Welcome to ACC Corner, where every week I will highlight the best players, games, and teams of the week in college basketball’s best conference. It will also preview the matchups to watch in the coming week. With such a talented top of the conference, the competition for awards every week will be at its highest. Be sure to drop some comments if you disagree, or would like an honorable mention, @LukeTheKid3 on Twitter. Since this is the first edition, I will include all ACC play up to this point.
Team of the Week
Virginia Tech
The Hokies came out in a big way to start ACC play. After a strong 11-1 non-conference slate, Virginia Tech beat Boston College, Notre Dame, and Georgia Tech to start 3-0 in the ACC. Although it wasn’t against the conference’s best this week, the Hokies inserted themselves onto the national and conference picture. Sophomore guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a rough start to conference play, shooting 1-13 from the field against Georgia Tech, but bounced back with 25 and 17 points his next two games. The Hokies will face their biggest challenge of the season when they hit the road to take on undefeated Virginia in a battle for the state.
Player of the Week
Zion Williamson (Duke)
No surprise here. Get used to seeing Zion Williamson’s name all over ACC Corner. The freshman dazzled against both Clemson and Wake Forest, shooting 9-11 en route to 25 points against Clemson. Williamson followed it up with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 13-16 from the floor. Against Florida State on Saturday, Williamson was poked in the eye and missed the entire second half, but the other two games make him more than deserving of player of the week. The kid is a once in a generation talent, and if he can shoot that efficiently all season long, the ACC is going to have their hands full when playing the Dukies.
Luke’s Losers of the Week
Wake Forest
Gone are the days of big #21 for Wake Forest. The Deacons would probably be fine if the season ended today. After a mediocre 7-5 non-conference record, Wake dropped all three of their conference games and now sit at 7-8. They are now the only team in the ACC with a losing record. Granted, one of those losses came against Duke, but double-digit losses to Georgia Tech and Miami ain’t that good either. Brandon Childress and Jaylen Hoard have had solid seasons for the Deacs, but that’s where the good ends for this team. With NC State and Virginia Tech on the slate this week, we could see Wake Forest making another appearance or two on this list.
What 2 Watch 4: Best Games in the Coming Week
#3: Syracuse at. No. 1 Duke (Monday, 7 ET ESPN)
Syracuse getting blown out at home vs. Georgia Tech doesn’t help, but when these two teams get together, it’s always close. There’s the Gillon buzzer beater, Boeheim’s jacket, and Duke’s tournament win last season. It’s always a good one in the newly formed conference rivalry. The last time the two met was in the Sweet Sixteen last year, a game Duke won 69-65.
#2: No. 9 Virginia Tech at. No. 4 Virginia (Tuesday, 8 ET ACCNE)
It’s a real shame this game won’t be played on national television as of now. I highlighted the Hokies earlier, but what Virginia has done this year has been incredible. They have allowed less than 50 points in 7 games so far this season. Last year, the two teams split the season series with each team stealing a road win. The Hokies won the final meeting in Charlottesville 61-60 in overtime.
#1: No. 4 Virginia at. No. 1 Duke (Saturday, 6 ET ESPN)
This game is going to be an absolute classic. The two teams met in Durham last year, a game Virginia won 65-63. Cameron Indoor is going to be electric with the Freshman led Blue Devils welcoming a veteran, well-coached team in Virginia. It’s #1 vs. #4. Nuff said.
Power Rankings (Note: My own personal power rankings, not the standings)
- Duke
- Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- Louisville
- North Carolina
- NC State
- Florida State
- Georgia Tech
- Syracuse
- Pitt
- Notre Dame
- Miami
- Clemson
- Boston College
- Wake Forest
