Player of the Week:
DJ Horne (NC State)
Horne becomes the first player to become player of the week twice — and for good reason. The standout put together a terrific performance this past week for the Wolfpack leading them to a pair of victories. The guard is currently on his third stop of his collegiate journey after playing for Illinois State and Arizona State. The senior has had a breakout year for his team averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists. This past week he accumulated 24 points and 4 rebounds against Miami and 26 points and 5 rebounds in a clash with Georgia Tech.
Who’s Hot
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are rolling and are currently the hottest team in the ACC. The squad boasts a seven-game winning streak and are firing on all cylinders. The team is placed second in the conference with its 18-5 record and 9-3 conference tally. The Virginia faithful provide a huge bump when its team is playing at home as Tony Bennett’s team is 13-0 defending its home court. The group’s recent wins this week came from defeating Miami 60-38 and Clemson 66-65. With North Carolina, dropping two of its last three, Virginia has the chance to take the top spot in the standings.
Cameron Hildreth (Wake Forest)
Hildreth provided spark for the Demon Deacons this week, as the squad is currently riding a two-game winning streak. The unit currently finds itself sitting fourth in the ACC, powered behind an unbeaten 12-0 record at home. Wake Forest demolished both of its opponents in this stretch which consisted of a dethroning of Syracuse 99-70 and Georgia Tech 80-51. The guard has been averaging 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists and has been an impact player for the Demon Deacons. Against Syracuse, he posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds and followed up that outing with 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.
Who’s Not
North Carolina Tar Heels
Despite being the current No. 3 team in the country and previously having a ten-game win streak, the Tar Heels have lost two of its past three games. The stint started with a tough 74-73 loss to an inferior Georgia Tech team who snapped North Carolina’s impressive winning streak. The squad then came roaring back and defeated its longtime rival Duke 93-84 in one of the best games of the season. The team couldn’t ride the momentum and fell to the hands of Clemson 80-76. The Tar Heels shouldn’t worry, but the team does need to turn it up a notch.
Wooga Poplar (Miami)
Poplar has been one of the breakout stars of the season so far. Returning from last year’s Final Four team, the guard has performed at the highest level and is making a strong case for a lottery pick. Known as one of the better scorers in the country, Poplar did not perform in that area this past week. Averaging 13.9 points on 44.5% shooting from the field, the Philadelphia, native didn’t in fact shoot the lights out this week as he posted totals of 7 points on 20% shooting and 8 points on 25% shooting.
Top 5 players entering February
1. PJ Hall (Clemson)
Hall has been the X-factor in a Clemson team that has been performing at a high rate this season. The senior returned after being a borderline NBA draft talent, and is totaling 20.1 points paired with 7.1 rebounds per game.
2. RJ Davis (North Carolina)
Davis has been one of the best players in the country this season, as his established veteran presence has aided UNC in its showing of being one of the best teams in the country. He is averaging 21.3 points along with 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
3. Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
One of the best big men in the country, Filpowski’s return for his sophomore year has benefited a very talented Duke roster. The multi-faceted player can do it all and is posting totals of 17.7 points and 8.5 rebounds.
4. Jared McCain (Duke)
The 5-star has found his footing and showcased why he was the high-profile recruit he was sought out to be.The guard is averaging 12.9 points and 4.6 rebounds and has garnered multiple 20-point performances.
5. Carlton Carrington (Pitt)
The Pitt Panther guard has been a huge boost to a team that is defying expectations this season. The 4-star freshman has netted 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game and does it all for his squad.