Here we are again. Obviously there are a few games that will have definite implications as far as the power rankings are concerned this week, but as of now, here's what we're looking at:
1.) Duke Blue DevilsNothing to see here.
After a huge win against Georgia Tech, Wake is moving on up. The most impressive thing about this team is that no one tries to do too much. Everyone knows their roles and is executing. What Wake did in the last 8 minutes defensively against the Yellow Jackets was nothing short of beautiful. Plus it's always great to see Mt. Ari Stewart jack it up all over the place.
Maryland sticks in the third spot (are y'all happy now?). The loss to Duke wasn't surprising, so that doesn't really hurt them in my eyes. That win over Virginia was nice. Greivis Vasquez, for as irritating as he is, can really be a special player sometimes.
The Hokies are smoking hot right now and have Wake coming in tonight. Huge game for them in both the ACC and their NCAA Tournament hopes. Should be a good old fashioned Maalox Masher as WakeJake likes to put it. Malcolm Delaney has complained a bit about not getting calls lately, so that's something to keep an eye on.
5.) Florida State Seminoles
Defense, defense, defense. The 'Noles put on a clinic against Boston College on Sunday and moved back over .500 in conference. Freshman Michael Snaer is coming on a bit (18 pts against the Eagles), you always know what you're getting with Solomon Alabi, and when Chris Singleton has a good game, they are tough to beat.
6.) Clemson Tigers
Clemson sure made it interesting against Miami at home. If they had lost that game, the Tigers would really be sweating it out when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. But, the win gives them a little breathing room. They still need to finish strong and they need to get better play out of their guards consistently (good to see shooting out of Andre Young and Demontez Stitt against the 'Canes), but I'm still convinced that Clemson is a good basketball team.
7.) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Serves me right for jumping on their bandwagon. Talent notwithstanding, boy is Paul Hewitt doing a bad coaching job this season. With a team filled with Gani Lawal, Zach Peacock, Derrick Favors, Mfon Udofia, Iman Shumpert and the surprising shooting of D'Andre Bell, Glen Rice Jr. and Maurice Miller, there is no excuse for this team to not be playing better.
Virginia has hit a bit of a wall. Their players can only go so far in Tony Bennett's system and outside of Mike Scott and Sylven Landesberg, there just isn't a ton of playmaking ability.
9.) North Carolina Tar Heels
The Heels are a mess, but I guess I'll put them here for fighting against Duke.
10.) Miami Hurricanes
Miami has a chance to finish strong at least, with three home games out of their last five, and one of their road games coming against the Heels. It's really amazing that Miami has 17 wins and their three conference wins are against Wake, GT and VT. It's not like Miami is really that bad.
Joe Trapani is back, but that didn't exactly help them against the Terps. BC has to win three of its last five to finish at .500 on the season, and honestly, they have a good shot at it--home games against UNC and UVA and a road contest against N.C. State are their best bets. Who knows? I think Al Skinner will just be happy when this season is over and the Eagles can start fresh next season.
12.) N.C. State Wolfpack
Ryan Harrow's letter to the Pack Pride notwithstanding, N.C. State is terrible. But it sure is fun watching Scott Wood just throw up shots all over the place.