Future Picks: Atlantic Coast Conference

Here today we will be discussing a power five conference in college basketball. That conference is none other than the ACC. This year the ACC in my opinion is really up for grabs. I don’t see a clear cut favorite to win the conference at this very moment, but I have an idea on who I think could be the ACC champion heading into March Madness.

The Odds:

Virginia +215

Duke +225

Florida State +300

North Carolina +650

Louisville +1200

Miami (FL) +2000

Georgia Tech +3200

Notre Dame +4000

Syracuse +5000

NC State +8000

Pittsburgh +10000

Virginia Tech +10000

Clemson +20000

Boston College +30000

Wake Forest +50000

Winner:

Virginia +215

The favorite in the field of winning the ACC title is indeed Virginia. This scrappy defensive minded team won the National title in the last actual NCAA tournament. Last year was a struggle for them, but this year I think they take that step in the right direction to being back as a clear cut favorite to win the ACC in 2020-2021. I also am very high on Tony Bennett as a head coach. This team is also bringing back three key players in Kihei Clark, Jay Huff, and Tomas Woldetensae.

The Cavaliers are also bringing in what seems to be a top three class in the conference recruiting wise. They bring in two talented four stars in Jabri Abdur-Rahim (son of Shareef Abdur-Rahim), and Reece Beekman. This great mix of upperclassman with a mix of impressive freshman should help Virginia win the ACC title. They are currently my winner right now at +215 odds.

Best Value:

UNC +650

UNC had probably one of their worst seasons a year ago in a really long time. This year they bring in what I believe is the best recruiting class in the ACC and the number two class in the country. Three five star freshman incoming (Caleb Love, Day’Ron Sharpe, Walker Kessler) and three four star freshman (Puff Johnson, R.J. Davis, Kerwin Walton). In Espn’s top 100 they have five out of their six recruits are in their top 100.

Add this talented freshman group in with the talent such as Garrison Brooks, Armando Bacot and company; you have a team with a legitimate chance to make some noise in the ACC this season. This team in my opinion has the best value to win the ACC so if I were to put a wager on any team the Tar Heels are that team this season.

Predictions:

1.) Virginia 

2.) UNC

3.) Florida State

4.) Duke

5.) Louisville

6.) Miami

7.) Clemson

8.) Syracuse

9.) Virginia Tech

10.) NC State

11.) Georgia Tech

12.) Notre Dame

13.) Boston College

14.) Pittsburgh

15.) Wake Forest

-Chris Jones (@cjoneswho1212)