Although Duke, Wake, and UNC are the best teams in the ACC thus far, each has shown weaknesses and problems. For Wake, a lot of it comes down to youth.
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The Deacs came perilously close to a three-game losing streak, and until they learn how to handle pressure -and how to shoot outside - they'll be vulnerable.
UNC's problems are somewhat more complex than Wake's, but they'll get a chance to work out some kinks when Maryland comes calling this week.
Maryland is feeling better with the win over Miami Saturday, and a near triple-double by El Nino, Greivis Vasquez. Odds are any good feelings will be gone by halftime of the UNC game, much like State. In that game, Ben McCauley and Mike Copeland had a little run-in when McCauley tossed him to the floor. You might want to read this about that. Speaking of State, here's Barry Jacobs on the UNC-State game
And as for Maryland, to add to the soap opera, check this out: Gary Williams is no longer arguing publicly with his bosses. Now, it's with his players. Cliff Tucker is not happy and he's not afraid to say so. Neither is his mom (emphasis ours): "I know he loves the game; he loves basketball. And he likes where he's at. This is why he chose this school. Because it's somewhere he wanted to be. He doesn't want to quit because he likes the team and he did like the coaches. Now he's just getting discouraged because he's used to playing. He went from starting to no time, and no one can tell him why."
Ouch.
When Gary was asked about it, he said this: "There's nothing wrong with Cliff. He practiced today. He had a good practice. There's nothing wrong with Cliff. That's it. I have no comments to make. Goodbye."
Count Caulton Tudor among those who think UVa might be in for a coaching change soon.
No word yet on who might leave early, but here's a look at the ACC's NBA prospects.