Kyrie Irving One of the Top Fresh Faces in the ACC

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the ACC Conference was not the toughest but was one of the more interesting conferences in all of College Basketball.

The National Champion, and the most disappointing team from last season played in the ACC conference.

Not to mention, there was a two-way tie for the regular season title and the conference was the only one to have two team just under five-hundred overall.

With that said, the ACC attracted a lot of highly-touted recruits.

The No. 1 overall player in the 2010 class will play in the ACC next season, along with many McDonald's All-Americans.

Kyrie Irving is also among the talented newcomers. Irving will be joined by newcomer Seth Curry as well.

North Carolina State has a trio of freshman that should dominate, but which one are amongst the top newcomers in the ACC?

Here is a look at some of the top newcomers in the ACC:

Kyrie Irving (DUKE) - Kyrie Irving was regarded as the best point guard in the 2010 recruiting class by many. With his scoring ability, the Blue Devils will not miss Jon Scheyer too much on offense. Not to mention, he can lead a team with his high basketball I.Q. and true point guard feel. With Irving, the Blue Devils have one of the best backcourts in the nation. If there is one thing Irving has, it's the chance to lead a team back to the National Championship as a true freshman.

Harrison Barnes (UNC) - Harrison Barnes, is, no doubt, the best player in the 2010 class. Possibly the best player in all of College Basketball after it's all said and done. Barnes has a lot of upside, and the ability to make a huge impact at North Carolina. His ability to score at will, play tough defense, and make plays has the Tar Heels inside the top-10 of both polls after being runner-ups in the NIT tournament last season.

C.J. Leslie (NCSU) - C.J. Leslie is a freak of nature. With the ball in his hands you can always expect consistent contributions. His ability to handle the ball at 6-foot-9 allows him to be a favorable forward in one-on-one situations. Not to mention, he can score on the low block with his back towards the basket. He is also very good with blocking and altering shots. Leslie can hit jumpers, penetrate, play defense and should be the leader of a young NC State team.

Mychal Parker (MD) - Mychal Parker reminds me of a younger Grevis Vasquez. Parker is a solid two guard, but could pick up a few point guard skills under Gary Williams. Parker is a very explosive guard that has the ability to step right in and become the leader for the 'Terps. He is at his best when driving to the lane, where he finishes strong around the rim. But he does have a decent jump shot that should improve over the course of the season. 

Seth Curry (DUKE) - Seth Curry scored 20 points per game his freshman season at Liberty. He transferred to Duke, and will have to earn every minute on the court with such a loaded backcourt. But that is not going to stop Curry as he was looking for a starting spot. Curry doesn't do a lot of damage off-the-dribble, rather, behind the arc. Curry is a pure shooter, and should play the off-guard position where he can utilize his strengths.

Kendall Marshall (UNC) - Kendall Marshall, the lefty guard, was regarded as the best playmaking/passing guard in the 2010 recruiting class. He does damage on the inside, and out. He has great handle, and the feel for the guard position. He does all the right things to impact his team without scoring. Marshall is stepping into a backcourt in need of a leader, and he could crack the starting lineup.

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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