Atlantic Coast Conference Preview Part 1 by Curtis Clontz

In ACC country it is the time where Tarheels, Terps, and Blue Devils begin to flourish. November is the time when the college basketball season starts and the teams make their final preparations for the upcoming season. At this point many of the ACC teams have their roster and lineups are set. It is time to fine tune and get ready for the first part of the season. TSR will be at the forefront of the conference for coverage throughout the year, especially the teams in NC and VA. This is the TSR ACC preview. If you agree or disagree let us know!

Boston College

BC opened practice on Oct 18th and will look to senior Tyrese Rice to lead them with his experience and floor leadership. Rice is considered to be one of the top guards in the ACC this season. The Eagles will look to improve on their 14-17 record of last year and make a surprising run to the top of the conference. Just like last season BC will be young outside of Rice. They are returning 4 tough sophomores and 3 freshmen that will all get minutes. Wining will rely on the back court and Rice will have this team on his shoulders. Coach Al Skinner thinks the front court isn't bad and that this team has the capability to make some sort of splash and be able to upset some teams this season. The most important person not named Rice will be freshman Dallas Elmore. Elmore is a 6-5 guard that is not afraid to get dirty and play defense. He may be called upon to be the second man in this young but talented team. However, eagle fans lets not get crazy yet, this team is very young and are not as talented as most of the ACC this season. They will beat some teams they aren't supposed too, but it may end their. BC could be a team to upset someone in the ACC tourney but don't expect them to e playing in late March.

Clemson

The purple and orange are fresh off an impressive season last year that ended with the Tigers doing some dancing of their own in the NCAA tournament. In terms of moving the right direction, Oliver Parnell has this team doing well. Last season they finished 3rd in the ACC and made it to the championship game in the ACC Tournament. Over the past 2 years they have won 49 wins alone. Some of that record is great wins, but some is also great scheduling. This season will be much of the same. The Tiger's out of conference schedule is far from impressive, and come March that could hurt them if they take a beating from the other ACC teams. Clemson will rely on 3 returning starting from last year to carry them throughout the season. Trevor Booker and K.C. Rivers will be the leading 2 as this team tries to breakout and surprise some teams in the ACC. Pack your suit case and be prepared to be on the bubble. This team should be in, but will rely on a few key wins or losses to have them dancing.

Duke

The Duke Blue Devils have their coach back from a very successful summer. He led Team USA back to the top of the medal podium, and he hopes to return the devils back to the final four. Unfortunately for Coach K Chris Bosh or anything close will not be stepping through the doors at Cameron anytime soon. The good news is that this will be one of the most senior Duke teams in recent memory. They are returning 4 starters and as always new talent walked in the door. They will have one of the best back courts in the league and may have a senior captain coming off the bench. It is official, Nolan Smith has stolen the job from Paulus. Expect this team to make a splash this season. They are going to be a team far different than the past few. They will have depth, leadership, but most of all they will be able to play like Duke. Expect this team to be 2nd in the ACC (but could steal if UNC falls asleep) and be in the talks for a #1 seed in the dance. This will be the year they break the latest poor showing in March.