ACC coaches lay down the gauntlet at media day: "We're the best"

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SelectionSunday

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http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/89168/impressions-acc-media-day

On paper, it's hard to argue, especially after Louisville joins the ACC in 2014-15, though I think Coach K's statement that "our conference is way ahead of anybody" smacks of way too much hyperbole and K's typical arrogance. Wooooo now, slow down Coach Alphabet, let's hold off on that. Let's let it play out a bit. Same goes for the Big Ten coaches when they hold their media day.

Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out on the court, starting Nov. 22 with the first scheduled ACC vs. Big Ten head-to-head of 2013-14 (Michigan State vs. Virginia Tech), followed by Gophers vs. Syracuse three days later. The ACC/Big Ten Challenge in early December should give us some clues, however, the proof in the pudding will have to wait until March.

ACC vs. Big Ten
Nov. 22
Michigan State vs. Virginia Tech (Coaches vs. Cancer Classic)

Nov. 25
Gophers vs. Syracuse (Maui Invitational)

Dec. 3
Florida State @ Gophers
Illinois @ Georgia Tech
Indiana @ Syracuse
Michigan @ Duke
Notre Dame @ Iowa
Penn State @ Pitt

Dec. 4
Boston College @ Purdue
Maryland @ Ohio State
Miami-Florida @ Nebraska
North Carolina @ Michigan State
Northwestern @ NC State
Wisconsin @ Virginia

Dec. 14
Indiana vs. Notre Dame (Crossroads Classic)

Dec. 21
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State (Gotham Classic)

Potential Matchups
Boston College vs. Indiana (2K Sports Classic)
Florida State vs. Michigan (Puerto Rico Tip-Off)
Georgia Tech vs. Penn State (Barclay's Center Classic)
Iowa vs. Wake Forest (Battle 4 Atlantis)
 

I'd say the Big Ten still has the edge on the ACC as of this moment. Three teams in the preseason top 9, and six in the top 25. I don't think the ACC tops that. And the B1G doesn't really have any downtrodden programs... the 'bottom' teams mostly are seen as being on the rise. The coaching roster in the B1G is loaded from top to bottom.

Will the ACC climb to the top when it plays out this year, or when Louisville joins next year? Maybe, BUT I dare say that Maryland will be a top 10 team by some point next year as well, when they're in the B1G. Mark it down. (Rutgers, with slick Eddie Jordan, is building something as well).
 

Definitely agree with you about Maryland; Rutgers I need to see a lot more. The Terps' move to the Big Ten is being undersold in the media. They'll be a player in the Big Ten, just as they were in the ACC.

Conversely, Pitt and Notre Dame's move to the ACC is being oversold by the media. Both are nice basketball programs and will narrow the gap on the Big Ten's top-to-bottom depth edge, but Mike Brey and Jamie Dixon are perennial tournament underachievers. Plus, I think Pitt is on the way down. Syracuse and Louisville a huge get for ACC hoops, absolutely.
 

The Big Ten owns the ACC until they come out and beat us in the Big Ten/ACC challenge. We have had the better of them lately. Last four.....Big Ten 3-0 and 1 tie.
 

My sister is #4 prostitute in all of North Carolina.

- coach K
 



An excellent opinion piece on the subject

http://college-basketball.si.com/2013/10/17/acc-conference-prospects/?sct=uk_t2_a4

I'm in complete agreement with his final conclusion:

"When Louisville lands in the ACC next year, the conference will have four of the preeminent basketball programs of all-time along with Duke, UNC, and Syracuse. But it’s what the other members do to keep up that really strengthens Coach K’s and others’ argument. The 2013-14 season looks to be a fantastic and competitive year for the ACC, but whether the conference proves to be the most elite collection of teams of all-time will take time, and perspective, to decide."
 

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