We're back for another edition of the ACC: State of the Union.
In the first edition, I sorted all 15 ACC teams into four distinct tiers heading into conference play.
This week, the focus turns to the individuals. I've selected eight players on some of the top contending teams who will be difference makers all the way through March.
Each of these guys is of the utmost importance to their team's success, and their presence should definitely be noted when placing a wager for or against their team.
RJ Davis (North Carolina)
Why is North Carolina currently sitting as the No. 3 team in the country? In large part due to the play of Davis.
There’s not a guard in America playing better than him right now.
The senior is averaging over 21 points a night on a ridiculous 41% from 3-point range.
Additionally, he’s lowered his turnovers and is averaging over three assists per game.
Davis is the straw that stirs the drink for Heels, and they’ll go as far as he takes them.
Did you know legal betting is coming to the Tar Heel State? North Carolina sports betting is coming online in 2024, so you’ll be able to bet wager legally at major sportsbooks in NC.
Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
Filipowski has once again been unbelievable for Jon Scheyer in his second year in Durham.
He surprised many when he announced a return to Duke for his sophomore campaign, and it’s clear he wanted another year of college ball to sharpen his tool kit.
Filipowski has a little bit of everything in his game, but he can shoot it from distance, is grabbing nearly nine rebounds a game and can also play with his back to the basket.
As Duke continues to improve as the year goes on, Filipowski's will remain one of the catalysts.
Reece Beekman (Virginia)
You won't find many better two-way players in America than Beekman.
Entering this season, Beekman was widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the ACC.
His defensive prowess remains, but the senior is also averaging just under 13 points a night.
Beekman fits Tony Bennett's system perfectly and is a main reason why Virginia is once again hovering right inside the top four of the conference standings.
PJ Hall (Clemson)
Just as expected, Hall’s return for his final year has been monumental for the Tigers.
The senior is one of the most complete big men in the conference and has been a key reason why Clemson is off to a 13-6 start and currently projected as a top 5-6 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Hall is shooting over 50% from the field, averaging double figures in scoring and continues to rebound the ball at a high level.
Most importantly, Hall covers the opposing teams' best frontcourt player every night and is a leader of this Clemson team.
I believe Brad Brownell and the Tigers could make a run to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament in large part due to Hall's presence.
Nijel Pack (Miami)
When it comes to pure bucket getters, nobody in this league can really rival Mr. Pack.
He’s battled injury and has been asked to do more without Isaiah Wong next to him in the backcourt, but more times than not, he’s answering the bell for the Canes.
The senior is shooting nearly 40% from deep and is averaging just under four assists a night.
Most importantly, when the game is on the line, Jim Larranaga is drawing something up for Pack.
He’ll need to continue to be at his best if Miami wants to climb back onto the right side of the bubble.
Sean Pedulla (Virginia Tech)
This is a kid that just flat out knows how to play.
Pedulla was known as a sharpshooter in his early years in Blacksburg, but now in addition to that, he’s the primary ball handler at all times for the Hokies.
He's averaging 15, four and four as he gets hounded by the opposing team's best on-ball defender.
Virginia Tech is yet another team in this conference hovering right around the bubble with a month and a half left in the regular season.
Pedulla has the opportunity to help lead his team back to the Big Dance.
Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)
Sallis has to be the frontrunner for Newcomer of the Year in the conference.
The Gonzaga transfer has been asked to do a little bit of everything by Steve Forbes, and he’s passing each test with flying colors.
Sallis is playing nearly 35 minutes a night, and is still shooting 48.2% from the field.
Wake Forest has been one of the biggest surprises in the conference to this point, and Sallis is the MVP of the team.
There's no real weakness in his game.
DJ Burns Jr (NC State)
You won’t find many bigs in America as crafty as Burns.
The southpaw has been the go-to-guy for the Pack in the big moments, including his game-winning bucket in South Bend against Notre Dame earlier in the year.
This is Burns’ fifth year of averaging 15+ minutes in college basketball, so he's seen it all and knows how to play.
In addition to his back-to-the-basket prowess, the veteran is also a capable mid-range shooter.
If NC State is going to make a run into the NCAA tournament, Burns will need to keep operating at a high level.
Honorable Mentions
- Armando Bacot (UNC)
- Tyrese Proctor (Duke)
- Judah Mintz (Syracuse)
- Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
- Quinten Post (Boston College)
