Player of the Week

Trevor Keels, PG/SG, #9 Duke Blue Devils

Nobody improved their draft stock more on opening night than Trevor Keels against #10 Kentucky. Most of the hype for this freshman class in Durham was directed at Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin, but Keels shined the brightest at Madison Square Garden by dropping 25 points and showing off his physicality and tough defense with three steals.

Keels is built like a Ford Bronco and plays like it, too. He found ways to start running downhill towards the basket against the Wildcats and he was unstoppable whenever this happened. We saw the Blue Devils play two more times throughout the week, and while Keels did not play nearly as well in those contests, his draft stock skyrocketed way too much to be ignored, making him the ACC Player of the Week.

Who’s Hot?

Paolo Banchero, PF, #9 Duke Blue Devils

If Banchero was not already in discussion for the top selection in the upcoming draft, he undoubtedly is now. In his first three games for the Blue Devils, he averaged 19 points and nine rebounds, but his unique talent is seen far beyond the stat sheet. His natural skill and comfort with the college game already is remarkably impressive and this is a great sign for his eventual transition to the NBA this summer.

The current projected top pick at our site, Banchero proved he can dominate against the best athletes, but also remain consistent without the spotlight on against weaker opponents. The next true test for the potential top pick comes against Chet Holmgren and the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a game that may ultimately decide who the top pick is in June.

Boeheim Bros, Syracuse Orange

We saw the potential of Buddy Boeheim during a fabulous cinderella run in March Madness, and now we get to see the chemistry between himself and his older brother Jimmy who transferred from Cornell after the 2019 season. The brothers are already combining to shoot 9-21 (43%) from distance and are the top two scorers for the Orange in this young season.

Jim Boeheim has arguably the best shooting team he has ever had in his 45 seasons coaching Syracuse, and he has himself to thank for a lot of that. His sons are lighting it up from beyond the arc and might finally allow him to sleep the night before the NCAA Selection Show if they can do enough to earn higher than an 11 seed. These brothers are surely must watch TV for all ACC fans this season and they are off to a hot start.

Who’s Not?

“Bye Games”

Jon Rothstein is famously calling out “bye games” this year as the “epitome of brutality” and the ACC was decimated by these losses in the first week of the season. Georgia Tech, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and #25 Virginia all lost as at least 9-point favorites on their home courts to Miami (OH), Furman, The Citadel, and Navy respectively.

Pittsburgh has plenty of their own problems right now from decommitments to suspensions, but the other three losses may prove fatal as the season winds down and non-conference resumes are being compared between bubble teams. The Cavaliers have the first opportunity to avenge their upset loss against a quality squad on Tuesday night when they travel to take on the 15th ranked Houston Cougars in a matchup that could be decided in the 40s.

Manny Bates, C, NC State Wolfpack

Kevin Keatts and the Wolfpack picked up the first true devastating injury of the college basketball season when Manny Bates was lost for the season with a right shoulder injury in the first game of the season. Bates represented the All-ACC Defensive First Team last season and was primed to take a huge step offensively with a new-look Wolfpack squad. Hopefully, Bates will be able to recover and show us just how good he can be next season after a year of rehab and development. Until then, you have to feel for this disheartening loss to NC State’s veteran leader and heartbeat.

Top 5 Underrated Players to Watch this Season

You know who’s back. You know the star freshmen. Now it’s time to learn which fresh, new faces will torment coaches and fans all year long and leave them wondering: “WHO is that?”. If you want a head start on answering that question, this is the section for you.

1. Alondes Williams, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

It is typically difficult to sneak in the ACC’s leading scorer as an underrated player, but I’d be willing to bet 95% of the college basketball world has no idea who this is. Williams transferred from Oklahoma after starting 24 games in two years for the Sooners and he is making his presence felt in this early season. He is a well-rounded guard who plays well on both ends of the floor and he’s also scored 54 points in the first two games of the season. Is that good?

2. Jayden Gardner, Virginia Cavaliers

Tony Bennett lost a LOT from last season, and his team lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament anyway. Some new faces obviously have to emerge and so far Jayden Gardner is embracing that role for the Cavaliers. He is averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds in the first two games and seems to be the only reliable interior presence Tony Bennett has. In a physical conference like the ACC, you need to control the paint and that will open up plenty of opportunity for Gardner to shine in 2021.

3. Storm Murphy, Virginia Tech Hokies

I’m sure there will be plenty who know this name, but I’m not sure how many know he transferred from Wofford to the Hokies. Like Keve Aluma and coach Mike Young before him, Murphy transitioned from the Terriers to the Hokies and is due for 5 or 6 games per season where he is unconscious from beyond the arc. With plenty of weapons around him, there will be space for Murphy to launch up a bunch of threes and add to his 227 career triples in Blacksburg.

4. Cole Swider, Syracuse Orange

Another big name who people are forgetting about is Cole Swider, a transfer from Villanova, who is due for a breakout season under Jim Boeheim. The Orange reached the top-four during Swider’s recruitment and ultimately lost out to the Wildcats, but Boeheim now gets his chance to work with the 6’9 forward. So far, it has paid off for both parties as Swider is averaging a career-high 12.5 points in the early season with 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

5. Noah Locke, Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals always seem to have a top guard in the conference and Noah Locke looks to be the guy this year. With Carlik Jones and David Johnson moving on after last season, there was a huge opening in the backcourt for Chris Mack. Enter Noah Locke, a transfer from the Florida Gators who is a career 40% shooter from distance. This roster is deep and with Locke leading the way, the Cardinals have a chance to sneak back into the NCAA Tournament after missing out last season.

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