Player of the Week:
Carlton Carrington (Pitt)
“Bub” Carrington has continued to impress for a Pitt squad that is heating up when it needs to the most, as it is currently on the brink of a NCAA Tournament selection depending on how the end of the regular season and ACC Tournament goes. The guard has been a multi-faceted threat for the Panthers all season, and is currently averaging 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on the year. Over the past two games, “Bub” has continued to do his thing as he started off with a monstrous outing against Boston College, going for 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds paired with a block and a steal. He didn’t score as much the next time out, but he piled up 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists en route to a victory over Florida State.
Who’s Hot
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The season for the Yellow Jacket’s has not been the greatest. The squad has sat towards the bottom of the conference for the majority of the season, despite showing some flashes including a victory over a ranked Duke squad earlier in the campaign. The unit currently sits at the No. 11 spot in the ACC, powered behind its 14-16 record and 7-12 conference showing. However, the group has been on a surge as of late, having won its last three contests against teams such as Miami, Florida State and Wake Forest.
DJ Burns Jr. (NC State)
Burns put the team on his back in its past game against Duke. Despite the loss, the big man put together an incredible showing, and had the Blue Devils struggling on how to game plan to stop him. The senior was having his way on “Senior Night” and poured on 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a block in the loss. The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native has been a key contributor for the Wolfpack all season, as he has averaged 12.1 points per game on 50.6% shooting along with 4 rebounds per contest.
Who’s Not
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Demon Deacons have had a pretty strong showing this season. The squad had put itself in a good position for a NCAA Tournament position, and a win over ranked Duke strongly benefitted its resume. Now the unit might have its March Madness chances stripped, as recent cold play has certainly harmed its chances. The group is on a three-game losing streak featuring recent losses to Virginia Tech as well as inferior Notre Dame and Georgia Tech rosters. With NCAA Tournament selections around the corner, the Demon Deacons will most likely need to win the ACC Tournament to advance further in the postseason.
Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
Filipowski has been one of the leader’s of a Duke squad that has had a successful season filled with a star-filled roster. His decision to return to Durham has paid dividends, as his team has had a terrific season, and he has raised his NBA Draft stock tremendously. However, the sophomore’s most recent performance against NC State left much to be desired. On the season Filipowski averages 16.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, but against the Wolfpack he didn’t come near those numbers. The 7-footer posted just 9 points along with 2 rebounds, as he was ineffective on both ends of the floor.
Top 5 Remaining Games
1.Duke vs. UNC
One of the best rivalries in all of sports will go down to close out the regular season. The squad’s sit at the top-two spots in the ACC, and with talent on both sides such as RJ Davis, Armando Bacot, Kyle Filipowski and Jared McCain this should be an instant classic.
2.Georgia Tech vs. Virginia
The Yellow Jackets have come alive to end the season, and it will be battle tested against Virginia to see if this run is a fluke or not.
3.Clemson vs. Wake Forest
Hunter Sallis and PJ Hall is as good a showdown as there is, but with the Demon Deacons needing to basically win the ACC Tournament for a NCAA Tournament selection, this game will be a good gauge on the squad, as it rides a three-game losing streak.
4.Pitt vs. NC State
A guard matchup of Carlton Carrington and DJ Horne, paired with prolific scorer Blake Hinson and dominant big man DJ Burns Jr. this will be a big test for each squad to push itself closer to a March Madness bid.
5.Miami vs. Florida State
The Hurricanes have been bad, but with pieces like Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier, this team has the talent to knock off a Seminole group that has been playing pretty well.