ACC preview: Tobacco Road trio regains supremacy

One of the things I love about the ACC -- besides the great basketball, the Duke-North Carolina rivalry and the way the rest of the teams seem to fade in and out every year -- is how the league office actually breaks down every vote from its preseason media poll and puts it on display for the world to see.

Because I'm a part of the world, I took a look.

One of the ACC's best features: college basketball's most intense rivalry between UNC and Duke. (Getty Images)

And man, I'm here to tell you, there sure are some silly folks voting.

For instance, somebody voted Clemson 11th, and I'm not sure why. The Tigers won 25 games last season, finished eighth in the league and return four of five starters from that team. But somehow somebody thinks they're going to finish three places worse.

Seriously?

Meantime, somebody voted Boston College second, and I'm not sure why. The Eagles lost 12 games last season, finished tied for third in the league and lost Jared Dudley from that team. But somehow somebody thinks they're going to finish better without him.

Seriously?

Anyway, it's baffling stuff.

But either way, here's my look at the ACC.

It ranks third in the countdown of basketball leagues here at CBSSports.com.

1. North Carolina

The good: Nobody benefited more from guaranteed first-round picks rejecting the NBA Draft than North Carolina, which received good news when Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson each decided to return to school. Paired with Wayne Ellington and Deon Thompson, they give the Tar Heels perhaps the most talented quartet in the nation, and all four players should average double-figures in points this season.

The bad: Though Thompson is probably the best reserve in the country ready to step into a starting role, losing Brandan Wright has to hurt a little, doesn't it? The 6-9 forward averaged 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds last season, and that's a lot of production missing on top of the 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds Reyshawn Terry averaged.

The bottom line: Roy Williams, always working hard on the recruiting trail, has accumulated the type of talented roster that could bring his second national title. It's actually difficult to find a weakness with this roster, and if the players guard at all they'll be tough to beat.

2. Duke

The good: Three veterans who started at least 29 games last season -- namely DeMarcus Nelson, Jon Scheyer and Greg Paulus -- return for a team that won 22 games. A heralded freshman class featuring Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Taylor King joins them, giving the Blue Devils another roster capable of competing at the top of the ACC, just like always.

The bad: Not that Josh McRoberts was much of a post presence, but he was clearly the best big man on Duke's roster. When he turned pro it left a gaping hole, and the Blue Devils weren't helped in any way when center Brian Zoubek broke his foot in early July, which in turn cost him valuable workouts.

The bottom line: The problems that ailed Duke last season -- a lack of athleticism on the perimeter and shortage of quality big men -- should still be a problem, but the addition of Singler gives the Blue Devils a legitimate star to perhaps take over at the end of games, and that should be enough to keep UNC somewhat nervous.

3. North Carolina State

The good: The Wolfpack have one of the best frontcourts in the nation. It features Brandon Costner (16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds) and Ben McCauley (14.4 points and 6.9 rebounds), and a freshman phenom in J.J. Hickson who is expected to contribute immediately.

The bad: Everybody talks about all the returning players on N.C. State's roster, but the loss of Engin Atsur should not be discounted. He had a combined 41 points last season in wins over Duke and Virginia Tech, and the idea that the Wolfpack won't miss him might be short-sighted.

The bottom line: Though I like N.C. State on paper, it's important to keep things in context. As good as people think this team will be based on how it played late last season, it's only fair to note that the Wolfpack actually lost 11 of 16 ACC games. So it'll be interesting to see whether the substance can match the hype, or if some high-profile victories late have just skewed everybody's perception.

4. Clemson

The good: Four double-digit scorers return, among them K.C. Rivers (14.0 points) and James Mays (12.2 points). That means the Tigers have a nucleus of veterans that won 25 games last season, and that's rarely a negative.

The bad: The only starter missing is Vernon Hamilton, the point guard who exhausted his eligibility. Clemson will replace him with Demontez Stitt, but throwing a true freshman point guard into the ACC can be risky. So though Stitt is talented and capable, he's a legitimate question mark until he steps on the floor and shows what he can or cannot do.

The bottom line: People tend to remember Clemson's collapse in ACC play but forget this is a team that beat Ole Miss, Syracuse and Air Force in the NIT. In other words, yeah, the season could've gone better. But the Tigers were still pretty good, and the core of veterans who are back should get them to the NCAA Tournament, even if it's a year later than most had hoped.

5. Georgia Tech

The good: Lewis Clinch was Georgia Tech's top scorer early last season before being sidelined for violating the school's honor code. Now he's back and in good academic standing, primed to have a big year alongside freshman McDonald's All-American Gani Lawal.

The bad: Javaris Crittenton and Thaddeus Young were both on the cusp of the should-he-stay/should-he-go conversation. Ultimately, each opted for guaranteed NBA paychecks, and who can blame them? But if those two would've come back -- and teamed with Clinch, Lawal and freshman point guard Maurice Miller -- the Yellow Jackets would've been set to make a run at another Final Four.

The bottom line: It doesn't help that Georgia Tech must get through the first semester without Ra'Sean Dickey, who is ineligible until December. But if he returns in shape, Clinch is as good as he was early last season and Lawal meets expectations, then this is a team good enough to make another NCAA Tournament.

6. Virginia

The good: Sean Singletary made a wise decision to return to school once realizing his draft aspirations were uncertain. He averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds last season, and his presence back at Virginia gives Dave Leitao an All-American to run his offense.

The bad: Singletary's backcourt mate, J.R. Reynolds, exhausted his eligibility, so that's 18.4 points off the table. Meanwhile, Solomon Tat had offseason sports hernia surgery and still isn't 100 percent. In fact, he reportedly missed a Tuesday practice that was open to the media.

The bottom line: With Singletary on board, the Cavs have a chance. But to finish this high -- and make the NCAA Tournament again -- another scorer needs to develop, preferably on the inside.

7. Boston College

The good: Tyrese Rice is back after averaging 17.6 points last season. He's capable of running the team or creating opportunities for himself, and the junior gives Al Skinner at least one proven scorer.

The bad: Jared Dudley wasn't just a great college player, but almost the perfect player to represent Boston College. He was an overachiever who got the most from his ability, but now that he's off to the NBA the Eagles are without their National Player of the Year candidate.

The bottom line: That the Eagles managed to still make the NCAA Tournament last season even after losing Sean Williams is a testament to their consistency, and betting against them seems silly. Still, I'm guessing there simply isn't enough pure talent to avoid the NIT, though I'm well aware this is begging to be proved wrong.

8. Miami

The good: The majority of Miami's roster is back, including Jack McClinton (16.7 points) and Brian Asbury (11.7 points). And though the Hurricanes had 20 losses last season it must be noted they came on strong late, getting wins over N.C. State, Virginia and Maryland while suffering overtime losses to Clemson, Florida State and Boston College in their final eight games. In other words, Frank Haith's team was competitive down the stretch, and there's no reason to believe that won't carry into this season.

The bad: Denis Clemente was dismissed this offseason, leaving Miami without a true experienced point guard. Eddie Rios is a good option, but the fact that he's a freshman could prove troubling, though his talent is undeniable.

The bottom line: This is one of the more intriguing teams in the country, one that could finish even higher than it's picked here. Either way, I promise the Hurricanes won't finish 12th, which is where the league's media projected them to land.

9. Maryland

The good: Greivis Vasquez (9.8 points and 4.6 assists) and James Gist (12.6 points and 7.2 rebounds) combine to give Gary Williams a pair of accomplished veterans to guide the Terrapins through the ACC. They'll be aided by the presence of some heralded recruits, namely Braxton Dupree, Adrian Bowie and Shane Walker.

The bad: D.J. Strawberry and Mike Jones are both gone from last season's 25-win team, and that's 28.7 points per game that are missing. Sure, it can be made up elsewhere, but the best options are young and unproven.

The bottom line: The Terrapins are not unlike many teams who will be good or bad based on how the new guys come along. If they adjust well, Maryland is better than this projection. If not, the Terps might actually be worse.

10. Florida State

The good: Toney Douglas is healthy after suffering a broken hand that cost him five games last season. In those games, FSU went 1-4. So having Douglas back is an obvious advantage.

The bad: Al Thornton was a do-everything player for Florida State, a star who led the Seminoles in points (19.7), rebounds (7.2), blocks (40 total for the season), steals (53 total for the season) and 3-point field goal percentage (.444). Now he's gone, and that means FSU is searching for a new do-everything type player.

The bottom line: Leonard Hamilton needs all that recruiting to finally pay off in the way of an NCAA Tournament appearance, especially considering athletic director Dave Hart is on the way out. The development means Hamilton will soon find himself working for someone who didn't hire him, and that's almost always an uncomfortable feeling.

11. Virginia Tech

The good: Deron Washington averaged 12.0 points and 5.3 rebounds last season. He's back, as is A.D. Vassallo, a 6-6 wing who started 11 games as a sophomore.

The bad: This was going to be a tough season for the Hokies based on nothing more than Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon both missing. But things got worse when prized recruit Augustus Gilchrist asked to be released from his letter of intent. The wish was granted, and now Gilchrist is headed to Maryland.

The bottom line: Seth Greenberg has done a fine job at Virginia Tech, but he's caught in a bad situation this season. A postseason berth of any kind is unlikely, but help should be on the way for 2008-09 in the form of Victor Davila, a heralded prospect who has committed to the Hokies.

12. Wake Forest

The good: The school handled the death of Skip Prosser about as well as anybody could've hoped. Longtime assistant and friend Dino Gaudio was given a five-year contract, and that kind of stability presumably helped calm the Demon Deacons' stellar recruiting class that is expected to join the program as planned in time for next season.

The bad: Wake Forest has problems beyond the obvious off-the-court challenges. Kyle Visser (17.0 points and 7.4 rebounds) was the Demon Deacons' leading scorer and rebounder last season, and if they couldn't win with him it's difficult to imagine of a way for them to win without him.

The bottom line: Though Prosser's death has made things more difficult, the reality is Wake Forest wasn't going to have a good season this season regardless of any off-the-court tragedies. There is some talent in place, but it's mostly young. And with no seniors on the roster this will likely be nothing more than a season of transition, one where ACC wins are hard to come by and everybody yearns for 2008-09.