Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Power Poll – January 21, 2013

Good afternoon, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Basketball Fans!!!  We’re four games into the ACC conference season for all of the teams (some have played five) and it’s time for our weekly ACC hoops power poll.  This week, the ACC has games where you’re going to start to see some teams trying to separate themselves from the pack for post-season bids.  While it’s early and teams still have time to make up ground in conference play, this is a big week.

And, here we go:

1. Duke – This was an easy pick.  Duke had a dominating win over Georgia Tech – therefore, they get this spot.  Mason Plumlee continues to play at an all-American status.
2. Miami – Very quietly, the Hurricanes are the only undefeated team in the ACC.  That’s enough to move “The U” to this week’s two spot.  This team is playing very well without Reggie Johnson (and when he comes back, the Canes are going to be terrific).  If we voted today, Jim Larranaga would be our ACC Coach of the Year.
3. NC State – We thought the Wolfpack would have trouble last week handling success after their big win vs. Duke – and they did indeed lose to Maryland – but bounced back with a win (albeit, very close) vs. Clemson.  Is NC State in for a trap game at Wake Forest before they play North Carolina?  Don’t look ahead, Wolfpack.
4. North Carolina – The Heels had a stifling defensive effort vs. Maryland for 32 minutes – the problem is, the Heels seemed to be disinterested and took off the last 8 minutes – and they can’t do that vs. NC State or Duke.
5. Virginia – If Joe Harris plays like he did vs. Florida State, the Cavaliers are going to be in the NCAA tournament.  The Hoos go on the road to Virginia Tech on Thursday this week.
6. Florida State – The Seminoles are a very average team if they don’t get production from Michael Snaer.  A big home game with Clemson is coming up this week.
7. Maryland – The Terps are getting no scoring from their point guard – nada.  This is why Maryland is 2-3 in the ACC.  If the Terps had even a moderate threat at point guard, they might have won two more games.  That said, the young Terps deserve kudos for a big win over NC State.
8. Virginia Tech – The Hokies had a terrific week, including a win on the road at Georgia Tech (one we did not expect) and a close win over Wake Forest at home.  Other than Mason Plumlee, no one has taken a bigger leap this year than Erick Green.  A huge home game looms vs. the Hoos.
9. Clemson – The Tigers almost had themselves an elite win vs. NC State on Sunday night.  They can be an upper half ACC team if they get production from players not named Devin Booker (and find a way to be productive when facing a zone defense).  If the Tigers defeat Virginia Tech on Sunday, they will move up in this poll.
10. Boston College – The Eagles’ three losses have been by a combined total of nine points – that’s an average of three points per game – which tells you that coach Steve Donahue is on a positive track (The Eagles have found their coach).
11. Wake Forest – After all these years, I’m still trying to figure out why Dino Gaudio was fired.  Jeff Bzdelik has to have the hottest coach’s seat in the ACC.
12. Georgia Tech – Looking at the schedule, the Jackets could legitimately start out 1-8 in ACC play.

Thanks for check out the post – and have a good week ahead!!