2004-05 ACC Hoops: Premature Prognostications


No. 1? Probably the Demon Deacons, not the Cavaliers

Let’s start with the assumption that Duke will play the 2004-05 season without Luol Deng and Shaun Livingston, and J.R. Smith won’t show up in Chapel Hill. (The three have until June 17 to pull out of the NBA draft, but don’t hold your breath.) That means the ACC is Wake Forest’s for the taking. It won’t be easy, but with the season a mere six months away, the Demon Deacons are the clear favorite in the first year of this bloated, 11-team (soon to be 12-team) conference.

Where will Virginia fit in? Probably somewhere in the middle of the pack. (Right above the Wolfpack, it says here.)

1. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

2003-2004: 21-9, 9-7 ACC (tied for third); ACC tournament quarterfinals; NCAA Sweet 16

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