Player of the Week
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Veesaar put together another impressive week and earned recognition as one of the ACC’s most productive frontcourt players, looking every bit like the interior anchor North Carolina envisioned heading into the season. After strong outings against Kentucky and Georgetown, he posted back-to-back double-doubles and elite defensive production. Against Kentucky, he finished with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 10 rebounds while protecting the rim and running the floor like a modern big. He followed by posting 18 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals against Georgetown, showing mobility, timing, and the ability to control a game defensively. He is also knocking down 44 percent from three while averaging nearly one make per game, further establishing himself as a pick-and-pop threat. Veesaar continues to rise in draft rankings and, if he stays healthy, has the potential to become a key piece that drives North Carolina toward an ACC title run.
Who’s Hot
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
After revamping the roster, Notre Dame finally looks like the program many expected to rise this season. Back-to-back wins over Missouri and TCU were major résumé builders. Freshman forward Jalen Haralson has been outstanding, posting 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists against TCU. Markus Burton has averaged 18.5 points and 1.6 steals, though his injury in that game creates some uncertainty. With Carson Towt cleaning up the glass at over 10 rebounds per game and the backcourt finding rhythm, Notre Dame looks ready for ACC play.
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Boozer continues to push for best big man in the country status after a monster week against Florida and Michigan State. He scored 29 points and grabbed 6 rebounds versus Florida, showing improved face-up creation and getting to the line effectively. He followed with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists against Michigan State, displaying improved feel as a passer and tremendous defensive rebounding. Physical, experienced frontcourts have bothered him at times, but he remains one of the most productive freshmen in the country. Boozer could realistically win Player of the Week any given week and looks like an early front-runner for National Player of the Year.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami has begun to resemble the contender many projected heading into the year and now sits at 8–1. Malik Reneau, while not viewed as a major NBA prospect, has been excellent this season as a primary scorer, even knocking down threes at a solid clip. Ernest Udeh Jr. provides rim protection and physicality, and Tre Donaldson continues to orchestrate the offense effectively. Combined with the Hurricanes’ overall depth, Miami looks well positioned as ACC play approaches.
Who’s Not
Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh opened non-conference play with promising results, but recent losses to Quinnipiac and Hofstra have revealed major concerns on both ends of the floor. Defensive lapses and inefficient scoring contributed to an 80–73 loss to Hofstra, and the Panthers are now just 1–3 against non–Power Four opponents. They have yet to show they can consistently compete with stronger teams, and a reliable late-game scorer has not emerged. Production from Cameron Cohren and Bradin Cummings has been inconsistent, leaving Pittsburgh searching for answers heading into ACC play.
Donald Hand Jr., Boston College
Hand Jr. has been the lone bright spot for Boston College, averaging 14.8 points, but inconsistent efficiency and decision-making have limited his impact. He shot 2-of-13 against LSU and has struggled again in other recent games. His shot selection has been questionable, and he has yet to show he can consistently elevate teammates offensively. Shooting just 32 percent from the field and 19 percent from three, he must become more efficient for BC to climb the conference standings.
ACC Power Rankings
1. Duke Blue Devils (10-0)
Duke continues to look like the most complete team in the conference, led by Cameron Boozer, who is pacing the Blue Devils in nearly every major statistical category and playing like a potential National Player of the Year candidate. Isaiah Evans has provided timely perimeter scoring and spacing, while Patrick Ngongba II adds interior strength and finishing around the basket. With balance, depth, and a legitimate superstar, Duke looks well positioned as the team to beat in the ACC.
2. SMU Mustangs (9-1)
SMU continues to exceed expectations and has shown poise in late-game situations. Seniors BJ Edwards, Jaron Pierre Jr., and Boopie Miller give the Mustangs veteran presence, while Corey Washington and Samet Yigitoglu provide rebounding and interior defense. When SMU plays with pace and attacks in transition, they stay competitive against almost anyone.
3. Louisville Cardinals (8-1)
Louisville lost a close matchup to Arkansas but bounced back with a win over Indiana. Mikel Brown Jr. has been productive, including a 29-point outing versus Kentucky earlier this season, and while he is considered an elite shooter long-term, he has not consistently proven it yet at this level. Ryan Conwell averages close to 20 points and provides scoring relief when Brown struggles. With both guards contributing, Louisville is built to give any ACC opponent trouble.
4. North Carolina Tarheels (8-1)
UNC has found rhythm with wins over Kentucky and Georgetown and is leaning heavily on frontcourt production from Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar. Freshman Derek Dixon is quickly emerging as their floor leader, adding another dimension to a team that already defends, rebounds, and values possessions at a high level. If the Tar Heels continue to play through their frontcourt and maintain defensive consistency, they should remain firmly in contention moving into ACC play.
5. Miami Hurricanes (8-2)
Miami has begun to resemble the contender many projected and continues to surge even with an early pair of losses. Malik Reneau and Ernest Udeh Jr. have both played at All-ACC levels, combining low-post scoring with rim protection, while first-year head coach Jai Lucas has done an impressive job establishing pace, structure, and confidence on both ends. Miami’s tempo, offensive flow, and overall depth make the Hurricanes a real threat as conference play approaches.