Around the ACC with the G-Man: Mid-season Musings and Awards Duke-Carolina- While not a pretty game, it sure was entertaining. Credit Roy Williams and the Heels for coming back from two second half double digit deficits and making it a game. I thought the difference was the youth of UNC and their struggle to finish off a game. JJ Redick was spectacular, scoring more points than any Blue Devil ever had at Chapel Hill. There are some flaws with this Duke team. They were exposed on the boards by the Heels, and they continue to have trouble guarding people off the dribble. One bright spot was the play of Josh McRoberts. His presence as a third scoring option could take some pressure off Redick to have monster games. Player of the Year- JJ Redick..and no one else is close. Rookie of the Year- Tyler Hansbrough…same as Redick Coach of the Year- Dave Leitao…What he has done at Virginia is astounding. While 11-9 overall, they are 5-5 in conference play. Leitao has definitely made a seismic culture change in Charlottesville, with defense being the cornerstone. All-ACC- Locks- JJ Redick, Shelden Williams, Sean Singletary… Close, but still work to do- Robert Hite, Al Thornton, Craig Smith, Jared Dudley, Cedric Simmons and Tyler Hansbrough. Most Improved- Cedric Simmons, Anthony Morrow and Al Thornton A Wake for Wake- The downward spiral continues in Winston-Salem as the Deacs have lost 9 of 10 after starting the year in the Top 25 with wins in 11 of their first 13 games. This team has too much talent to be 1-9 in the league, including a 1-4 mark at home. Off the court rumors about Skip Prosser’s departure abound, and this has to be a factor. I feel for seniors Justin Gray and Eric Williams. This is no way for two all-league performers to finish their career. The Avis of the ACC- N.C. State has solidified its position as the second best team in the conference. At 8-2 and 19-4 overall, they are an NCAA Tournament lock. The Wolf pack should start setting their sights on a higher seed. I believe they could be a #3 seed and will likely be a tough out because of the style that they play. Kudos to Herb Sendek who continues to put a quality team on the floor.

A national look- The surprise team in the country for me is the Tennessee Vols. Bruce Pearl has come in and done a magnificent job. They stand at 17-3 and 8-1 in the SEC East. Take note that this is the same team that went 14-17 last year. I love the orange jacket, Bruce…The most improved player in the country has to be Pitt’s Aaron Gray. I will make a disclaimer in that Aaron’s uncle, Steve, was a teammate of mine at Duke, so I have followed his career since high school. He has taken over for Chris Taft and done a super job, averaging a double-double and leading the Big East in rebounding. Keep an eye on him as Pitt advances toward the tournament. Games of the Week Saturday: Duke at Maryland- This is a huge game for the Terps as the struggle to get some traction after the loss of Chris McCray. Will the Blue Devils suffer an emotional hangover after their win over UNC? Sunday: UNC at Miami- A critical game for both teams, each of whom is coming off a tough home loss. Carolina is looking for revenge after losing to the Canes earlier in the year at the Deandome. The key will be for the Heels to limit the big three for Miami- Hite, Diaz and Harris.

Return to top

Next week: Regular-Season Commentary continues.