- (Sports Network) - OUTLOOK:Five teams posted over 20 wins last season in the ACC, including the North Carolina Tar Heels, who recorded a school-record 36 victories, before falling to eventual national champion Kansas in the NCAA Final Four. Roy Williams' Tar Heels captured the ACC regular season (14-2) and tournament titles and with National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough back for his senior season, the Tar Heels come into the 2008-09 campaign as the number one ranked team in the country. Always battling UNC for the conference crown is Duke, which finished one game back in the standings a year ago (13-3). Second place is not a position Coach K enjoys, so expect the Blue Devils to once again give the Tar Heels all they can handle. In his first season at the helm in Winston-Salem, head coach Dino Gaudio led Wake Forest to 17 victories and more is expected this time around with a plethora of talent returning and perhaps the conference's top recruiting class. Frank Haith's Miami Hurricanes also excelled overall last year, winning 23 games, but an 8-8 finish in league play left the 'Canes wanting more. Led by veteran guard Jack McClinton, this could be the season that Miami finally makes a big splash in the ACC and gives the Tar Heels and Blue Devils a run for their money. Rounding out the upper half of the conference this year are Clemson and Virginia Tech. Clemson posted 24 wins a year ago and Tech finished with 21. Both programs return enough leadership to give the top teams reason to worry. Florida State, Georgia Tech, Boston College and Maryland will struggle to keep pace in 2008-09. The Seminoles won an impressive 19 games a year ago, but losses both up front and in the backcourt will prevent Leonard Hamilton's squad from moving forward. A disappointing season a year ago may have Paul Hewitt on the hot seat at Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have a strong talent base, but if the team can't earn more than 15 victories this season, a change may be needed. Al Skinner and Gary Williams are in no immediate danger at Boston College or Maryland, but the Terps will struggle to match their win total from a year ago (19), while sadly, the Eagles will as well (14). NC State and Virginia hovered around the .500 mark most of last season, with the Cavs finishing one game over (17-16) and the Wolfpack one game under (15-16). However, the two teams combined for just nine league victories. Similar fates may be in store for the teams from Charlottesville and Raleigh in 2008-09. CONFERENCE CHAMPION: North Carolina

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH: 1. North Carolina, 2. Duke, 3. Wake Forest, 4. Miami-Florida, 5. Clemson, 6. Virginia Tech, 7. Florida State, 8. Georgia Tech, 9. Boston College, 10. Maryland, 11. NC State, 12. Virginia

TEAM BY TEAM ANALYSIS:

NORTH CAROLINA - Roy Williams epitomizes the word "consistency," as he has led his last 19 teams to the NCAA Tournament. He is sure to make that 20 in a row with his squad this season. With the top six scorers and the nation's best player returning from a team that won 36 games in 2007-08, is there any reason to question whether or not North Carolina is worthy of its top-billing to begin 2008-09. Williams' team finished two wins shy of a national title last year and there is certainly the sense in Chapel Hill that there is some unfinished business. It all starts with All-American Tyler Hansbrough, and although he is not quite 100-percent to begin the season, the 6-9 senior should be ready to go when the games count. Last season, Hansbrough averaged a double-double (career-highs of 22.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg) and the scary thing is, those numbers could get better this time around. There is a full complementary cast returning as well, including one of the nation's premiere backcourts in Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington. The 5-11 Lawson is the consummate point guard, with the ability to both score (12.7 ppg) and distribute (165 assists last season). Ellington is the better scorer along the perimeter, coming off a season in which he netted 16.6 ppg. Swingman Danny Green (11.5 ppg) emerged last year as a viable scoring option as well and should improve on his numbers this season. Role players fill in the rest of the gaps, with players like Deon Thompson, Marcus Ginyard, Bobby Frasor and Will Graves providing unequaled depth. The rich just get richer, as talented freshmen Ed Davis (6-10, 220) and Tyler Zeller (7-0, 220) will support Hansbrough down low. Winning another 36 games this season is probably too much to ask, but then again, why not.

DUKE - You won't have to look far to find a team with the talent and coaching to knock the mighty Tar Heels from their lofty perch. Right down the road in Durham, Mike Krzyzewski has another loaded roster. Gone is the team's leading scorer from a year ago (DeMarcus Nelson), but four double-digit performers do return from a 28-win team, starting with talented sophomore forward Kyle Singler. In his debut season at Duke, Singler averaged 13.3 ppg, shooting 45.7 percent from the floor. Also back are junior swingman Gerald Henderson (12.7 ppg), and guards Jon Scheyer (11.7 ppg) and Greg Paulus (11.4 ppg). A complete guard, the 6-1 Paulus led the team in assists last season (109), while ranking second in steals (50). Talented bench players like Nolan Smith (6-2 sophomore) and Brian Zoubek (7-0 junior) could see their minutes increased this season and both have the ability to make significant contributions. Zoubek in particular will need to use his big body down low to free up Singler at the offensive end. The Blue Devils were second in the ACC in scoring last year (83.0 ppg) and should have plenty of scoring punch again, despite the losses of Nelson (graduation) and Taylor King (transfer). Coach K saw the need for some depth in the frontcourt to help Singler and went out and landed Mike Plumlee (6-10) and Olek Czyz (6-7). Both could make impacts as freshmen. A more physical team in Durham should give North Carolina trouble, as the conference title could very well remain along Tobacco Road.

WAKE FOREST - Dino Gaudio did a solid job in his first season in Winston- Salem, as Wake Forest won a respectable 17 games, including a stellar 15-2 mark at Lawrence Joel Coliseum. It really was a feel good story, as the team and Demon Deacon community had to cope with untimely death of Skip Prosser. The team even knocked off then second-ranked Duke, so this is certainly a squad that belongs among the big boys in the conference this year. The Demon Deacons return their top three scorers from a year ago, and although Wake only averaged 72.2 ppg, an infusion of young talent could have this team closer to 80 points per game this year. One of the top frontcourt players in the ACC, sophomore James Johnson (6-8, 235) is coming off a stellar freshman season in which he led the Demon Deacons in scoring (14.6 ppg) and rebounding (8.1 rpg), while shooting .487 from the floor. The backcourt is loaded with scorers Jeff Teague (13.9 ppg) and L.D. Williams (8.9 ppg) and point guard extraordinaire Ishmael Smith (8.6 ppg, team-high 141 assists). The key to Wake's revival this year will be perhaps the school's greatest recruiting class, starting with low post monsters Ty Walker and Tony Woods. The 7-0 Walker is a shot-blocking phenom, whose offensive skills will come in time. At 6-10, Woods is also a strong defender, but a much better scorer. The prized recruit of the 2008-09 class however, is 6-8 forward Al-Farouq Aminu, who can play a number of positions on the floor and cause all kinds of matchup problems for the opposition. The one glaring weakness for Wake last season was the team's inability to win on the road (2-10). If the Demon Deacons can find a way to win outside of Winston-Salem, this could be a three-horse race to the ACC title.

MIAMI-FLORIDA - Frank Haith's Hurricanes have been on the cusp of a breakthrough season and although last year saw the team win 23 games, an 8-8 finish in the ACC is one area the team needs to see improvement. Still, the 'Canes did go to the postseason for the third time in Haith's four seasons at the helm, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year. The team returns its top five scorers from a year ago, including All-ACC First-Teamer Jack McClinton. The 6-1 veteran is one of the conference's top scorers, coming off a season in which he netted 17.7 ppg, thanks in large part to his stellar shooting range (.427 from behind the arc, 94-of-220). McClinton may be the best guard in the ACC and when he gets hot, he can carry the Hurricanes to victory against any team in the league. Backcourt mate James Dews (10.3 ppg) is also back in the mix and has the ability to drain the three-pointer as well (58 last year). Forwards Brian Asbury (8.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Dwayne Collins (8.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg) provide balance up front and both should see their numbers improve. Lance Hurdle is just the kind of player Haith loves. There is nothing flashy about the way Hurdle plays the game, but the 6-2 senior is a tenacious defender, a style of play demanded by the head coach. The team could get immediate contributions from youngsters like redshirt freshman Julian Gamble (6-9, 240) and true freshmen Reggie Johnson (6-9, 290) and DeQuan Jones (6-6, 190). Long been known as a football school, Miami is starting to get noticed for its basketball team, a testament to what Haith has built in a short time. Whether or not Miami can finally take that final step toward the conference elite remains to be seen, but this is one of the best teams Miami has put on the court in some time.

CLEMSON - The Tigers have jumped out to fast starts in recent years, only to falter down the stretch. However, last season, saw more consistency, as Clemson played in the ACC Title game for the first time since 1962 and the earned an NCAA Tournament bid for the first time since the 1997-98 campaign. In all, the Tigers won 24 games, including 10 in-conference and found themselves in the final poll for the first time since 1997-98. The key now is to take the next step toward an ACC crown. The team must first prove that losing players like Cliff Hammonds (11.4 ppg, 133 assists) and James Mays (10.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg) won't hinder Clemson's progress. There is still plenty left in the cupboard, starting with senior swingman K.C. Rivers (14.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg), who came on strong last year and asserted himself as a go-to-guy. Mays' production won't be difficult to replace, as Trevor Booker (11.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg) is getting better each season and the 6-7 junior could be poised for a breakout campaign. Senior forward/center Raymond Sykes will also log valuable minutes down low and could be vastly improved as well. The real question for Clemson comes in the backcourt, as sophomore Demontez Stitt (8.8 ppg, 97 assists) must now run the show all by himself. He will get offensive help from fellow sophomore Terrence Oglesby, a young sniper who averaged 10.5 ppg last year, while shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc. Learning to win the close games is one area the Clemson needs to improve in. The question remains whether or not the Tigers have the personnel in place and discipline to get the job done.

VIRGINIA TECH - The Hokies were on the cusp last year, thanks in large part to their unselfish play and defensive tenacity. The result was 24 wins for Seth Greenberg's team. Still, losing close games haunted the Hokies, with last second losses to UNC, Clemson and Wake Forest in-conference, ultimately costing the team a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The team went a stellar 14-3 at home last season, but must now learn to win on the road (8-16) if it is to take the next step and earn an NCAA Tournament bid. The pieces are certainly in place to do that, starting with sophomore forward Jeff Allen and senior swingman A.D. Vassallo. The 6-7 Allen plays much bigger down low and is coming off a season in which he shot .491 from the floor, while averaging 11.8 ppg and 7.6 rpg. Allen will no longer have Deron Washington in the low post to help him, but there are several role players that could fill the void, including 6-9 Lewis Witcher, 6-6 J.T. Thompson and 6-9 Cheick Diakite. Vassallo is one of the ACC's top performers, coming off a 2007-08 campaign in which he averaged nearly 17 points per game, while shooting nearly 40 percent from behind the arc (85 treys). Sophomore guards Hank Thorns and Malcolm Delaney will be asked to provide balance in the backcourt and both bring a different skill set to the table. Thorns isn't much of a scorer (4.6 ppg), but knows how to run the offense, almost flawlessly, as he led the team with 113 assists last year, with a mere 67 turnovers. Delaney (9.6 ppg) is ready to emerge as a top-notch scorer in this league and has the ability to fill the basket, hitting over 40 percent of his long range attempts last year. The Hokies went 9-7 in league play last season and if the team can play consistent basketball for 40 minutes night in and night out, this could be the year, that Virginia Tech moves from good team to conference contender.

FLORIDA STATE - Leonard Hamilton's Seminoles finished one win shy of the 20- win plateau last year, failing to advance in the NIT, with a 65-60 overtime loss to Akron in the first-round. Closing out games was a problem for Florida State last year, with the team going 1-4 in overtime affairs. The team also struggled in league play, posting just a 7-9 mark against the ACC. This year, the team has a star in Third-Team All-ACC selection Toney Douglas, but will need a cast of newcomers to contribute right away if the Seminoles are to remain competitive in the conference. Douglas is a savvy scorer and tenacious defender with the ability to make those around him better. Last season, he led the Seminoles in scoring (15.4 ppg), assists (98) and steals (90) and will be the centerpiece once again. Uche Echefu (6-9 senior) is also back after averaging 10.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg last year. The team does lose a great deal of scoring punch with the departure of Jason Rich (14.5 ppg), Isaiah Swann (11.8 ppg) and Ralph Mims (11.6 ppg), but the hope is that a slew of talented newcomers can help assuage the losses. The star of the recruiting class is freshman Chris Singleton. The 6-9 youngster is a McDonald's All-American who should make an immediate impact in FSU's frontcourt. He will be joined by fellow freshman Xavier Gibson (6-11 center). Newcomers abound in Tallahassee this year with freshmen Luke Loucks (6-5 point guard) and Deividas Dulkys (6-5 sharpshooter) stabilizing play in the backcourt. Throw in wildcards Derwin Kitchen (6-4, 180) and Solomon Alabi (7-1, 241) and this is a team that will be much better in the second half of the year, as the postseason nears.

GEORGIA TECH - Paul Hewitt's job could very well be in jeopardy this season, following a 2007-08 campaign that saw the team finish two games under .500 both overall (15-17) and within the ACC (7-9). It shouldn't have happened considering the talent pool that existed in Atlanta. Now Hewitt must try to replace a lot of that depth, namely Anthony Morrow (14.3 ppg) and Jeremis Smith (10.5 ppg). All is not lost however, as there is a solid talent base returning, starting with a deep backcourt. Senior Lewis Clinch (9.0 ppg) will be counted on for his leadership, as youngsters like sophomore Maurice Miller and freshman Iman Shumpert hopefully contribute as well. Miller has decent shooting range, but is best suited as the set-up guy, after amassing 96 assists a year ago. Shumpert is Hewitt's prized-recruit this year and has the ability to light it up from long range, hopefully filling the void with the departure of Morrow. Down low, the Yellow Jackets will rely heavily on 6-8 sophomore Gani Lawal, but the second-year forward must be more consistent at both ends of the floor. Role players will hopefully provide depth up front, as Hewitt hopes to get solid play from Zach Peacock (6-8, 235), Brad Sheehan (6-11, 220) and Alade Aminu (6-10, 225). The Yellow Jackets had little problem scoring points last year (77.0 ppg), but neither did their opponents (76.0 ppg), due in large part to the team's inability to rebound. That has to change this season if the Yellow Jackets are to move in the right direction and keep Hewitt employed.

BOSTON COLLEGE - Al Skinner is the all-time winningest coach at Boston College, so job security isn't really a concern at this time. However, a few more seasons like the 14-17 debacle from a year ago and the rumblings in Chestnut Hill may begin. Finishing three games under .500 was bad enough, but the Eagles were rarely competitive in league play, posting a mere four conference wins. This year could be another rough one in the New England area, as BC lacks veteran leadership, with only two upperclassmen on the roster. What the team does have though, is a bonafide go-to-guy in senior guard Tyrese Rice. A First-Team All-ACC performer a year ago, Rice poured in 21.0 ppg, while leading the team in assists (149) and steals (48) as well. Sophomore swingman Rakim Sanders also returns after a strong freshman campaign in which he netted 11.3 ppg. Gone is any low post presence with John Oates and Tyrelle Blair moving on, as well as the transfer of Shamari Spears (9.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg). However, 6-6 sophomore Cori Raji (8.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) has a chance to improve on his modest numbers last year, and the return of center Josh Southern (6-10, 242) will also help. Fellow role players include Biko Paris and Tyler Roche, and both will be called upon to fill the gaps in the lineup. Paris is a solid distributor, while Roche has starting experience and a solid skill set. Newcomer Reggie Jackson is a talented guard and the 6-3 freshman will be given every opportunity to shine in his first season. With such a young team, the Eagles are a squad that may take time to get going. The second half of the season could be much better than the first half, but a huge jump up the conference standings isn't likely this year.

MARYLAND - Much like Skinner at Boston College, Gary Williams has plenty of job security in College Park. Williams is the third winningest coach in ACC history and is closing in on 400 wins (397 at Maryland). Last season, Maryland just missed out on a 20-win campaign at 19-15 and four losses in five March games certainly had a lot to do with that. This season, there is a solid nucleus returning, but the team is still young, with just one senior on the roster. To make matters worse, the team loses a pair of quality low post players in James Gist (15.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg) and Bambale Osby (11.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg). The outlook isn't completely bleak though, as the backcourt is set with 6-6 junior Greivis Vasquez and 6-4 Eric Hayes. Vasquez is an All-ACC performer that has enough confidence for his entire team. He is one of, if not the best point guard in the conference, with the ability to both fill up the basket (17.0 ppg) and distribute the ball (231 assists last year). Hayes (9.9 ppg) is a perfect complement to Vasquez with a even-keeled temperament and the ability to look for others first before finding his own shot. Williams hopes that 6-7 junior Landon Milbourne (8.2 ppg) will take the next step in his development and become a frontcourt force this season. He possesses all the tools to do so, including the ability to jump out of the building. Sophomore Braxton Dupree (6-8, 260) is another big body that will be given every opportunity to develop down low. The crown-jewel of the recruiting class in College Park is 6-4 Sean Mosely, who is a scoring machine and should make an immediate impact for Gary Williams' team. The Terrapins may take a step back in the win/loss column this season, but it won't be because of a lack of effort.

NC STATE - The Wolfpack had a difficult time last season competing game-in and game-out in the ACC, finishing with a mere four conference wins. That was despite the fact that the team possessed one of the ACC's best players in J.J. Hickson (14.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg). Well, Hickson's stint in Raleigh was short-lived as the youngster bolted for the NBA last year, leaving the Wolfpack with a definite void in the scoring department. Now for the good news. Sidney Lowe will hopefully get Farnold Degand back to run the point. The talented 6-3 junior was lost last year to a knee injury, but when he is on the court, he makes everyone better. The frontcourt is the real strength for NC State, as forwards Courtney Fells (6-6), Brandon Costner (6-9) and Ben McCauley (6-9) can all produce. Fells averaged 10.6 ppg last year and can move to his more natural small forward position with the departure of Gavin Grant (13.1 ppg). Costner had a down year (8.6 ppg), but when hot, has the ability to score in bunches, like he did as a freshman (16.0 ppg). McCauley (6.1 ppg) is the consummate team-player, who does whatever is asked of him. If Costner and McCauley can solidify the play in the frontcourt and Degand returns at 100-percent along the perimeter, NC State may make a push toward the middle of the pack in the conference. However, there isn't enough of a talent base present to expect much more.

VIRGINIA - The Cavaliers posted a winning season last year (17-16) for head coach Dave Leitao, but it was certainly deceiving, as the team posted a mere five league wins. However, the team did get an invite to the inaugural CBI Tournament, where Virginia made it to the semifinals, before falling to Bradley. Winning outside of the conference has been a strength for the Cavaliers, but getting the team to do the same in ACC play is the task at hand for Leitao in his fourth year at the helm. To make matters worse in 2008-09, the team must try to find a way to replace everything All-ACC First-Teamer Sean Singletary did, as the veteran guard averaging 19.8 ppg, while doling out 202 assists and pacing the team in steals as well (60). One player won't be able to fill the void, but Leitao hopes a collective effort will be enough to keep the team competitive. Senior swingman Mamadi Diane (11.8 ppg) is back in the fold and will be called upon for more scoring this year. Guards Sammy Zeglinski and Calvin Baker will be asked to provide leadership in the backcourt as well, but neither is a prolific scorer. That problem will hopefully resolve itself once McDonald's All-American Sylen Landesberg steps on the floor. A 6-6 guard, Landesberg can light up a scoreboard and presents matchup problems for most opponents. What the Cavs lack sorely is a low post presence. Leitao hopes that role players like Mike Scott (6-8, 233), Jerome Meyinsse (6-8, 245) and Jamil Tucker (6-8, 241) can come together and be suitable.





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