Player of the Week
Cooper Flagg, Duke
The widely projected first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft had himself a big week. To start the week, the Blue Devils upset Auburn and Flagg was a big reason why. The freshman put up 22 points and 11 rebounds while also being a key piece on the defensive side of the ball garnering 2 blocks and 3 steals. He also had a solid game against Louisville later in the week boosting 20 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Flagg is certainly living up to the hype recently, impacting games and showing why he is likely to to be the first name off the board in June.
Freshman of the Week
Samet Yigitoglu, SMU
The Mustangs have had a solid start to the season with an 8-2 record. The 7’2 freshman has been a big part of that early season success. Against Alabama State he had 12 points and 8 rebounds and against Virginia he had 16 points and 6 rebounds. He could enter teams’ draft boards if he continues playing at this level.
Who’s Hot
Clemson Tigers
The Tigers are on a bit of a hot streak. The orange and purple have won its last six games including No. 5 Kentucky. The squad is now 9-1 this season and are sitting at the top of the ACC. Clemson has entered the rankings and are No.16 in the nation. If it continues this level of play they could win the ACC and be a top team in March Madness.
Duke Blue Devils
The Blue Devils have won their last four games and are on a bit of a hot streak. The blue and white surprised Auburn and took them down. Duke is always one of the best teams in the nation but it seems that it took them longer to gel this season than it has in recent seasons. Duke has a ton of talent and if it can continue this momentum it could do some damage in March.
Who’s Cold
Jalil Bethea, Miami
Bethea ws one of the most highly touted freshmen in the 2024 recruiting class but so far he has been a major disappointment. Bethea has been dealt inconsistent minutes and is only averaging 5.6 points per game after being one of the best offensive players in the class. He was a projected first round pick before the season started but is now being projected in the late second round or not even on some draft boards. He is going to have to make the best of what he is being dealt in his opportunities and work his way up to the caliber that he was at before the season started if he wants to turn the Hurricanes season and his own season around.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels have struggled so far this season. After being a team that many expected to compete for a national championship. The squad is 5-4 so far this year and has been on a bumpy road. The blue and white have lost three of its last four games and need to turn it around quickly to be in contention for a national championship in a competitive ACC conference.
Top 5 ACC Minutes per game
1. JJ Sterling, Syracuse
Sterling is averaging 36.7 minutes per game for the Orange so far this season. Syracuse is currently 5-4 but Sterling has been one of the squad’s go-to-guys on the court. He is a leader on the team and is averaging 19.8 points per game so far this season. He is constantly on the court and a key piece of the orange and white’s backcourt.
2. Jaland Lowe, Pittsburgh
The Panthers have had a great start to the season with an 8-2 record. Lowe has been a big part of their success averaging 35.2 minutes per game and 17.1 points per game. He has been the squad’s best player and is one of the best players in college basketball right now.
3. Braeden Shrewsberry, Notre Dame
Shrewsberry is one of the biggest risers this season. The former Penn State commit has really been a big piece of Notre Dame’s success this season. He is averaging 35.2 minutes per game and is averaging 16.2 points so far this season. He is a part of an elite backcourt with Markus Burton, Notre Dame which has been a big part of the success Notre Dame has had so far this season.
4. Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
Salis has made an immediate impact on the Demon Deacons not only averaging 35.2 minutes per game but also averaging 16.3 points per game. He has been the best player for Wake forest and NBA teams are taking notice. Sallis has been one of the biggest risers on NBA draft boards and it wouldn’t be shocking if that continues.
5. Matt Allocco, Notre Dame
Alloco has been a solid bench piece for the Fighting Irish. He is currently averaging 35.2 minutes per game and 9.3 points per game. The Princeton transfer seems to have found a role that he fits in for the Notre Dame rotation. With Burton expected to miss time he should continue to see more minutes each game.