebounder and low post scorer. F Jerami Grant- Good offensive player who needs to add strength to his slender frame.
Bottom Line: Another good year could be shaping up for the Orange but the team needs to come together and play consistently up to their capabilities if they want to return to the final eight.
4. Florida State
Losing: F Bernard James- The team leader among bigs. 27-year-old seemed to have an awareness of his surrounding that cannot be replaced. SG Deividas Dulkys¬- Maybe the team’s best outside shooter, improved his defense by the end of the season, and worked off his inconsistent offense with consistent hustle. PG Luke Loucks- The floor general for the Seminoles continued to improve throughout his career. Heads up play may have only been matched by Marshall within the ACC. C/F Xavier Gibson- Talented athlete made his presence known on defense and around the rim on offense. A great dunker who seemed to amp up his teammates. G Jeff Peterson- One of the first players off the bench had the ability to shoot and pass. Strong but short guard made the most of his time on the court. C Jon Kreft- Another player who improved mightily as the season progressed. A hard worker who fixed his low post game.
Returning: SG Michael Snaer- Florida State’s best player was a second team All-conference selection and All-defensive selection. A hustle player who was there to make the clutch shot needs to continue improving his expanding, offensive game. G Ian Miller- A shoot first player who was second on the team in scoring despite coming off the bench. Should start next season and be one of the first couple of option on offense. Needs to improve his sight. PF Terrance Shannon- Big man averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds off the bench before a shoulder injury ended his season early. Applying for a medical redshirt and will be a key contributor next season. PF Okaro White- Big man came on late as his athleticism made him one of the better defenders on the team. Needs to add strength. G Terry Whisnant- Came in as the top recruit from North Carolina but struggled throughout the season. Could not find his shot and did not make the most of the minutes he got. Will be counted on much more next season.
Adding: G/F Montay Brandon- Athletic wing player is applauded for his versatility and upside. SG Aaron Thomas – Scorer has great range and is very athletic.
Bottom Line: The Seminoles are going through a state of change after this season and need to make adjustments. Snaer, however, has the ability to be the best player in the conference and could team up with Miller to make one of the best backcourts in the country. A successful transition could lead to another long run for the Seminoles.
5. North Carolina
Losing: F/C Tyler Zeller- The ACC player of the year will be missed but there are numerous ways the Tar Heels can go to replace him. Zeller can outrun any big in the country and finished averaging near a double double. PG Kendall Marshall- A pass first guard who can look up the court unlike anyone in the country, has already broken the single season ACC assist record. F Harrison Barnes- Barnes came in as the highest touted recruit since Lebron James but has failed to live up to the high standards set by the media. Thought of as a better fit in the pros, the small forward has the ability to be one of the best in the country. F John Henson- The best shot-blocker this side of Lexington, Henson made his presence known on the offensive end as well, scoring 13.7 points a game. The long forward will be counted on to gain more strength and toughness if he returns. G/F Justin Watts- The do everything senior will be missed more for his leadership and hard work than anything else. Not even close to the best talent on the roster, Watts may have worked harder this season than any Tar Heel.
Returning: G Reggie Bullock- The best outside shooter on North Carolina will be looked to take an increasing role as a scorer. G Dexter Strickland- The guards season was cut short after suffering an ACL tear in the 19th game of the season. The best defender on the team will most certainly jump back into the starting lineup. F James Michael McAdoo- A world of talent and the body that looks ready to make the jump to a premiere player. May be hurting his stock by coming back. G Leslie McDonald- The junior redshirted this season due to injury and will come back as feisty as ever. SG PJ Hairston- Came in as a shooter but wound up shooting less than 30% from long range. This should continue to be his game, and look for it to only improve.
Adding: PG Marcus Paige- One of the top incoming point guards would do great to add strength. PF Brice Johnson- The skinny big man is thought of as one of the top players at his position. C Joel James- One of the biggest recruits (280 pounds) in the country is known for his defense. SF JP Tokoto- The swingman is best known for his athleticism.
Bottom Line: The Tar Heels have the most to lose or most to win this offseason. They could end up losing five of their top seven players or coming back fully loaded. If everyone comes back they could be the early favorite to win a national title.
6. Miami
Losing: G Malcolm Grant- An all around player was looked to for late scoring. A driver by nature, was asked to play both guard positions and was known for good defense. SF DeQuan Jones- A good wing option who was always known as a role player but developed into a good defender and rebounder.
Returning: PF Kenny Kadji- A player with good size (6-11, 250) who can play with his back to the basket or from the outside. Was the most consistent player for a team that remained inconsistent. Transfer from Florida will be focal point of the offense next season. C Reggie Johnson- The biggest player in the conference (284 pounds) is remembered for his dominating performance in the win over Duke (27 points, 12 rebounds) but never played completely healthy this season. Could develop into the best low post scorer in the ACC if completely healthy. SG Durand Scott- The team’s emotional leader is a natural scorer who has improved his defense. The go-to player for the Hurricanes in the clutch will be the main threat from the outside next season. PG Shane Larkin- The All-Freshman team player showed off his quickness throughout the season and improved his passing. A pesty defender, should be amongst the top point guards in the conference next season. SG Rion Brown- Showed flashes of a top-notch offensive game while battling injuries. Tough player needs to work on staying consistent. G/F Trey McKinney Jones- A pure athlete who improved his long range shooting. Should return better defensively and could earn minutes when playing against good opposing small forwards. G/F Garrius Adams- Tore his meniscus early in the season and ended a campaign in which he was once again improving. Strong swingman was missed during second half of season.
Adding: SG Melvin Johnson- Another among a now long line of New Yorkers to commit to Miami, Johnson is a scorer at heart and regarded as a top player at his position.
Bottom Line: Without a huge class coming in Miami needs the return of Kadji and Johnson. Both of them, plus Scott and Larkin could be all-conference performers. This team was among the first out of the NCAA tournament but do not expect a healthy Hurricanes team to be left out next season.
7. Maryland
Losing: G/F Sean Mosley- The defensive stopper for the team this year was very versatile. A good build allowed Mosley to play opposing point guards or power forwards. C Berend Weijs- Skinny center played more this season but lost minutes at the end of the season to freshman Alex Len.
Returning: G Terrell Stoglin- The conference’s top scorer was named second team all-conference. He spurned to NBA draft to come back and Terps fans hope he can work on becoming more of a team player. G/F Nick Faust- The sensational freshman continued to improve as the season went on. An athletic specimen who can score from anywhere showed the ability to play anywhere from point guard to small forward. PF James Padgett- The best low post player all season for the team seemed to lose confidence with the emergence of other players but stayed the most consistent big on the team. Better defense and continued low post moves will complete a solid improvement. PG Pe’Shon Howard- Missed the second half of the season with a foot injury and was soon realized as one of the most important players in the conference. Stoglin and Faust were forced to play more point, which is not the natural position of either. Led the team in assists and was a good on-the-ball defender. Alex Len- Perhaps the best pro prospect on the team, the seven footer continued to improve and show of an impressive plethora of offensive moves as the season continued. Will be look to as a serious offensive weapon next season. F Ashton Pankey- The redshirt freshman showed his ability on the defensive end and on the boards. May earn a spot right off the bench next season and get significant minutes when opposing big men are having a good night. SG Mychal Parker- A good rebounder for a guard, turned the ball over too much. Should continue to add depth next season.
Adding: C Shaquille Cleare- A wide body who has great hands and good rebounding ability lacks a mid-range game. SF Jake Layman- An athletic swingman who can score from deep needs to add strength. PF/C Charles Mitchell- Another big body that plays bigger than his 6-7 frame but lacks pure athleticism.
Bottom Line: Coach Mark Turgeon is letting his presence be known by bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in the conference. The return of Stoglin, Faust, Howard, Padgett, and Len sets up a good starting five to mature the freshmen. Look for Maryland to make a push toward the NCAA tournament.
8. Virginia
Losing: PF Mike Scott- Perhaps the worse loss of a single player for any team in the conference, Scott was the bailout guy for the Cavaliers. He played as a power forward but had the ability to shoot from the outside and was gifted as a defender. G Sammy Zeglinski- The starting shooting guard and backup point guard for the Cavaliers may have been their best long-range weapon. He developed nicely into a defensive stopper and his leadership will be missed. C Assane Sene- A big man who showed so much promise continued to fight injuries throughout his career and had to end his final year after 19 games. A shot blocker who rebounded with the best of them would have been a huge boost this past season.
Returning: F/G Joe Harris- The Cavalier best offensive weapon not named Mike Scott was a good outside scorer who could also put the ball on the floor. If not for a hand injury, the end of his season could have gone much better. Will be looked at for leadership next season. PG Jontel Evans- Maybe the quickest player in the conference will need to improve his outside shot. A continued improvement of his vision could make him a dangerous driver in the form of a Ty Lawson. G/F Malcolm Brogdon- The freshman showed signs of true talent before being injured late in the season. He should come back as a serious weapon for the Cavalier and showed a lot of interest in Tony Bennett’s defensive formula. F/C Akil Mitchell- The lanky big man proved himself as a rebounder and continued to get better as a shot blocker as the season progressed. More weight to a slender frame will help the sophomore. PF Darion Atkins- Should make a two-headed lengthy nightmare for opponents when teaming up with Mitchell down low and with more strength will become a serious rebounding threat. G/F Paul Jesperson- The freshman was supposed to redshirt until the plethora of injuries left no other option than to bring him off the bench. He was clearly not ready for the college game but showed promise as a shooter.
Adding: SF Justin Anderson- A defensive minded athlete who fits perfectly in Bennett’s system and will do great to learn under Harris. F Evan Nolte- Known as a good shooter, his 6-8 frame makes it tough for opponents to defend him on the outside. C Mike Tobey- A player with all the potential in the world needs to get stronger to add to his already stellar ability to block shots.
9. Pittsburgh
Losing: G Ashton Gibbs- The only player who got significant time in Pitt’s final four days of three years ago leaves the program after having his (and the team’s) worst season. A pure scorer who enjoyed playing defense, his leadership will be missed. SF Nasir Robinson- A swing player who can score in a variety ways and rebound well for his position. His strength and apparent love for hustle are the biggest losses for the Panthers.
Returning: PG Tray Woodall- A pass first player who led the team in assists will be looked at for more scoring next season with the departure of Gibbs. A big factor in the Panthers’ success will be whether or not Woodall can handle more of a burden. SF Lamar Patterson- A slasher with a well-rounded game, has the ability to lead this team in points and rebounds from a smaller position next year. Could step into a leadership role. G/F JJ Moore- Another talented wing player who enjoys jacking up the threes. Needs to work on consistency from deep but could be another scoring weapon. PF Dante Taylor- Maybe the biggest key for the Panthers because he will be the main option in the post. A solid rebounder with good size, will have to improve on his defense. F Talib Zanna- Another forward who will be forced into more work in the paint than anywhere else. Minutes went up tremendously this year and should continue next season. PG John Johnson- The freshman will be counted on much more next year and showed signs of being a good passer. He will be Woodall’s immediate backup and should improve on his minutes played. SG Cameron Wright- The freshman struggled at times this year but showed signs of being able t do some dirty work. An improved shot will give him more minutes.
Adding: C Steven Adams- An athletic big man who enjoys playing defense needs to add strength. PG James Robinson- A good passer will be used sparingly but should do good to learn under Woodall.
Bottom Line: The good news for the Panthers is that they had depth last season. The bad news is that they are losing two key parts and Adams should be the only freshman coming in to get significant playing time. Everyone needs to step up in order for this team to be in the top half of the conference.
10. Virginia Tech
Losing: G/F Dorenzo Hudson- The team leader had the ability and body to match up with opponents of all sizes and offensive skills from long range. A bit of a quiet year this year after saying farewell to the Malcolm Delaney led offense and hello to the Erick Green led team. PF Victor Davila- The oft-injured forward was known more for his ability to match up with anyone in the low post but never felt comfortable in the system because he was never on the court for a long enough amount of time.
Returning: G Erick Green- The all-conference performer led the team in points, assists, and steals and played both the guard positions. A talented scorer also improved on the defensive end and will continue to be the team leader next season. F Jarell Eddie- A good scorer who can put the ball in the basket inside and out improved defensively this year. Should be a leader next season and will be asked to play a variety of positions. SG Robert Brown- A slasher who came into the league as a scorer. Did not get a tremendous amount of minutes playing behind Green but should develop into a nice complement. PF Dorian Finney-Smith- The best big man on the roster is unique in that he can guard opposing centers and also stretch them with his outside game. More athletic than most big men, Finney-Smith was able to score at will at times late in the season. C Cadarian Raines- There is a lot of talent with Raines and if his low post game continues to get better he could develop into a NBA talent. Although he led the team in blocks (25) he needs to improve on the defensive end. F CJ Barksdale- Another member of a good freshman class this year for the Hokies, Barksdale has the ability to slash or play with his back to the basket. Needs to improve his consistency and mid-range game.
Adding: PF Montrezl Harrell- A big time athlete who puts everything into every moment on the court needs to work on his mid-range game.
Bottom Line: This may be do-or-die for coach Seth Greenburg. And yes, everyone has said that for three years now, but with the return of a star in Green and a young team full of talent, Greenberg has to return the Hokies to the top of the conference.
11. Georgia Tech
Losing: G/F Glen Rice, Jr.- The talented son of a former NBA star, Rice continued to have off the court issues. He was kicked off the team a couple weeks after a nightclub incident led to arrests. G Nick Foreman- Although not a regular, he would come off the bench and give the Yellow Jackets a spark on the defensive end for a few minutes every game. G Pierre Jordan- Another bench player who similarly would come in to give a quick boost of energy. Was best known for his ability to steal on the defensive end.
Returning: PG Mfon Udofia- Perhaps the most important player on the team not including Rice, Udofia is known for his quickness and passing. A good motor should come back as the team leader as a senior. F Kammeon Holsey- Can play either forward position and is athletically talented. Part of the group of Jackets that can jump out of the gym, needs to continuing improving as a rebounder. C Daniel Miller- Perhaps the best draft prospect on the team because of his size, Miller continues to be a work in progress. The seven footer has shown signs of developing post moves and blocking ability. He needs to continue to learn the game and become a force for this team. SF Jason Morris- Maybe the most athletic player on an athletic team, Morris is the best dunker in the conference. He can score in bunches but needs to expand his game and could become a shut down defender. SG Brandon Reed- The long-range threat remains inconsistent but has Jackets fans hoping for an Anthony Morrow result. A talented player needs to work on scoring from other places when his three point shot is not working. F Julian Royal- A big man needs to work on becoming more of a force. Could be a great rebounder with more work.
Adding: C Robert Carter- One of the best big men in a class dominated by centers, Carter has soft hands and good touch around the rim. SF Marcus Hunt- A good sized small forward is known for his athleticism. He could contend for minutes with the numerous other athletes on this roster. SG Chris Bolden- A good shooter who can score in a variety of ways should jump right in for the Yellow Jackets.
Bottom Line: The Jackets have the most upside out of the bottom teams in the conference, and if there talent comes together could make a splash. A good recruiting class only adds hope, and I see Georgia Tech trying to break into the top half of the league by the end of next season.
12. Clemson
Losing: PG Andre Young- The team leader in assists was also the vocal leader and leaves Clemson among the top five in scoring, assists and steals. His work ethic and leadership ability will be missed the most. SG Tanner Smith- The senior put on his best performances near the end of his career and helped rally the Tigers to a good finish of the season. A good shooter who plays hard. F Brian Narcisse- A high flyer who stepped away from most outside looks was considered a good defender and shot blocker.
Returning: F/C Devin Booker- Booker has to come back with the philosophy that this is his team. He has the strength to battle anyone and his post moves improved tremendously. More work on the defensive end and a better mid-range game could make him an NBA prospect. F Milton Jennings- The most talented player on the roster has the ability to shoot from the outside, make post moves, and block shots. Consistency and a better mental game are the biggest needs in order for him to be a star. C Catalin Baciu- A big man (7-2) did not get enough minutes because of his lack of endurance. An improved work ethic and he could come back as a starter and a solid shot blocker. PG KJ McDaniels- The freshman may have to step up more than anyone else on the team in order to replace Young. A quick first step gives him a great drive but a lack of vision hurt his assist totals. G/F Rod Hall- Showed a lot of promise early in the season but seemed to fade away as others stepped up. He’ll be put more in the spotlight next season and needs to continue improving this year. G TJ Sapp- Is going to be looked for in order to help replace Young and Smith, has the ability to be a big time player, just needs to realize his potential. G Devin Coleman- Another freshman guard got inconsistent playing time because of the plethora of guards on the team. Should get more minutes next season as a serious player for coach Brad Brownell.
Adding: PG Adonis Filer- Won’t be counted on to play too many minutes in year one but should gain more attention with his natural ability as his game matures. C Landry Nnoko- An athletic center needs to add a lot of weight but may be counted on early with a lack of bigs on the roster.
Bottom Line: Clemson loses its two top players and will need to do a quick turn around. Brownell institutes working hard but it might not be enough to get this team ready for an NCAA tournament appearance.
13. Boston College
Losing: PG John Cahill- The only player who will receive any notice for not being there next year is Cahill. A decent back up point guard with good eyes, he should be easily replaced.
Returning: PF Ryan Anderson- Maybe the best freshman not named Austin Rivers in the conference ended up being the team go-to-guy by the end of the season. A good rebounder with a smooth game, Anderson will have to continue getting better on the offensive end. G Matt Humphrey- A talented guard who can play both the point and as a wing was the leader for the Eagles. A decent long-range shooter, struggled when guarded by larger defenders. C Dennis Clifford- The seven footer may be the biggest key for this team next season. He needs to be able to assert himself better and continue to improve on his team leading 29 blocks. SG Patrick Heckmann- The German freshman struggled with injuries all season but showed his talent when he was playing. A good long-range shooter with decent rebounding abilities, Heckmann should settle in as team’s best long-range threat. G Lonnie Jackson- Another combo guard who did a little bit of everything for this team. When I say a “little”, I mean a little. Jackson needs to expand his game and be able to face off against opposing defenders better. PG Jordan Daniels- The most improved player on the roster settled into a starting point guard role by season’s end. An incredibly quick player, Daniels should be a good leader and distributer for this team next year. G Gabe Moton- Used a little less than the other players listed here, Moton is called in if the team needs a three. Moton should continue working on his shot and fade into this role.
Adding: PG Olivier Hanlan- Another quick point guard should be Daniels’ backup, and an adequate one at that.
Bottom Line: The Eagles suffered their worst season in recent memory this year. But it’s ok, because four of their top five players were freshman and Anderson has the capability to be really good. Expect an improvement, but it may be a couple years before they return to the upper echelon in the conference.
14. Wake Forest
Losing: F Nikita Mescheriakov- The senior leader of the team made sure his loss did not go unnoticed when his career’s best came out at the end of the season. A tall wing player who was forced to guard larger opponents never shied away. PG Tony Channault- The team’s leader in assists is transferring after never fitting in at Wake. He was a good talent but never showed off his full potential. He wants to be closer to his family in Philadelphia. C Ty Walker- The career of the big man ended poorly with a suspension for violating team rules. Main objective was rebounding but he never seemed totally team-oriented.
Returning: G CJ Harris: A big time scorer could play either guard position and finished with a 16.7 point per game mark. Improved defense needs to continue in the trend that it is going now and he needs to be utilized more as a shooting guard than as a point. F Travis McKie- Another big time scorer who was not quite sure of his role all year. Had the ability to put up 25 points but was never clear on whether he was a small or power forward. The best rebounder on the team needs help down low. SG Chase Fischer- A three point specialist who really struggled from deep the majority of the season. He should be placed into a starting role next year but needs to adapt his game in order to help both him and Harris succeed. C Carson Desrosiers- Maybe the most important player for the Deacons next year, Desrosiers can add stability inside. A big body who is a good rebounder, needs to stay in shape and be able to play 30 minutes a game.
Adding: PG Codi Miller-McIntyre- With the loss of Channault, he may be asked to do a lot from the start. Wake’s best recruit is tough with a good mid-range game but lacks pure speed. SF Arnaud Moto- The slasher has continued questions about his health. SF Aaron Rountree- The lengthy forward has the ability to run the floor and could free up space for shooters.
Bottom Line: Wake needs to turn it around, and fast. The ability to get Harris and McKie to become the ultimate superstars is there, they just need to find it. A system that gets the two of them the ball where they want has to be developed. It is a long shot, but if everyone comes back on the right page, they could dig out of the ACC cellar.
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