Harrison Barnes Leads ACC's Top Players

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The ACC Conference is home to the defending champion Duke Blue Devils. They are conceived to take the conference by storm next season with the freshman acquired and firepower contained.

However, the Duke Blue Devils will not embrace one of the best playmakers in the conference.


Harrison Barnes is considered one of the best players in all of College Basketball as a true freshman by many media outlets.

That is why he edges out everyone else as the top playmaker in the ACC Conference. Here are the top-10 athletes in the ACC Conference.

1. Harrison Barnes (Freshman) - North Carolina Tarheels


Harrison Barnes, a very skilled freshman from Ames, Iowa landed in the arms of Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tarheels. Words can't explain how easily Barnes puts the ball in the basket.

Barnes is equipped with an great jump shot that he let's off with confidence. With that comes ball-handling skills that allows him to get anywhere he wants on the court. Not to mention, he has the ability to play on the low block and dominate in the paint.

With Barnes, despite the lack of frontier force, the Tarheels will be one of the best teams in the ACC.

2. Nolan Smith (Senior) - Duke Blue Devils


This summer Duke's senior guard Nolan Smith put up 50-plus in a NC Pro Am game. He expands the defense, takes you inside, and utilizes his versatility.

Smith is one of those players that are tough to guard. If you want to take away his shot, he drives and finishes around the lane with floaters, and lay-ups. Same with if you want to take away his driving lane, you have to account for his shot.

Last year, Smith accounted for 17.4 points per game on a Blue Devils team that won the National Championship.

3. Durand Scott (Sophomore) - Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Durand Scott, along with Dwayne Collins had the 'Canes flying last season. He didn't exactly "wow" people with his scoring ability, but he did pose a threat every time he stepped foot on the court.

Scott is at his best when he is the main facilitator. He averaged just under four assist per outing. However, he was able to pull down four rebounds per game, acquire 1.2 steals and score 10.3 points per game.

His all around effort was a plus for the 'Canes and he is considered an NBA-prospect because of it.

4. Kyrie Irving (Freshman) - Duke Blue Devils

Kyrie Irving, a freshman guard for Duke is one of the better playmaking guards in the ACC. His ability to get anywhere on the court with his elite ball-handling skills is a plus for the Blue Devils.

Not to mention, he has great leaping ability, a jump shot, and his finishing ability is above-average.

Irving is a walking highlight reel. Every time Irving steps foot on the floor expect the crowd on their feet all 40-minutes of the contest. Yes, Irving is that good.

Malcolm Delaney/V-Tech Hokies

5. Malcolm Delaney (Senior) - Virginia Tech Hokies

Malcolm Delaney is one of the better athletes in the ACC. Delaney's is an complete lead guard that will excel with four starters healthy with the season right around the corner.

Delaney's ability to manage the game and get his team in prime position to win the game is a plus for the Hokies. Not to mention, his scoring ability is off the charts. He scored an outstanding 20.3 points per game last season.

With better scheduling of tougher opponents for the Hokies, I expect to see them dancing. Especially with Delaney at the helm.

6. Kyle Singler (Senior) - Duke Blue Devils


Singler was one of the main reasons the Blue Devils won the National Title. His leadership ability lifted the Blue Devils over both Duke and Butler.

He came through big time in both of those games, and with him returning the Blue Devils can compete for the National title once again.

7. C.J. Leslie (Freshman) - NC State Wolfpack

C.J. Leslie was considered one of the best forwards, better yet players, in the 2010 recruiting class. He is a 6-foot-9 forward with no designated position.

You can place Leslie on the wing, or in the post and expect the same intensity. Leslie has a high motor, and is determined to put his team in prime position to win it all.

8. John Henson (Sophomore) - North Carolina Tarheels

Last season, John Henson faced the learning curve until former-Tarheel Ed Davis was injured. Thereafter, Henson filled in for the injury star. He didn't do so well, but this season Henson is a completely different player.

Henson added bulk, enhanced his game, and is ready to show his doubter his progression.

9. Tracy Smith (Senior) - NC State Wolfpack 

Tracy Smith last season during an upset against the defending champion Duke Blue Devils, Smith scored 23 points. He had the Wolfpack fired up about the ACC conference race.

Smith headed into his senior year will start for a team surrounded by talented freshman. Smith will continue his scoring and rebounding dominance, in hopes to get the Wolfpack into the NCAA Tournament.

10. Jordan Williams (Sophomore) - Maryland Terrapins

Jordan Williams almost averaged a double-double during his first season with the 'Terps. Now without Grevis Vasquez, Williams will have the chance to impress more with his ability.

Last season, the sophomore averaged 9.8 points, and 8.6 rebounds. His scoring ability will be embraced by many Terp' fans this year. Williams is a sensational athlete and with his contributions Maryland could surprise in the ACC.

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Bishop Daniels Headed to the ACC

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Bishop Daniels, a 6-foot-2 guard from Word of God Christian Academy ended his commitment today with a verbal to the Miami Hurricanes.

Daniels, a highly-regarded playmaker will make a huge impact once he steps foot on campus for the 'Canes.

Daniels is a big-time playmaker with explosive leaping ability. He is the definition of a walking highlight reel. Not to mention, his range is expanding, and he is becoming tougher to guard.

The Hurricanes added their second recruit to the 2011 recruiting class. Daniels will possibly take the place of playmaker Durand Scott.

Daniels chose the Miami (FL) over Colorado, Charlotte, DePaul, North Carolina State, and Purdue.

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Miami (FL) Hurricanes 2010-11 Season Preview

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

2009-10 Record: 20-13

2009-10 ACC Record: 4-12

The Miami Hurricanes started the season off great! They were 16-1 entering ACC conference play. However, that was because of their weak non-conference schedule.

In the future, scheduling will be beneficial to the 'Canes.

They came in with an almost flawless record but simply got destroyed once conference season came around.

However, all wasn't bad. In the ACC conference tournament they were able to hang with Duke. Not to mention, they beat Derrick Favors and the Yellow Jackets

Key Returnees

The most important player that returned for the 'Canes was 6-foot-3 Durand Scott.

Scott was the third leading scorer last year, but was big in the assist, rebounding and steals total. 

Scott is going to be a sophomore next season, and the 'Canes have to be happy they have a player of his caliber for next year’s squad. 

If you can remember, the last game of the season, Scott stepped in big time in efforts to save the season. 

He ended with 21 points, four rebounds, three assist, and two steals. Despite the lost, Scott gave fans a glimpse of what they could expect next season.

Malcolm Grant also returned. He is going to be a big part of the backcourt success. 

Soon-to-be sophomore Reggie Johnson has returned as well. He is 6-foot-10 and will play key minutes next season.

Look for the 'Canes to take advantage of his size and rebounding ability.

Key Departures

Unfortunately for the 'Canes they lost their top two scorers Dwayne Collins and James Dews'.

Collins was no doubt the leader of this team. He provided contributions in every statistical area.

Dews' was a very key part of the backcourt as well.

Over the season he made strives to improve his game while helping the team as well.

With the loss of these two players, the Miami (FL) lost leadership and a high-energy role player.

Key Additions

The 'Canes brought in three recruits. The most important would be Rion Brown.

Brown is a huge play-making guard with the ability to be something special. He is a complete energizer on both ends of the floor. He loves transition because he shows off his explosiveness and leaping ability. Not to mention, he stretches the defense with his jump shot.

Erik Swoope is an undersized forward but is a high energy guy. He is very athletic and should contribute right away.

Raphael Akpejiori is also a very similar prospect. He is a high energy guy that is going to be an instant spark to the post.

He is better at playing defense, but consistently plays on both ends for the time he is on the court.

The 'Canes gave these three scholarships, in return, they're giving them hustle intensity and heart.

Overall

I think Miami has a great chance at becoming a sleeper team in the ACC. They are equipped with one of the most talented sophomores in the nation--Scott.

In addition, they lost Collins but they have Johnson to fill his void.

With DeQuen Jones, Malcolm Grant, and Julius Gamble getting significant minutes next year I look for a much improved team.

However, they cannot schedule poorly like they did last year.

They were much unprepared for the ACC challenges and will look to fix that coming into next year.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell