Player of the Week
Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
Sallis, a senior on the Wake Forest Deacons, was the best player this week. He had 20 points and 5 assists against Western Carolina and 31 points 3 steals and 2 blocks against Detroit Mercy. The Omaha, Nebraska, native is a key leader on the team that is able to be an all around contributor. If he continues to play like this he could rise up in second round projections for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Freshman of the Week
Cooper Flagg, Duke
Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft continues to show why that projection is on the money. The best freshman in the nation had another dominant week. He had 8 points, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 3 steals against Wofford and 23 points, 3 assists, and 3 blocks against Arizona. Flagg continues to show that he is the best all-around freshman in the country and one of the most impactful players in college basketball. Look for that impact to progress as the season continues.
Who’s Hot
Markus Burton, Notre Dame
Burton, a rising star in college basketball had the best week in the ACC. The sophomore had 29 points, 3 assists and 2 steals against North Dakota and 25 points, 5 assists and 1 steal against Elon. The Mishawaka, Indiana native has taken his game to another level this season. He is the star player on the Fighting Irish and is one of the best rising stars in the conference. If he continues playing at this level he could rise up NBA Draft boards.
Stanford Cardinal
The team from the west coast is off to a hot start in the Atlantic Coastal Conference. The red and green are one of the best teams in the ACC with a record of 6-2. Stanford is an interesting team. They have a weak offense only averaging 79.2 points per game but the red and green have the third best defense allowing 62.7 points per game. Led by senior forward Maxime Raynaud this team could go far when it matters in March.
Who’s Cold
Chase Hunter, Clemson
The Tigers are off to a very good start as well and the squad is led by Hunter. Against Boise State Hunter garnered a season high 30 points and shot over 50 percent from the field. He only had 10 points but had 2 steals against Radford. The grad student has been inconsistent and needs to get back on track or it could make him fall out of the draft and even go undrafted.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies are off to a 3-3 start this season. They have lost three straight and two this past week against Jacksonville and Michigan. They have the third worst offense scoring just 72.4 points per game and s mediocre defense allowing 69.2 points per game. They are trending in the wrong direction losing three of their last four games and it could be an early end to the season if the maroon and orange don’t turn it around soon.
Top 5 ACC Defenders
1. Chucky Hepburn, Louisville
The senior guard has been one of the best defenders in the ACC and in college basketball. He is one of the leaders on the team and was an impressive get in the transfer portal. The Wisconsin transfer is averaging 4 steals per game and is a big reason why the Cardinals are 3-1.
2. Jaylen Blakes, Stanford
The Cardinals are the best team in the ACC and one of the best teams in the country. While the red and green offense isn’t the greatest, its defense is. They have the third best defense in the ACC and that is a big reason for why they have found success so far this season. Blakes is a big part of that defense. The Duke transfer is averaging 2.3 steals per game.
3. Elliot Cadeau, North Carolina
The Tar Heels are not having the best season as they are currently 4-2 but Cadeau has continued to be a bright spot for the team. His scoring has always been there but this year he has developed his two way game. The sophomore is averaging 2.3 steals per game. He can help change the season North Carolina is having and get them back on track.
4.Jayden Taylor, North Carolina State
The Wolfpack are 5-0 and are the best team in the ACC. Taylor has really helped the red and white transform its defense. They allow 63.6 points per game and Taylor is averaging 2.2 steals per game. The senior is one of the leaders on the team and could help lead the Wolfpack to a deep run in March.
5.Jaeden Zackery, Clemson
Clemson is 6-1 and is a team that has a lot of depth. Zackery is averaging 2.2 steals and is a big reason why the Tigers are off to the hot start to the season. If he continues contributing the way he has this could help lead Clemson to be the Champions of the ACC.