Top 40 Players of the ACC: No. 30-26

30. Ryan Kelly, Duke- Ryan Kelly came in as a very highly touted forward with range to stretch the floor. The top 20 recruit has shown the promise he came in with this year. His numbers are nearly doubled (12.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and he seems to do better coming off the bench. A very vital player for Duke, he is able to stretch big men out to the 3 point line and defend seven footers on the block.

29. Richard Howell, NC State- Maybe the best big man for the Wolf Pack, Howell has shown a great amount of promise this year. His size (6-8, 250) allows him to bully other big men and his rebounding ability has flourished under Mark Gottfried (9.2 rpg). Howell will continue getting tests with the Plumlees, Zeller, and Reggie Johnson all ahead.

28. Sean Mosley, Maryland- Known more for his defense, Mosley has developed into the captain and leader of this young Maryland team. His dedication is unquestioned and he will be missed by the Terps next year. After a tough season a year ago, Mosley is back to putting up good numbers (10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg).

27. Dorenzo Hudson, Virginia Tech- The senior's numbers are not as improved as Seth Greenberg might have liked (11.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), but the 6-5, 220 pound guard is a floor leader for the Hokies. If you watch Hudson and Virginia Tech play you won't be wowed by any flashy moves, but he will certainly make you wonder about his value to this team's mentality.

26. Devin Booker, Clemson- Another talent for Clemson, Booker showed off what he is capable with a solid performance in the clutch against nationally ranked Virginia last night. Booker is averaging nearly 11 points and 7 boards a game but can put up a double double on any night. His size (6-8, 245) allows him to battle down low but his ability also makes his mid range game scary.

Maryland-Clemson Preview

Clemson: You have to like the emergence of KJ McDaniels. Despite that, nothing looked great in the Virginia Tech loss. Andre Young once again put in 14 points, but the senior needs more help. McDaniels, who missed two key free throws at the end (perhaps the first time the freshman had been in a pressure situation), is not the only answer. Devin Booker is very inconsistent and will need to have a big day defensively to shut down the emerging Alex Len.

Maryland: Terrell Stoglin is quickly etching his name into first team All-Conference. Yet, while Stoglin can score, he did not do much defensively against the Tar Heels backcourt, specifically at the end. Stoglin, and Pe'Shon Howard will have to step up defensively to stop Young. Watch how James Padgett and Alex Len do inside during this game. A second solid performance would mark the arrival of Len and Padgett is still waiting to have his breakout game. The interior defense of Clemson is nothing to write home about, but McDaniels had 5 blocks in the Virginia Tech game.

Key Player: Tanner Smith, Clemson. The Senior guard is having a stellar final season but has been inconsistent at times. If he can get going against Stoglin, and stop the Maryland sophomore on the other end, he could be the difference for the Tigers.

Prediction: Clemson 72, Maryland 66. Clemson is too hungry after two losses to let this one slip away at home.