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Virginia's the favorite,
but Duke will win
Brad Kane
The Collegian
1. Duke - All hail the Blue Devils once again, who lose
three starters from last year's national runner-up team but return
two fine players in junior center Christian Laettner and
sophomore pard Bobby Hurley, who, contrary to popular belief,
is not overrated.
The Devils scored a recruiting coup with the addition of
forward Grant Hill to the lineup, and boast a deep bench filled
with enough role players to take them back to the fmal four once
again.
2. Virginia - The betting favorite to take the conference
this year. The Cays feature a strong starting five, led by forward
Bryant Stith and point guard John Crony. But remember,
Virginia has lost head coach Terry Holland, who took the athletic
director's position at Davidson University, his alma mater. His
strategies were an integral part of the Cavaliers success last year.
Without him, Virginia might not be the same team.
3. North Carolina - Yes, we've all heard of the incredible
freshman class that Head Coach Dean Smith recruited. Five
quality players that should bring a national championship back
to Tar Heel country within at least two years.
Until the recruits mature, Smith still features a talented
bunch. This year, UNC will follow the leads of forwards Rick
Fox and George Lynch and guard King Rice. Coupled with the
efforts of the freshmen (led by 7-2 center Eric Montross),
Carolina should not be feeling blue this year.
The Devils scored a recruiting coup
with the addition of forward Grant Hill
to the lineup, and boast a deep bench
filled with enough role players to take
them back to the final four once again.
4. Georgia Tech - Sophomore Kenny Anderson is all
that remains from last year's "Lethal Weapon 3" guard troika,
but Anderson will not just merely "remain" from last year. He'll
produce, and produce big time. Anderson won't have much to
work with.
Sophomore Malcom Mackey will return inside to give the
Yellow Jackets at least one more element of attack, but don't
look for much more talent to come out of the woodwork.
S. North Carolina State - The Wolfpack were rocked by
scandal in the off-season, and Coach Jim Valvano took the fall
and quit his post. Matters almost became ten times worse when
senior guards Chris Corchiani and Rodney Monroe threatened to
leave the university.
They stayed put, and through the tandem's combined efforts,
NC State should not fall by the wayside this year. Monroe
especially will let his impact be felt in the conference this
campaign.
6. Clemson - Last year's conference Cinderella story, the
Tigers lost floor leader Elden Cambell to graduation and thus are
a radically different team. While senior center Dale Davis returns
inside to pound opponents into the floor once again, the Tigers
are nothing more than average after his presence. Wins will be
hard to come by for Clemson this year.
7. Wake Forest - Last year's basement club in the
conference, the Deacon Demons have unveiled their secret
weapon - freshman forward Rodney Rogers, one of the most
highly regarded frosh in the land. Rogers doesn't have a whole lot
to work with, but at least his club won't finish in last. That
award goes to.. .
8. Maryland - Scandal also befell the Terps this year, as it
has to the Wolfpack (neither team is eligible for postseason
play), but unlike NC State, Maryland lost some key players
from its roster due to the allegations of wrong doing.
Guard Teyon McCoy transferred to Texas Tech and forward
Jerrod Mustaf opted for the NBA draft. Who's left? The only
substantial player left in the Terrapins' lineup is guard Walt
Williams, who threatened to transfer as well, but decided to
AIMI
The Collegian
FRIDAYS at 8:30
SATURDAYS a t 8:30
SUNDAYS at 6:00
On. the Tizik, of Erie...
wpsem
Thursday, November 2
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