Player of the Week
Jamir Watkins, Florida State
The VCU transfer has made a strong impact for the Seminoles to start this season. Watkins had a really strong week this week. He had 19 points, 2 blocks and 1 steal against Temple and 14 points, 4 assists and 1 block against Western Carolina. He has helped Florida State start the year 7-1 and after declaring for the NBA Draft last year and not getting selected, he is making his case to be selected in this year’s upcoming NBA Draft.
Freshman of the Week
Jeremiah Wilkinson, California
Wilkinson has been trending upward recently. The Powder Springs, Georgia, native had 16 points against Sacramento State and a career high 25 points against Mercyhurst. After a slow start to the season the guard has picked up his game and is a big reason why the Golden Bears are 6-1. He could enter some NBA Draft boards if continues to play at this level.
Who’s Hot
Ishmael Leggett, Pittsburgh
The Panthers have entered the rankings and are No.18 in the country. Leggett has really stepped up his game this season. He is averaging 18.4 points and has been rising up around the country. Against Wisconsin he had 17 points and 8 rebounds and had a double double consisting of 21 points and 10 rebounds against Ohio State. He is a name to watch rise up on draft boards.
Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles dominated the week. Starting off with a massive win against UMass 92-59 and then a 91-57 victory over Western Carolina. The maroon and gold have the fourth best defense in the ACC. It is on a four game win streak and it could be the start of Florida State heating up.
Who’s Cold
Markus Burton, Notre Dame
Burton is playing exceptional, but the problem is that he only played three minutes because he sustained a knee injury against Ohio State and is now set to miss multiple weeks. He is averaging 18.2 points and 4.3 assists so far this season. For someone who is having a career season this is unfortunate. He is averaging 18.2 points and 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Miami Hurricanes
The orange and green are on a massive losing streak. having lost 4 games in a row. They have the fourth best offense averaging 83.7 points per game, but they have the fourth worst defense that allows 74.1 points per game. Miami has really been struggling against non-conference teams and it could ruin its season before it plays anyone in the ACC.
Top 5 Free Throw Shooters
1. Kasean Pryor, Louisville
The Cardinals have the best free throw shooter in the ACC. Pryor is connecting on 91.7 percent of his free throws so far this season. The red and white have been on a down streak as they have lost their last two games. Pryor has been very consistent this season and will have to continue his level of play to maintain to bring his team back to its winning ways.
2. Jaland Lowe, Pittsburgh
The Panthers have been the best team in the ACC so far this season. They have entered the rankings and are ranked at No.18. Jaland Lowe has been a big part of this successful start to the season. Lowe is averaging 16.6 points and 5.8 assists so far this season. He is averaging 88.6 percent from the free throw line. A lot of players look at free throws as easy points and Lowe is taking advantage.
3. Hunter Sallis, Wake forest
Sallis has helped transform the Demon Deacons basketball program this season. They are off to a 7-3 start and he is the number one guy on the team. He is shooting 88.6 percent from the free throw line and is averaging 17 points per game. The Gonzaga transfer is making Wake Forest a legitimate March Madness contender.
4. Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
The freshman phenom is averaging 11.7 points per game while shooting 88.2 percent from the foul line. Freeman was one of the best freshmen in the 2024 recruiting class and has been a solid piece for the Orange’s offense. The blue and orange are 4-3 but if he continues his level of play Syracuse could be a contender in the ACC
5. Jaeden Mustaf, Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have had a rough start to their season. There have been very few bright spots but one of them is Mustaf at the free throw line. Mustaf is averaging 87.5 percent from the foul line. He has been one of the best players in the ACC in that area and is going to need to help get his team on the same page for the blue and gold to capture any success.