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.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Maryland Terrapins 2010-11 Season Preview

Maryland Terrapins

2009-10 Record: 24-9

2009-10 ACC Record: 13-3

The 'Terps led by Grevis Vasquez made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament before being knocked out by Michigan State on a game-winning shot.

The 'Terps battled throughout the whole season and were one of the few teams in the ACC or all of college basketball to beat the NCAA Champion Duke Blue Devils.

On top of that, you may remember the highlight of the season to be against Georgia Tech. The 'Terps were down one and in need of a basket. Vasquez pushed the ball up and hit what looked like a game-winning shot. 

However, they called a time-out and it was waived off for Cliff Tucker to hit the eventual game-winner.

Key Returnees

Maryland returned their future superstar Jordan Williams. With a slow start, Williams was able to finish off the season strong and provide 'Terp fans with hopes. 

They also returned Andre Bowie, Sean Mosley and Tucker. These three players were great additions off the bench and will be looked upon to start next year.

They have a solid group of returning players and most of them gained viable experience playing in the ACC and NCAA tournament.

Key Departures

Maryland's top three scorers from last season all graduated. Vasquez was the biggest lost this program faced. 

He was a 6-foot-6 combo-guard that kept this offense intact. Vasquez was a complete floor general that you need to be successful.

Landon Milbourne was under-sized but still got the job done in the post. Eric Hayes was an all-around talent that the 'Terps are going to miss as well.

His senior season he was able to acquire 11.3 points, 4.0 assist, and 2.5 rebounds. 

When these three players left they took 55 percent of the scoring offense with them. Their contributions are going to be missed.

Key Additions

The 'Terps has one of the best freshman classes in the county. 

Mychal Parker is a 6-foot-5 combo guard that can give you significant minutes at either position.

Terrell Stoglin is also a great addition to the backcourt. He is a 5-foot-11 guard that has the ability to run a team. Most importantly, he is aggressive and likes to create for other and himself.

Pe'Shon Howard is that kid you need on the court every possession. He is a fierce competitor and always energized on both ends of the court.

Ashton Pankey had suffered a severe leg injury that sidelines him for his senior season. But he should be back to play for the 'Terps at 100 percent. He is a great post defender that likes to out-hustle and beat the defender to the spot.

Haukur Palsson is 6-foot-6 wing man that is very proficient at what he does. He doesn't have to give the crowd a dazzling show; he just likes to get the job done.

Lastly, Berend Weijs is a 6-foot-10 monster. He brings great size and length to the frontcourt. On top of that, he brings the pick-and-roll game, not to mention, defensive intensity.

Overall

With the great recruits and returning players, the 'Terps have a chance to become better than what they were last year.

They finally have legit size in the post, which will run about a 4-man rotation.

Not only that, but they have some of the best guards in the nation to go along with their wing players.

The 'Terps have a lot of talent on their roster. It's more-so how these recruits actually strap up and play with each other.

Look for Sophomore Jordan Williams to be the big playmaker for the 'Terps. With the talent level they have the 'Terps will make a lot of noise in both the ACC and NCAA.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell