This season, we will be providing coverage for both men’s and women’s basketball in the ACC in a power rankings style. Each week we will have power rankings for both, but will alternate which league to go to in detail for each team. This week will cover the start of the ACC men’s basketball season, with the ACC women’s basketball power rankings below.

Men’s:

1. Virginia

Virginia dominated No. 19 Arkansas 92-71 and they look like the best team in the ACC early on. Thijs de Ridder has been as advertised for the Cavaliers, averaging 17.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Their next big matchup is on the road against Maryland Friday, looking for a resume boosting win.

2. Duke

Duke did not look good against No. 5 Michigan State and lost 79-73. They shot 33% from the floor and only converted 26 of 37 free throws. Something is off with this Duke team and they are off to a slow start (by their lofty standard); their next opportunity comes Tuesday versus No. 3 Illinois to get back on track for a number 1 seed in the tournament.

3. Miami

Since losing to No. 1 Florida in their first game of the season, Miami has dominated their competition and scored over 80 points in both of the following games. Acaden Lewis has struggled to score, and this will need to change to be able to win big games. However, Lewis has done a good job distributing the ball to teammates, averaging 4.3 assists per game. Miami plays buy games all through next week.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina has not played a meaningful opponent yet, but there is a lot to be impressed about. Terrence Brown has taken control of the offense, scoring 16.3 points per game. Freshman Maximo Adams has also played a huge role with the team, recording a double double in game 2 against Wofford and coming a rebound short of doing the same against Wyoming. Neo Avdalas leads the team in assists so far despite a downtick in scoring. North Carolina plays Georgia Friday in their first power conference matchup this season.

5. Louisville

Louisville has won comfortably in their first two games of the season. They have gotten good play from all of their stars and look to be meshing early on. They play at Memphis Sunday in their first big matchup of the season.

6. Virginia Tech

In their first test against Iowa, Virginia Tech won 93-88 in overtime. Ben Hammond had a career night, scoring 32 points in the win. Jaylen Curry and Amani Hansberry have also been showing out, establishing a very intriguing trio in the ACC. Virginia Tech’s next two games are against Mount Saint Mary’s and Richmond.

7. Florida State

Florida State has had inconsistent shooting to start the season, which cost them against No. 1 Florida in a 81-72 loss. While the Seminoles showed they can hang with the best of the best, a lot still needs to be done to win these games. They also sent the Gators to the free throw line 41 times, which needs to be addressed. Florida State has several buy games upcoming on their schedule.

8. Notre Dame

On the opening day of the season, Notre Dame took down Villanova 74-72 in a thriller. Brady Koehler has been the best player on the team, averaging 15.7 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. Not to mention Ethan Roberts, who had a 36 point performance against South Carolina State and went 10 for 13 from deep. Notre Dame looks much improved from last season and has a real shot to make the tournament if they continue racking up good non conference wins. However, they play No. 1 Florida Tuesday which could be a setback.

9. NC State

NC State has played three buy games to begin their first season under Justin Gainey. Ven-Allen Lubin has picked up where he left off last year, averaging 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Paul McNeil has become more than just a shooter, as he is averaging 7.3 rebounds through the first three games. NC State plays Troy Friday and should continue winning in their next few games.

10. Clemson

While not dominating in their first three games of the season against mid-major opponents, Clemson has scored over 80 points in each of those games. Ace Buckner has been the leading scorer for the team, scoring 19.7 points per game. Liutauras Lelevicius has filled an important role as a transfer, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds through the first three games. While Clemson has some wrinkles to clean before taking the next step, they have a high ceiling. The Tigers play Georgetown on Friday.

11. SMU

SMU is averaging 92.7 points per game in their first three games of the season. Although Rowan Brumbaugh has not had the best start, Jakub Szumert, Oziyah Sellers, and Jermaine O’Neal Jr have stepped up to lead the Mustangs. Each are scoring at least 14 points and 4 rebounds per game. Their next two games are against Ball State and Oral Roberts.

12. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh beat Penn State 82-76 on a neutral court in their last game. Baye Ndongo is averaging a double-double so far with 16 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. Chase Foster is also averaging 16.3 points and 7 rebounds per game and has been one of the most impressive freshmen in college basketball this season. Pittsburgh plays another high major opponent in Butler Friday.

13. Syracuse

Syracuse took Indiana to the brink in an 83-80 loss on a neutral court. Freshman Ryan Moesch broke out for 19 points and 6 assists in the game. Kiyan Anthony has also taken a jump in year two as he is averaging 15.7 points through the first three games. Syracuse has another shot to make a statement as they play No. 13 Saint John’s Sunday.

14. Boston College

Luke Murray has won his first three games as Boston College’s head coach and has been led by Money Williams, who is averaging 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Zak Smrekar has also been a good addition, scoring 13.3 points and grabbing 4 rebounds per game. Boston College continues with three more buy games before playing high major competition.

15. Stanford

After playing Eastern Washington to the brink, Stanford has dominated in their last two games. Nick Townsend has established himself as the star of the team, averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5 assists through the first three games. Stanford’s 88.7 free throw percentage ranks fourth nationally. They travel to UNLV Friday for an early season test.

16. Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech has played well in the first three games of the Scott Cross era. Tylis Jordan is leading the team in scoring with 15.7 points per game and Cole Kirouac is leading in rebounds with 8.5 per game so far. Georgia Tech still has a lot to prove but has consecutive buy games coming up against UNC Asheville and Norfolk State.

17. California

California suffered a 86-68 blowout loss against No. 10 Houston and most recently a 77-65 loss to No. 21 USC. A lack of efficiency from three point range and a major rebounding discrepancy have hurt the Golden Bears early on this season, with big man Lee Dort yet to play a game due to injury. Nojus Indrusaitis has stepped up as the leading scorer for the team with 17.2 points per game, and Michael Cooper has also played a major role for the Golden Bears off the bench with 16.5 points per game. California plays Utah Tech Saturday.

18. Wake Forest

Wake Forest was blown out by Vanderbilt 74-51 in an embarrassing showing. Outside of Kevair Kennedy and Gavin Placide, there is not much scoring production from anyone else. Placide has had a good start to his college career though, averaging 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Wake Forest has a stretch of buy games upcoming on their schedule.

Women’s:

1. Duke

2. Louisville

3. Notre Dame

4. North Carolina

5. Virginia Tech

6. NC State

7. Syracuse

8. Virginia

9. California

10. Clemson

11. Miami

12. Florida State

13. Wake Forest

14. Georgia Tech

15. Pittsburgh

16. Stanford

17. SMU

18. Boston College

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