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5 Things We’ve Learned About ACC Basketball So Far

5 Things We’ve Learned About ACC Basketball So Far

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We’re not even halfway through the ACC schedule for 2014-15, but some notable trends are already emerging in one of the country’s best basketball conferences. What have fans learned in the first few weeks of league action?

5. Georgia Tech’s rebuild will take time

Brian Gregory
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5. Georgia Tech’s rebuild will take time

Brian Gregory
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Coach Brian Gregory was already on the hot seat coming into 2014-15 after the Yellowjackets went just 16-17 overall and 6-12 in ACC play last season. With Georgia Tech in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, Gregory’s days in Atlanta might be numbered. The Yellowjackets have only one double-figure scorer in Marcus Hunt, and are one two teams without a win in conference action.

4. Duke’s freshmen are pretty darn good

Duke Blue Devils
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4. Duke’s freshmen are pretty darn good

Duke Blue Devils
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The Blue Devils are 17-2 overall, 4-2 in ACC action, and recently gave coach Mike Krzyzewski his 1,000th career victory. Even more impressive has been the play of Duke’s freshmen class as three of the Blue Devils’ top four scorers are newcomers. Jahlil Okafor is averaging 18.5 PPG and 9.0 RPG while fellow rookies Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow are scoring at 10.7 and 10.5 PPG respectively.

3. Virginia is the best defensive team in the country

Virginia Cavaliers
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3. Virginia is the best defensive team in the country

Virginia Cavaliers
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Coach Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers are an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses. Virginia is giving up just 49.2 points per contest on 34.1 percent shooting this season. The Cavaliers have held three opponents under 30 points and six opponents under 45 on the way to posting a perfect 19-0 record so far in 2014-15.

2. Notre Dame is for real

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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2. Notre Dame is for real

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Coming off a campaign in which the Fighting Irish went just 15-17 in 2013-14, most figured coach Mike Brey’s team to be a bubble team for NCAA tournament consideration in 2014-15. Notre Dame has put those concerns to bed with a 19-2 start that has included seven out of eight wins in ACC play. Behind the play of Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton, the Irish should compete for a high-seed in the NCAA tournament come March.

1. Seven teams have designs on the ACC regular season crown

ACC Basketball
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1. Seven teams have designs on the ACC regular season crown

ACC Basketball
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While Virginia and Notre Dame are currently setting the pace, North Carolina, Syracuse, Duke, Louisville and Miami are all on solid footing as the midpoint of ACC play grows near. Expect an exciting race for the conference crown before all is said and done.

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