ACC Power Rankings for the 2010-11 College Basketball Season

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This is a slideshow about the upcoming 2010-11 ACC college basketball season. I hope everyone is as excited about this season as I am. These are my preseason Top 12 teams in the ACC. Maybe it will include your favorite team. Where will North Carolina land? Who will be No. 1? Who will be No. 2? Find out by reading this article.

No. 12: Virginia Cavaliers

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The Virginia Cavaliers were tied for the worst team last year in my book. But this year, they are losing their only good player in Sylven Landesburg. So Virginia will be struggling to get wins this year. So don't be surprised if they come in last or even close to last.

No. 11: Maryland Terrapins

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The Terps are back, but they lost their three best players from last season in Vasquez, Hayes, and Milbourne. Maryland was one of the best teams in the NCAA last year, finishing in the top 25, but this year they won't even be in the top 50 in the NCAA. Nothing good will happen this year for the Terps.

No. 10: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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Last year, Georgia Tech was a decent team. But this year, they are losing their two best players in Gani Lawal and, of course, Derrick Favors. But if Iman Shumpert and Glen Rice can step up, then maybe they might have a chance at the NIT.

No. 9: Clemson Tigers

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Clemson was a very good team last year, with Trevor Booker being one of the best players in the ACC. But with him gone, the Tigers drop a whole lot. Their best player is Demontez Stitt. If he, Tanner Smith, and their freshmen can play well, then they might have a chance to do something.

No. 8: Miami Hurricanes

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The Miami Hurricanes are going into this season with only one star in Durand Scott. Durand Scott is on the ACC watchlist for MVP, and you should expect these guys to show us a little improvement from last year, because I see some good signs for this team including, of course, Durand Scott.

No. 7: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

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Wake Forest is probably one of the most underrated teams in the nation this year, and the most underrated ACC team this year. But with two of their good sophomores coming back, they might be able to do something this year. I know they lost four of their starters, including Al Farouq-Aminu, but don't underestimate the skills of this young squad.

No. 6: Florida State Seminoles

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With the Seminoles returning almost all of their players from last year, even Chris Singleton, expect Florida State to make a run at the NCAA tournament. No, they will not be the best team in the ACC, but I think they can do something this year, and maybe have a big upset or two.

No. 5: North Carolina State Wolfpack

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NC State fans should be excited for this year because of their amazing freshman class coming in. Led by Tracy Smith and CJ Leslie, NC State should improve a whole lot this year. They will definitely make the NCAA tournament and make a good run in it.

No. 4: Boston College Eagles

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Boston College was a good team last year. But this team they will be better with the return of Reggie Jackson, Corey Raji, and Joe Trapani. These guys will return with something to prove and with more knowledge of how good their college basketball level is. They should be ready to make a run to the NCAA tournament. 

No. 3: North Carolina Tar Heels

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Even though they lost Ed Davis, UNC is back and ready to make the NCAA tournament again this year. After UNC's surprise fall last year, I think the Tar Heels are going to want to play their hearts out this year. The Tar Heels have a really deep roster with John Henson, Tyler Zeller, Larry Drew, et al... And they have Harrison Barnes coming in. With one of the best recruiting classes in the NCAA, expect UNC to be the center of attention starting the new basketball season.

No. 2: Virginia Tech Hokies

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Malcolm Delaney is probably the best player in the ACC. Alongside Jeff Allen, he and the Virginia Tech Hokies should be one of the best teams in the ACC this year. Malcolm Delaney will be the ACC MVP and Jeff Allen will help the Hokies even more with this skill.

No. 1: Duke Blue Devils

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This is a no-brainer pick. Duke is definitely the best team in the ACC and probably the best team in the whole NCAA. With Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler, and the Plumlees returning, they should be unstoppable. But they also have Seth Curry and Kyrie Irving coming in, and this will just make the already outstanding Duke team even better. I see another National Championship coming for this team.