Player of the Week
Carlton Carrington (Pitt)
Carlton “Bub” Carrington has been a man on a mission for the Panthers to start the season. The 4-star and top 100 recruit has all eyes on him and is raising his stock with his play. Through six games, the freshman is averaging 15.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. The multi-faceted threat has been getting it done on offense by showcasing his playmaking and ability to score at all three levels. He is showcasing impressive touch with his 3-point shot, shooting at an impressive clip with a 43.2% mark. The Baltimore, Maryland, native garnered consecutive ACC Rookie of the Week awards. He is the first Pitt player to earn the honor in back-to-back weeks since DeJuan Blair did so in the 2007-2008 campaign when the Panthers were in the Big East. He has been the X factor for his unit to open up its stellar start to the season.
Who’s Hot
Miami Hurricaines
The Hurricanes have brought the storm to debut the 2023-2024 season. They currently sit atop the ACC standings netting a record of 5-0. The Canes are coming off of a Baha Mar Bahamas Hoops Championship where they knocked off Georgia and Kansas State en route to a championship victory. Despite losing Isiah Wong to the NBA, Miami is ready for a revenge tour after being dethroned by UConn 72-59 a season ago in the Final Four. Returning starter Wooga Poplar, is averaging a team leading 18 points per game along with shooting an outstanding 59.4% from beyond the arc and 50.9% from the field. The Hurricanes also have Norchad Omier who suffered an ankle injury during last season’s ACC Tournament back at full strength. The forward is averaging 15.8 points per contest as well as snagging 9.2 rebounds per game. With impressive depth and established veterans, Miami has come out of the gates red-hot.
Quinten Post (Boston College)
A season ago, the 7-footer was on the verge of heading for the NBA Draft. Returning for his senior season instead, the veteran has made a crucial impact for Boston College. The big man has been a superstar in the early stages of the season. He has been a stat sheet stuffer averaging 20.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per outing. Those numbers currently have him placed second for points and rebounds along with fifth in blocks for the ACC. The big man makes his living scoring by feasting in the paint. Weighing in at 235 pounds, Post is a matchup nightmare and an imposing force with his back to the basket game. He has an array of post moves and a consistent hook shot that contributes to an efficient 52.2% from the field. The Amsterdam, Netherlands, native will cause fits for any big man in the ACC and is a name to keep an eye on.
Who’s Not
Georgia Tech Yellow JAckets
The Yellow Jackets are off to a slow start. They haven’t found their footing yet holding just a 2-2 record in its opening round of games. After blowing out Georgia Southern 84-62 in its opener, Georgia Tech has been inconsistent through its four matchups. It won a close contest against an inferior Howard team 88-85. After the two-game win streak it has been downhill since. It added its first loss to its record after suffering a pitiful loss against UMass Lowell by a slight margin of just three points. Looking for redemption, the squad traveled to play Cincinnati. The road excursion left much to be desired as the unit got trounced 89-54. The Yellow Jackets need to hit the drawing board in order to get back on track.
Baba Miller (Florida State)
Miller had a chance at being drafted last year due to the incredible upside that he possesses. However, the 6-foot-11 wing, returned for his sophomore year ready to develop and expand on game for his Seminole squad. A season ago, the Mallorca, Spain, native posted 4.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest. There has been a slight increase in both those statistics this season as he boasts 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds on average. The 19-year-old is still a raw prospect, but as someone that has the attention of NBA scouts and a current first round label, Miller has got off to a slow start. His lack of shooting has proven to be an issue as last season he wasn’t very effective. That continues to be a trend as he is 46.4% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 25% from the free throw line. Miller will need to improve his numbers in all facets along with consistency to live up to the first-round hype.
Top 5 Performances of Early Season
RJ Davis (North Carolina) vs. Arkansas
Davis was the X factor for the Tar Heels as they stomped the Razorbacks. In an 87-72 dethroning of Arkansas, the junior put together a tremendous performance in a ranked affair. Davis had 30 points on 9-18 shooting including 10-10 from the charity stripe causing havoc for the Razorback defense.
Caleb Foster (Duke) vs. Michigan State
Foster was a part of the highly touted recruiting class for the Blue Devils. Despite being quiet in his first performances and coming off of the bench, Foster erupted against Michigan State going for 18 points in a huge early season win.
Skyy Clark (Louisville) vs. Texas
Clark, who left Illinois mid-season last year, seems to have found his place playing for the Cardinals. Despite an 81-80 loss against No. 15 Texas, Clark put forth his best efforts in the almost upset scoring 20 points paired with 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Sean Pedulla (Virginia Tech) vs. Iowa State
Pedulla had a big semi-final performance for the Hokies in the ESPN Events Invitational. In a victory over the Cyclones, the guard logged 33 minutes contributing 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
Zack Austin (Pitt) vs. Oregon State
Austin put together a spectacular performance in the NIT Season Tip-Off. In a 76-51 wiping of the Beavers, the forward totaled 19 points and 8 rebounds in the win.