Player of the Week
Reyne Smith, Louisville
The Cardinals have had a rocky season with a record of 7-5 so far this season. This week the Cardinals had two tough matchups and Smith was a key factor in both of them. Against Kentucky the senior had 10 points and 3 rebounds. In the squad’s matchup against Florida State he had a season high 27 points and helped the team get a large victory. Smith is someone who could get a two-way contract if he can continue to play like he did against the Seminoles.
Freshman of the Week
Ian Jackson, North Carolina
North Carolina has not had the season that many expected and neither has jackson. As the season has gone on the freshman has really improved his game and this week was his breakout week. Against Florida, Jackson put up 11 points and 1 rebound. Against UCLA he had a career high 24 points and had 4 rebounds in the contest. Jackson is one of the most promising freshmen in the country and is projected to go in the first round in the 2025 NBA Draft. If he continues to play at this level he could skyrocket into the top 10.
Who’s Hot
Pittsburgh Panthers
The Panthers have had a solid season with a record of 10-2 so far this season. Since their loss to Mississippi State the blue and gold have gone undefeated and are one of the top teams in the ACC. The squad is 7-0 at home and has the third best scoring offense in the conference averaging 84.0 points per game this season. If Pitt continues playing at this level it could make a deep run in March.
Terrence Edwards Jr, Louisville
The Cardinals have had a rocky start to the season but both Smith and Edwards Jr have been bright spots on the team. Against the Wildcats Edwards Jr put up 23 points and 1 rebound. In the squad’s win against Florida State, the senior had 19 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds. If Edwards Jr can continue to play at this level he could help Louisville in March Madness and enter draft boards for the upcoming NBA Draft.
Who’s Cold
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have lost eight of their last nine games and are currently 4-8 this season. It has not been a season to remember for Miami. The green and orange are the worst team in the ACC and it does not look like that will change anytime soon unless the Hurricanes step up and get on a win streak.
[Player Elliot Cadeau], North Carolina
The Tar Heels have had a tough season and are sitting at 7-5. Cadeau was one of the most promising players in college basketball after last season. This season has not been what anyone expected. The sophomore has scored single digit points in four of the team’s last five games. His numbers in all aspects of the game have fallen and his draft stock has dropped off the draft boards. If North Carolina wants to turn their season around Cadeau is going to need to step up to the level he played at last season.
Top 5 Three Point Shooters
1. Issac McKneely, Virginia
McKneely has really grown into a leader for the Cavaliers this season. He is averaging 12.1 points per game and is shooting 44.7 percent from the three point line. The junior leads the entire ACC in three-point shooting percentage and could help Virginia get on a win streak and take them deep in the ACC Tournament.
2. Chase Hunter, Clemson
The Tigers are 10-3 and Hunter has been a major reason why. The senior is averaging 16.8 points per game this season while shooting 42.1 percent from downtown. He has been Clemson’s best player and is the leader of the team. If he can continue to be this efficient Clemson could win the ACC.
3. Tyrese Proctor, Duke
Duke is full of young talent but Proctor has made himself stand out. The junior is one of the leaders on the team and is one of the best three point shooters in the conference currently shooting 41.7 percent from downtown. If he can continue playing at this level he is the final piece of the puzzle for the Blue Devils to make a national championship run.
4. Reyne Smith, Louisville
Smith has been playing at the top of his game recently. He is third in three point percentage shooting 38.3 percent and has been a key piece for the Cardinals this season. He has attempted 107 three pointers and has made 41 which are both the most in the ACC. If he could become more efficient Louisville could become dangerous.
5. Braeden Shrewsberry, Notre Dame
Shrewsberry has taken his game to a new level this season. He and Markus Burton have been one of the best young backcourt duos in basketball this season. The sophomore has shot 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and if he can continue to develop this part of his game the Fighting Irish could become even more dangerous.