ACC Player Rankings

Just as we did for the Big Ten at the end of August, today we are ranking the top thirty players in the ACC for the upcoming basketball season. This is a mix of both returning and incoming players. Both of us (Andrew and Greg) had separate lists before we combined them for the blog. Please comment on who you agree and disagree with.

Top 30 ACC Players for 2012-2013

1. Michael Snaer: Florida State – 14 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Greg's #1 Player and Andrew's 4th.

If I was taking one player to take one shot at the end of the game, he is whom I choose. We all remember his heroics last season, but this year he’ll become known for more than a couple plays. He will put up great numbers and prove that he’s the best guard in the conference.

2. James Michael McAdoo: North Carolina – 6.1 points, 3.9 rebounds

He was hidden behind a slew of lottery picks last year, but this guy can play. He will become the top dog this year and his stats will sky rocket. Most believe he will be a top ten pick in the draft next year.

3. Mason Plumlee: Duke – 11.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists

His decision to return to school kept Duke in the ACC title hunt. His athleticism is underrated and he will be a force in the conference. He is due for an increase in scoring, but must maintain his tenacity on defense and rebounding.

4. Lorenzo Brown: NC State – 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists

He finished the season strong and was a large reason they made the Sweet 16. He has great size for a point guard and does a lot of things well. They have better depth at the guard spot, so he should be able to play even faster and more aggressive than a year ago. He is the key to their success.

5. C.J. Leslie: NC State – 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists

Andrew's #1 Player and Greg's 11th.

He could be the best player in the conference, but he has always struggled with consistency. If he puts it all together, he could also earn a lottery pick. Expect big scoring and rebounding numbers, along with a better defensive presence.

6. Seth Curry: Duke – 13.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists

Didn’t have the large season a year ago like most thought he would, but this year should be his coming out party. He will be the mainstay in the backcourt and will be leaned upon for leadership as well.

7. Jontel Evans: Virginia – 7.3 points, 2 rebounds, 3.9 assists

He is the second best passer in the league (behind Lorenzo Brown) despite playing for a very mediocre team. If he had a little better support, this is a guy who would be a household name.

8. Ryan Kelly: Duke – 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists

For Duke to be successful this season, Kelly can’t be just another role player. He needs to become a legit star. That means knocking downs shots at a high rate, plus getting better on the defensive side of the floor.

9. Rodney Purvis: NC State – 5 stars, McDonalds All-American, Shooting Guard

He is having some eligibility issues right now, but as long as those get worked out he will be the best freshman in the conference this year. He will also be a big reason why NC State could win the conference title.

10. P.J. Hairston: North Carolina – 5.7 points, 2.2 rebounds

Similar to McAdoo, it should be his time to shine. He has the skill and talent around him to become a big time guard. I think he’ll be able to play a little relaxed this year and that will help him even more.

11. Quinn Cook: Duke – 4.4 points, 1 rebound, 1.9 assists

See P.J. Hairston above.

12. Erick Green: Virginia Tech – 15.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists

This is a guy that can really score the rock and set up his teammates well. Being a senior, he has tons of experience and is looked upon for leadership. I would like to see his assist count go up even more.

13. Reggie Johnson: Miami – 10 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists

This guy is a beast waiting to be unleashed. And when I say beast, I mean he is huge: 6-10 and 284 pounds. If he develops a killer instinct, he could produce this year in big ways.

14. Rasheed Sulaimon: Duke – 5 stars, Shooting Guard, McDonalds All-American

If you watched the McDonald’s game, you know this guy can play. He is a perfect fit at Duke, and will be deadly on the opposite wing of Curry. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays like the better player of those two.

15. Travis McKie: Wake Forest – 16.1 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 assists

He was one of the true bright spots for the Demon Deacons a year ago. He is capable of being a double-double machine. He would love nothing more though than to lead this team back to relevance in the conference.

16. Richard Howell: NC State – 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists

He may not be the best player on the team, but he may be the most important. He is a big guy that can take pressure off Leslie by scoring, rebounding, and staying out of foul trouble. If he can do that a little better this year, the team will be in good shape.

17. C.J. Harris: Wake Forest – 16.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists

A big time scorer... that’s what he is. This year though, he will start doing the other stuff he needs to do better, and that will help the team win a little bit more.

18. Ian Miller: Florida State – 10.3 points, 2 rebounds, 1.3 assists

If Florida State wants to continue to be national relevant, somebody like Miller will need to go off this year. We have seen him do it in flashes before, but this year should be his first full year of consistent great play.

19. Ryan Anderson: Boston College – 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1 assist

A gem player stuck in a bad program. What I like about him though is his willingness to get on the glass. He is capable of a double-double in any game, but will that be enough for Boston College to win a lot?

20. Dexter Strickland, Reggie Bullock, Leslie McDonald: North Carolina

I list them all together because they will all serve similar functions. As long as some lingering injuries don’t bother them, they will all play hard and fast, and be rotating in and out constantly. They can score, defend, and mix it up on the glass too.

21. Brice Johnson: North Carolina – 5 star Recruit, Power Forward

With last year’s starting frontcourt all gone, Johnson will likely start immediately. He was a monster at the high school level, and has the potential to be a star in the ACC in years to come.

22. Codi Miller-McIntyre: Wake Forest – 4 star Recruit, Point Guard

Wake Forest needs a floor general in a big way. This is a guy that flew under the recruiting radar, and will likely see the floor a lot. They expect him to be a big time star for them in the future, and hopefully that starts in year one.

23. Milton Jennings: Clemson – 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists

This is a great example of a player who has worked hard and gotten better each year. Not only have his points and rebounds increased, but his shooting percentage too. As a senior this year, I fully count on him to improve once again in all areas.

24. Kenny Kadji: Miami – 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds

Someone who flies under the radar, Kadji could breakout in a large way in 2013. He is capable of putting up stats on the interior, and teams up with Johnson to be a big time duo in the frontcourt.

25. Marcus Paige: North Carolina – 4 star Recruit, Point Guard

It’s time for some new faces at UNC and Paige is a good one. He should be an immediate star and will be surrounded by a slew of good players. As long as he can see the floor consistently, he should be a great lead guard.

26. Scott Wood: NC State – 12.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists

When this guy is getting open looks, the Wolfpack are nearly unstoppable. One of the best shooters in the nation, and he also has great size to get off that shot. With all the other talent around him this year, he may have an easier time getting looks too.

27. Durand Scott: Miami – 12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists

This guy is the central piece in the Hurricane backcourt. I like him a lot too because of his senior status. Look for him to have a great year and go out on a high note.

28. Jason Morris: Georgia Teach – 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds

It’s time for somebody to break out for the Yellow Jackets. Morris is a guy with a lot of untapped potential, and I expect a great year from him.

29. Devin Booker: Clemson – 10.5 points, 7 rebounds, 1.3 assists

As his minutes have increased, so has his production. Year four should be his best yet. The Booker’s have been kind to Clemson, and Devin would like to give fans some great things to remember him by.

30. Alex Len: Maryland – 6 points, 5.4 rebounds

This inclusion is based upon potential. He has great size and used it to have a couple big games a season ago. If that becomes the norm, he will be a breakout star in the ACC this year.

Hope you enjoyed them!

The Sports Guys