ACC Roundup

The final regular season games won't happen until Saturday and Sunday, so there's not a lot of news currently. But there was a tremendous Dean Smith story posted on ESPN Wednesday. His family has quite understandably protected his privacy and this is a rare look at his life now as he deals with dementia.

Once you get past the rivalry stuff, you find guys like Bucky Waters or Fred Lind who will tell you of things that Smith did for them. Bob Harris speaks very highly of him.

Bill Russell wrote of how difficult it is for men to get past competing with each other. It's true for those of who watch too, maybe more so. The people who actually compete sometimes have a better sense of perspective.

It's a very well-written piece with some absolutely piercing scenes. You come away from it with immense respect not only for Smith but for his wife and his basketball family.

Beautifully done but heartbreaking.

Maryland's had a tough season in a lot of ways, and Charles Mitchell may have made it tougher: during the Virginia Tech game, he was sent to the locker room by coach Mark Turgeon for being what broadcaster and former Maryland star Walt Williams called "disruptive."

If Florida State beats Syracuse, then State and Maryland will meet in the ACC Tournament, home of their greatest clashes. The games between David Thompson, Tom Burleson and Monte Towe for State and Len Elmore, Tom McMillen and John Lucas for Maryland are legendary for good reason.

There's no one like that on these teams, with the possible exception of TJ Warren who's having an incredible year, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be a really good game.