The ACC COY race is headed towards a photo finish. With just a week left in the regular season who are the contenders, and who is leading?
This is a good time to look at the ACC’s top ACC Coach of the Year Candidates. It certainly feels like it’s down to two coaches at this point.
Jeff Capel, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh was picked pre-season 14th in the ACC, and now look who we find at the top of the ACC standings at 21-8 (14-4).
Pittsburgh is in first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball standings. Jeff Capel is ACC coach of the year – and I’m sure that @TalkinACCSports will embed this tweet in his blog post. These statements are true.
— AllSportsDACC (@AllSportsDACC) February 26, 2023
Well, it is hard to argue against Capel. Each time Pittsburgh has met an opportunity to have their season de-railed, Capel has righted the ship. After a 1-3 start, Pittsburgh won 5 games in a row including a blowout at Northwestern who by the way sit 2nd in the Big 10. When Pittsburgh lost 3 of 5 games with a home loss to Florida State, they won 6 games in a row. This is without post-player John Hughley who has missed most of the season. If Pittsburgh wins the ACC regular season, it is Capel’s award and it might be anyways even if he doesn’t.
Brad Brownell, Clemson
Clemson is another surprise team in the ACC. The Tigers were picked to finish 11th in the ACC, but at 21-8 (13-5) could be in line for a double-bye in the ACCT. They still have an outside-side shot at the ACC regular season title. How much can change in a few days? Barely a week ago, Clemson was coming off a 10-point loss to Louisville, and now after hammering Syracuse and NC State, the Tigers are again looking like an NCAA Team.
Clemson has a handful of ugly losses, but like Capel – Brownell hasn’t let it derail the season. Clemson has responded each time to keep a solid season going. Capel is your leader, but Bronwell is certainly in the discussion.
Others Considered
I’m not sure I see any other candidates that can catch Capel and Brownell, but if Pitt and Clemson go winless it could open the door.
Jim Larranaga, Miami
Larranaga would be right there with Capel and Brownell had Miami not collapsed at home against Florida State Saturday and lost. It was a game Miami led by more than 20 and it could cost the Canes the ACCT #1 seed. Miami and Pitt play next week, and if Miami can knock off Pitt, Larranaga will get a look.
Kevin Keatts, NC State
Keatts has done a good job this year for NC State. The Wolfpack should make the NCAA Tournament at 22-8 (12-7), but the home loss to Clemson, probably ended Keatts having any shot at ACC COY.
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