Seven or more: How many teams should the ACC get in the NCAA tournament? League coaches say at least seven. Coaches from mid-major conferences say second- and third-place teams from their conferences deserve bids over the seventh-place ACC team. Stay tuned. This argument will heat up in March. But the NCAA selection committee likely will reward those who have played the toughest schedules, which means more ACC teams can expect tournament berths.
Luke Schenscher: The 7-foot-1 Australian became a fan favorite in the NCAA tournament for Georgia Tech. He looked so smooth, particularly in the season's most important games. Schenscher averaged 14 points and 11.5 rebounds in Georgia Tech's two Final Four games. Few teams in the country have someone to offset the senior in the post.
Rashad McCants has compared playing basketball at UNC to being in jail. "I think he is misunderstood by the people who know him," Coach Roy Williams said.
(Bob Jordan -- AP)
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| __ College Basketball Preview __
ATLANTIC 10
• George Washington's Karl Hobbs, pictured, and his Colonials have high expectations this season. OTHER AREA COLLEGE CAPSULES
• American
• Howard
• George Washington
• Navy
• George Mason ACC
• North Carolina's Roy Williams, pictured, and his Tar Heels are one reason the ACC continues to be the country's strongest conference.
• Scouting Report: Players
• Media Poll
• Who's Hot, Who's Not?
• Must-See Games WOMEN
• Despite success on the court, area teams are having a difficult time filling the stands.
• Area Capsules BIG EAST
• John Thompson III, pictured, and the Hoyas are hoping for a fresh start this season.
• Scouting Report: Players
• Coaches' Poll
• Who's Hot, Who's Not?
• Must-See Games
• Schedule Changes Next Year NATIONAL
• This season is about the upperclassmen like Providence forward Ryan Gomes who spurned the NBA and returned for a title run.
• On Basketball: Nothing is certain in college basketball.
• Scouting Report: Teams
• Scouting Report: Players
_____ This Week's Previews _____
The college basketball season opens this week. Look for the following previews:
• Thursday: National outlook
• Friday: Big East
• Saturday: Women
• Sunday: ACC
• Monday: Atlantic 10, CAA and others.
___ On Our Site ___
• Talk about the season.
___ Quantity, Quality? ___
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Jamaal Levy: The return of a healthy and confident Vytas Danelius will allow Levy to play his preferred position of small forward for Wake Forest. At 6-9 and 186 pounds, Levy is an excellent defender. "His teammates should take up a collection for him on a game-to-game basis because he makes up for so many of their mistakes," Coach Skip Prosser said. If Levy's defensive intensity is contagious, the Demon Deacons can reach the Final Four.
Rashad McCants: The North Carolina standout is an enigma, to say the least. Already this season, he has compared playing basketball at North Carolina to being in jail. Coach Roy Williams summed up McCants with this: "I think he is misunderstood by the people who know him." Wait until Duke's Cameron Crazies start chanting when North Carolina visits Feb. 9.
Duke's back court: The Blue Devils don't have a natural point guard to replace Chris Duhon. Sean Dockery is adept at providing defensive pressure at the point. Daniel Ewing can bring the ball up at times. Also watch DeMarcus Nelson, a freshman combo guard, who is recovering from thumb surgery. Ball-handling will be an issue.
Seniors: Only one player picked on many of the first- and second-team all-ACC lists is a senior. That would be N.C. State's Julius Hodge, who will be enjoyable to watch because he's intent on bringing a championship to Raleigh, and also earning his degree before he enters the NBA. Hodge is the exception; almost all the rest of the impact conference players are underclassmen.
