ACC Tourney: First Round Picks

#8 VT v. #9 Miami

Pick: VT

I picked VT, but this game is as close to a toss-up as any I can think of. Miami finished the year strong winning 3 of their last 4 games, but did so against inferior ACC opponents and even lost a game to Georgia Tech, who only had 2 ACC wins this year. I realize VT is slumping, but at this point last year is when Malcolm Delaney found a little something extra and started to dominate... hopefully he can do it again this year. And hopefully, AD Vassallo's arm won't be sore anymore from that new tattoo and he'll start hitting 3-pointers again.

#5 Clemson v. #12 Georgia Tech

Pick: Clemson

It's just not possible to pick Georgia Tech in this game. They only had 2 wins in conference this year, and didn't exactly light up opponents out of conference either. Clemson is better at every position except the 5, where the edge goes to Gani Lawal. The better bench also goes to Clemson, so they should walk away with a "fairly" easy win today. Look for KC Rivers to have a big game.

#7 Maryland v. #10 NC State

Pick: NC State

I know that Maryland has played well in some big games this season, but I like NC State's athleticism to win out over Maryland's team-oriented play. The key to me is whether or not Brandon Costner can guard Landon Milbourne on defense and whether Costner will post up and take advantage of his size on offense. If Costner settles for jump shots, Maryland will benefit huge. Courtney Fells is a good defender and should neutralize Greivis Vazquez. Ben McCauley should have a field day against Dave Neal... the rebounding edge will definitely go to NC State in this game.

#6 Boston College v. #11 UVA

Pick: BC

I am making this pick based on experience and overall talent, and I promise it is not because of my hatred for UVA. For this game, Tyrese Rice is the best player and the best leader on the court by a long shot, and the combination of Calvin Baker and Sammy Zeglinski won't be able to stop him. BC has athletic players like Rakim Sanders to match UVA's ultra-athletic freshman, Sylven Landesberg, and Joe Trapani is the best post player on either team. I like Mike Scott's energy, but he is just too inconsistent to rely on.