The 2011-2012 ACC season is about to begin. Over the next three weeks, Crazie Talk will preview each of the twelve ACC teams in order that we think they’ll finish this season – from the bottom up.
Let’s take a look at our projected 5th-place finishers, the Virginia Tech Hokies.
2011-2012 Record: 11-3
Key Wins:
November 25- Virginia Tech 59, Oklahoma State 57
Tough losses:
November 23- Syracuse 69, Virginia Tech 58
November 30- Minnesota 58, Virginia Tech 55
December 4- Kansas State 69, Virginia Tech 61
Starting Lineup:[table id=24 /]Last Year Against Duke:
February 26, 2011 in Blacksburg- Virginia Tech 64, Duke 60
March 12, 2011 at ACC Tournament in Greensboro, NC- Duke 77, Virginia Tech 63
This Year Against Duke:
February 2, 2012 in Blacksburg
February 25, 2012 at Duke
The Good: This is one of the best defensive teams in the ACC, allowing just 59.3 points per game. They pose matchup problems with their size, especially in the backcourt. The Hokies’ entire starting lineup is between 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-8. Their length helps them to defend against teams that shoot from deep- opponents are shooting a staggering 22.8% from beyond the arc against Virginia Tech this season. This team has also endured a few tests in its non-conference schedule, playing competitively against top-ranked Syracuse while suffering close losses to power-conference teams Minnesota and Kansas State. They’ve handled the rest of their lesser competition quite easily, winning each game by an average of 12.2 points per game this year.
The Bad: Although their starters have size in the backcourt, this is not a very big team and could get hurt inside. The presence of a player who isn’t even on the Hokies roster could hurt them the most. 6-foot-9 power forward Allan Chaney had transfered from Florida and was slated to start this season for Virginia Tech, but was not cleared to play by team doctors due to a heart condition. Virginia Tech only has one player in its normal rotation larger than 6-foot-8 in 6-foot-9 sophomore Cadarian Raines, and Raines only averages 15.2 minutes per game. This could pose a problem against some of the larger teams in the ACC, who will look to dominate them inside, especially because the Hokies play tight perimeter defense.
The Crazie: This is a team built to play with a lead, not only thanks to their ability to play tight defense and lock down the perimeter, but due to their ability to convert from the line. Virginia Tech is shooting an ACC-best 74.0% from the line this season, so it will be difficult to claw your way back into a game late if your team is forced to foul. Their starting five is shooting 76.4% from the charity stripe on the year, or two Mason Plumlees, depending on which way you think of it.
Player We Love To Hate: Look out for Jarell Eddie this year, this guy is a walking matchup problem. He has the length at 6-foot-7 to play inside and crash the boards, averaging 5.0 rebounds for game, good for second on the team. But that will be the least of your worries- hope you keep this guy inside because he will shoot the lights out. When he steps outside, Eddie is shooting a 52.6% clip from beyond the arc on the year. He is also shooting a lights-out 90% from the line, so he is definitely not the person to foul with the game on the line. His athleticism alone makes this guy one dangerous player.
The Bottom Line: Virginia Tech will be fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament this year, so conference play is a crucial stage. Although this is a team with only a few experienced players, my guess is that they will be one of the last few teams to get a bid this year. People are talking about it being a down year in the ACC, but I don’t think five teams is too many. They will play the ACC tough this year, and playing North Carolina only once while playing Boston College and Clemson twice can’t hurt either. Plus, playing in Blacksburg in front of Hokie Nation is one of the ACC’s toughest road tests.
* * *
Crazie-Talk’s 2011-2012 ACC Preview:
Boston College | Wake Forest | Clemson | Miami | Georgia Tech | Maryland
North Carolina State | Virginia Tech | Florida State | Virginia | Duke | North Carolina
Crazie Talk 