Women's ACC Predictions

All-ACC:

First Team:

Schuye LaRue, Virginia
Georgia Schweitzer, Duke
Niesha Butler, Georgia Tech
LaQuanda Barksdale, UNC
Svetlana Volnaya, Virginia

Second Team:

Kaayla Chones, NC State
Tynesha Lewis, NC State
Chrissy Floyd, Clemson
Marche Strickland, Maryland
Brooke Wyckoff, Florida State

Third Team:

Erin Batth, Clemson
Telisha Quarles, Virginia
Alana Beard, Duke
Dee Dee Warley, Maryland
Jaime Kruppa, Georgia Tech

All-Frosh:

Alana Beard, Duke
Iciss Tillis, Duke
Candace Sutton, UNC
Chelsea Whitaker, UVa
Kiki Wimbush, Maryland

Strength of Schedule:

1. NC State
2. UNC
3. Virginia
4. Duke
5. Georgia Tech
6. Clemson
7. Wake Forest
8. Maryland
9. Florida State

Postseason:

NCAA Tournament: Duke, Virginia, NC State, Clemson, Georgia Tech, UNC
NIT: Maryland, Florida State

Player of the Year:
Schuye LaRue, Virginia

Coach of the Year:
Agnus Berenato, Georgia Tech

Rookie of the Year:
Alana Beard, Duke

Comments:
Player of the year was really a toss-up. In the end, I chose
LaRue because I think she'll improve the most out of the handful of players
considered for the award, and she's on a team where she will be the true
focal point. Butler will also get a ton of shots, but I suspect her knee
will slow her down a bit at first. Schweitzer will put up great numbers
but Duke's increased talent might deflate them a bit. Barksdale will also
excel but might struggle at times as UNC's #1 weapon.

I chose Berenato over Goestenkors and Ryan because I think Tech will
surprise quite a few people this year, including some upper-division foes.
Coach G might get it if Duke really excels and if she's perceived as being
behind the team's chemistry.

Rookie was a choice between Beard and Tillis, but I think Beard will be
the more consistent of the two this year.
I realize that my postseason predictions seem somewhat insane, but if
teams 4-6 can post a significant victory or two outside the conference, this
could easily be a reality. Tech and UNC may be fighting for a bid right
down to the wire.