After last season’s mega stars in college basketball dominated the ACC (namely Duke), this year brings a refreshing reset to the league. Gone are Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett, two players that would cost you a 5th of your bank roll to play. Gone is playing Caviller roulette with the three headed monster from Virginia in Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, and DeAndre Hunter. Stalwart Lucas Maye is no more, Syracuse has been gutted, FSU retools. This years ACC is going to look much different.
More than any other conference the ACC will be a league we watch early as rotations are being set. How will the new freshmen fare (Patrick Williams, Vernon Carey)? What can we expect from an impact transfers (Christian Keeling, Fresh Kimble)? Which upper classmen are poised for a breakout season (Mamadi Diakite, Ellijah Hughes)? All of these questions start getting answers in just a few short weeks!
Pre-season All-ACC DFS Team
Below we have a team by team breakdown through a DFS lens. Yes, we do have the teams listed in the order we think they will finish in the ACC.
No Zion, No R.J., No Worry – Duke Reloads
Out with the old, in with the new. Duke loses 4 starters and an absurd 63 ppg, but enough about Zion, RJ, and Cam, let’s talk about the new class already. Duke still has the top recruited PG from last year in Tre Jones. He keeps getting older, but his teammates stay the same age. He will be joined by 4 new faces in Vernon Carey Jr, Cassius Stanley, Wendell Moore, and Matthew Hurt. Each brings a unique skillset to an already experienced bench. Not much help from advanced metrics at this point but look for mismatches early as this team gels and the DFS picture comes into focus.
Our favorite Duke plays for 2019-2020
Tre Jones,
G, Jr.
Known as more of a defensive stopper last season, he came back to Duke this year to showcase his offensive game and improve his draft stock. Extremely low usage last year which should change dramatically. Needs to improve as a shooter (26% 3P) to make waves in DFS but high assist and steal rates should make him a viable cash play on most nights
Vernon Carey,
F, Fr.
Huge body already at 6’10 270lbs, I expect Carey to be a double-double threat any given night, especially during the softer stretches of their non-con schedule
Matthew Hurt,
F, Fr.
Any of the remaining 3 frosh for Duke could go here. Stanley’s athleticism will be an immediate mismatch for most teams (broke Zion’s vert record this summer) and Moore is a willing and capable scorer, but Hurt is an elite shooter and has a knack for rebounding. Could see him smash a slate or two
New Faces the Focal Point of UNC
The Tar Heels come off of a Sweet 16 appearance, tournament 1 seed, and a share of the ACC title. However, they lose several key pieces from that team in White, Maye, and Johnson among others. Coach Williams is looking for a quick rebuild as they snag top recruit Cole Anthony and big man Amando Bacot. With some key returning players and transfers, look for UNC to be among the better teams in the conference. Anthony and Bacot will grab the headlines early but keep an eye on transfers Justin Pierce (42% 3P) and Christian Keeling (19 ppg), both experienced wings who can shoot it from deep and should be at bargain basement prices early on. Finding value like that deserves a dab.
Our favorite UNC plays for 2019-2020
Cole Anthony,
G, Fr.
One of the most vaunted freshmen in the country, this seems to be one of the more natural marriages of elite talent with ideal opportunity. Anthony will immediately step into helm Roy Williams’s up-tempo UNC offense. He averaged a triple-double in HS last year and is a projected top 5 pick. Expect his DFS impact to happen early and often.
Garrison Brooks,
F, Jr.
If you followed our twitter feed last year, you know Brooks was a frequent target. His low price point and high floor made him an easy cash play. Brooks will live at the 4 this year and his 57% minute share should go way up. His offensive rebounding and ability to score in the paint will act as a perfect complement to Bacot.
Armando Bacot,
F, Fr.
It’s been a while since the Tar Heels had a big this highly touted. While it may take him a bit to adjust to the pace and physicality at this level, he’s in a position to own the paint as Anthony will be looking for him frequently.
Cards Have an Opportunity to Steal ACC
High expectations for a talented Louisville team this season. Finishing 6th in the ACC last year, most analysts have them finishing in the top 3 this season. Much of that is due to the return of Jr F Jordan Nwora who led the team in scoring last season at 17 ppg with a 32 pt outburst against Boston College. Coach Mack loses true point guard Chris Cunningham and will miss his 10 ppg, 5 apg, but returns F Dwayne Sutton who scored double figures in 18 games last season. They also add St Joe’s transfer PG Fresh Kimble who projects to start there and a few high profile recruits including McDAA F Samuell Williamson and the “Irish Hulk” Aidan Igiehon.
Our favorite Carindal plays for 2019-2020
Jordan Nwora,
F, Jr.
Frustratingly inconsistent from a DFS standpoint last season. Had 13 20+ point games last season with just as many games under 13 points. He can really boost his scoring output with rebounds, recording 5 games with 10+ boards. He takes 28.7% of shots when he’s on the floor so ball hog rules in effect. Still see him as a high risk, high reward GPP play this season.
Dwayne Sutton,
F, Jr.
Only behind Nwora in minutes played last season, he averaged 10 ppg and 7 rpg. Usage was low for his output at around 17%. I like that increase this season along with a boost of production.
Samuell Williamson,
F, Fr.
Might take a few games to solidify his spot in the rotation, but the 6’7” #10 ranked recruit in the nation is simply too good to keep off the floor. Keep an eye on his minutes and stay ahead of the price curve
The Champs Will Look a Little Different This Year
The champs will need to overcome the loss of their 3-headed wing monster in Jerome, Hunter, and Guy who each played more than 32 mpg a game and were responsible for 60% of their scoring output. The good news is, they have a coach who has averaged close to 28 wins a season in arguably the best conference in basketball. They also bring in sharp-shooter Tomas Woldetensae who shot 48% from 3 as a JUCO first team All-American, and top 50 G Casey Morsell. Top returners and likely starters Diakite, Key, and Clark should all see an uptick in minutes and production.
Our favorite UVA plays for 2019-2020
Braxton Key,
G, Sr.
As mentioned, Key’s minutes should increase as well, as he’ll be used at the 3 when Bennett goes with bigger lineups. It might be a lot to ask for a senior to become a knockdown shooter, but if he can increase scoring output, his ancillary stats should make him a solid cash play in most slates
Mamadi
Diakite,
F, Sr.
The stylish Diakite had a memorable tournament and looks to become the focal point of this year’s team. He’s the top returning scorer at 7.4ppg, and is an elite shot blocker at nearly 2 a game. His minutes and usage should increase substantially as he shifts into the 4-spot full time.
Thomas Woldentensae,
F, Jr.
This is a bit of a reach as he and Freshman Morsell will be sharing minutes, but he is the best shooter on the team already, and they will need him to provide a scoring punch even if his defense lags behind his offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have some scoring outbursts this season and be a difference maker on a few winning GPP rosters.
Balanced NC State Team Ready for 2019-20
The Wolfpack finished in the middle of the “pack” in the ACC last season, posting a 9-9 conference record, narrowly missing the tournament. They were as frustrating on the court as they were from a DFS perspective. Torin Dorn (14ppg/7rpg) was the most consistent option but with him gone, who will take his place? Johnson started off hot, then got hurt but finished strong. Guys like Braxton Beverly and Devon Daniels flashed at times but minutes and matchups were difficult to predict. This team returns 6 of their 8 top scorers, so I expect to see a little more consistency overall and safer DFS plays
Our favorite Wolfpack plays for 2019-2020
Markel Johnson,
G, Sr.
Coach Keats likes to spread the love minutes-wise which is a DFS nightmare scenario. Next year will be more of the same, but Johnson should emerge as a true ball hog. Battling a back injury last season, he only played 58% of the available minutes. He still maintained a 120 ORtg, 29.7 ARate, and shot 42% from deep. Look for a much higher minute share and upper tier DFS G production
C.J. Bryce,
G, Sr.
Bryce was the most accomplished rebounder on this team last season behind Dorn. His minutes should go up from 27 mpg, and if his usage stays the same and shooting improves, he could be among the better G options among the mid-tier. Bryce and Daniels sort of mirror each other statistically which isn’t really a good thing for Bucketheads. Ideally one of these guys kills the other one and takes all their minutes and usage
Jericole Hellems,
F, So.
Assuming he is the biggest benefactor of Dorn’s 30 mpg and takes a sophomore leap, he could emerge as a nice surprise on DFS slates. Only had 34% of mins last year but was second in shot% at 23.4%
Copy and Paste FSU Preview From Past 8 Years
This is the most Florida State team of all Florida State teams. Is there absurd size and athleticism – yes! Will it be an elite defense – absolutely! Will they struggle shooting from the perimeter – you know it! Are there names that will be impossible to spell like Mfiondu Kabengele – how does Olejniczak or Koprivica tickle your fancy? In all seriousness though, it is another one of Leonard Hamilton’s FSU teams. They are going to be good. They’ll be in the top 3rd of the ACC and be dancing in March. This team lost 6 major contributors from last year’s squad, but replace that with a pair of top 50 recruits, and some nice transfers. FSU will be FSU.
Our favorite Seminole plays for 2019-2020
Trent Forrest,
G, Sr.
He’s now the lead guard entering his senior year. Needs to own that role and improve usage (19%) and shot rate (15.9%). He is a complete stuffer otherwise averaging 4.5 boards, 3.7 assists, 1.9 steals per game
Patrick Williams,
G/F, Fr.
Williams was a top 30 player and the 6’8” wing should start right away. In the Noles mold he is extremely athletic and will be an elite defender out of the gate. How the freshman’s offense translates will establish his DFS worthiness.
M.J. Walker,
G, Jr.
Former 5-star recruit now enters his junior year having never really reached his potential but with the departure of the team’s top 2 scorers (Mann and Kabengele) the opportunity for a break out is there.
ND Likely to Rebound Behind Mooney
The Irish return a mostly full roster, as they had one transfer (Harvey), from a team that only managed to beat two ACC teams last year (BC and Georgia Tech). Brey was able to steal Cormac Ryan from Stanford, but he won’t be available until next season. In spite of a year riddled with injuries and inexperience, expect Coach Brey’s squad to be much improved this year. Senior G TJ Gibbs (13 ppg) will provide leadership along with Mooney, while So PG Hubb (4 apg) should build on his late season success. Pglueger (8.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg) comes back from injury for his 5th year.
Our favorite Irish plays for 2019-2020
T.J. Gibbs,
G, Sr.
Gibbs was expected to make more of a jump into his Junior year last season. He managed to play 36 mpg but averaged 13.4 ppg, 3.4 apg. He took a whopping 211 3 pointers, but only converted 31.8%. I expect his usage to stay high but shooting will need to improve to become more than a risky GPP play this season.
Prentiss Hubb,
G, So.
Hubb went through the normal growing pains for a freshman but excelled as the season progressed. He had 16 pts, 6 ast against Louisville and 17 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast vs FSU. He was 6th in conference in A/TO. Already averaging 33 mpg, I don’t expect that to increase much, but I do expect his usage to increase from 18.3% as well as his shooting (26.2% 3PT)
John Mooney,
F, Sr.
The senior will be among highest priced plays on any given slate. Snagged nearly 1 of every 3 defensive boards last year when he played, good for 4th in the nation according to Kenpom.
Syracuse Hoping to get Back to Relevance
The Orange likely left fans wanting more last season as the veteran team finished in the middle of the pack in the ACC and were dropped by Baylor in the first round 8/9 game of the NCAA tournament. DFS fans didn’t fare much better. While this team was extremely thin, leaning heavily on its starters, production was unpredictable and sporadic
Our favorite Cardinal plays for 2019-2020
Buddy Boeheim,
G, So.
Buddy showed flashes last year, highlighted by a 20 point game against Pittsburgh late. He took 25% of his team’s shots when he was in the game, and his minutes will increase dramatically (coach’s son). Toss him into a GPP lineup when matched up against a soft perimeter D.
Ellijah Hughes,
F, Jr.
Averaging 33 mpg last season, the small forward (and lone returning starter) should be the focal point of the offense this year. He shot 51% from the field and averaged 14 pts and 4 rebs; throw a block and steal in for good measure. If he can stay in the upper-mid tier price point, he should be a solid cash play most nights. He also shot 37% from 3 on 236 attempts
Bourama Sidibe,
F, Jr.
The big man has been hobbled the last couple of seasons preventing his maturation, but after a standout Italy trip this summer averaging 12 rpg in 20 mpg, look for him early while his price is lowest.
Guard’s Lead this Year’s Hurricane Squad
Miami wasn’t a great team last year, finishing 14-18/5-13 in the ACC, but they were one I always targeted when constructing rosters. Part of the reason is Larranaga really only played 6 guys due to eligibility and injury issues. In fact, the rest of the team only played 16% of the available minutes. Things look slightly better this season as they have 9 scholarship players instead of 7 but still expect a lean roster. Lykes and Vasiljevic should provide scoring punch while Waardenberg should see a raise in usage. McGusty averaged 11 ppg at Oklahoma 2 seasons ago.
Our favorite Hurricane plays for 2019-2020
Chris Lykes,
G, Jr.
He will have the ball a lot and that’s a good thing. Not known as a great shooter (48% 2P/31% 3P), when he gets hot, it flows like magma. Pick your spots with this GPP hero.
Dejan Vasiljevic,
G, Sr.
Known primarily as a 3pt specialist, the senior had 3 20+ point games in the back half of conference play last season. He had more than 8 3PA in 15 games last season so he’s a volume shooter that could become more efficient on a more balanced team.
Kameron McGusty,
G, Jr.
So he managed to get in 11 ppg on an Oklahoma team with Trey Young; the latter of whom had an insane 38.5% usage. The big guard should replace Zach Johnson’s role and production.
Pastner’s Squad Looks to Build Upon Experience.
If you are browsing the multiple ACC previews coming out you aren’t going to see many Tech players on the league’s 1st, 2nd or even 3rd all-conference team. There won’t be any guys on the all freshmen team either. Yet in these previews the Yellow Jackets consistently avoid the basement of the conference rankings, why? Continuity and defense. Josh Pastner knows that if he wants to build a program to sustain success amongst the Carolinas and Dukes he’ll need to follow the Virginia model. Upper-classmen and defense. This year Georgia Tech returns 5 starters, 8 total players and a few key transfers. Jose Alvarado and James Banks are the DFS names we know, but this is still a defensive first team. We’ll have to wait and see if someone else can emerge outside of them.
Our favorite Jackets plays for 2019-2020
Jose Alvarado,
G, Jr.
Entering his 3rd year as the primary ball-handler for Pastner. Despite his breakout 18-19 campaign, didn’t shoot the ball as well from 3 last year as he did as a freshman (29% vs. 37%) meaning there is room for improvement this year.
James Banks,
F, Sr.
Another player who blossomed last year. Banks is an elite rim protector who consistently records double doubles. Plays a ton of minutes for a true center and at times the offense is run through him in the half court.
Bubba Parham,
G, So.
Bubba is a transfer from VMI who has been cleared to play immediately. The junior had a 29% usage and shot rate last year scoring 19.5 ppg. A volume shooter, Parham was not an erratic shooter, making 39.3% from beyond the arc.
Young Pitt Team Looks to Build on Last Season
This young Panthers team struggled to get wins in conference last season going 3-15, but Jeff Capel has to be happy watching this group of underclassmen progress. The dynamic backcourt of Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowens should be on every Buckethead’s radar. They lose swingman Wilson-Frame but add transfer Ryan Murphy who lead the team in scoring overseas this summer. Down low it will be a little murky to start as Kene Chukwuka may redshirt, leaving Terrell Brown battling it out for minutes with newcomers.
Our favorite Panther plays for 2019-2020
Xavier Johnson,
G, So.
Easy pick here, the freshman PG commanded a 30% usage last season, leading the team in points and assists (15.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.9 rpg).
Ryan Murphy,
G, Jr.
Murphy is expected to replace Wilson-Frames minutes and shooting prowess next season. He averaged 40% from 3 his freshman year at Charlotte.
Audiese Toney,
F, So.
The other starting freshman last year wasn’t quite as productive as his classmates but at 7.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 25 mins, he should only improve on that in a more expanded role.
Tigers Need to Replace 4 Starters from Last Years 20 Win Team.
A veteran Clemson team only mustered a 9-9 conference record and disappointing NIT appearance last year. DFS mainstays Marcquise Reed and Elijah Thomas graduated and the injury bug has already bitten two players projected to get meaningful minutes in Trapp and Baehre. With adversity comes opportunity. John Newman and Aamir Simms are back and were the leading scorers in Italy this summer. They also add one time heralded Texas freshman, Tevin Mack, who played more recently at Alabama.
Our favorite Tiger plays for 2019-2020
Aamir Simms,
F, Jr.
Simms averaged 8 pts and 4 boards in a diminished role last season, averaging 26 mpg. I expect his minutes, usage, and production to improve this year as he becomes a focal point
Tevin Mack,
G, Sr.
In spite of never really living up to his high school ranking, he is a tremendous ball-hog. He only played around 20 mpg last season but took 27% of Alabama’s shots when he was on the floor. With a thin roster here, the sky is the limit
John Newman III,
G, So.
Not much to speak of stat-wise for Newman but Brownell likes him, he’s a former 4 star recruit, and he was the second leading scorer overseas this summer
Virginia Tech Looks to Recapture Lost Buzz
Mike Young takes over for Buzz Williams who leaves Blacksburg with high fan expectations and little in the cupboard. Young lost DFS standout Kerry Blackshear Jr to Florida but was able to retain Wabissa Bede and redshirt freshman Landers Nolley II. He also brought in 4-star freshman PG Jalen Cone who should factor into the rotation as well.
Our favorite Hokie plays for 2019-2020
Wabissa Bede,
G, Jr.
Bede was primarily known as a defensive specialist, but he’ll have a chance to prove his offensive skillset this season as he will be a primary ball handler. Expect his minutes and usage to increase substantially.
Landers Nolly,
F, Fr.
This is probably my favorite early, under the radar pick in the ACC. The 6’7” RS Freshman is a former 4-star recruit and was widely considered the best shooter in his class. He added 30 lbs of muscle in his sit-out year and is generating a lot of buzz this summer. Buy low.
P.J. Horne,
G, Jr.
Another returning player, Horne is an undersized but powerful presence in the post. He only played 11 mpg last season but shot 62% from 2. His minutes and usage will go way up as he projects to start at the 4.
Bowman Leaves Massive Scoring and Usage Holes to Fill
Essentially a one-man show last season, the forlorn Bowman willed his team to 5 conference wins. However, 6’11” Nik Popovic was arguably the better value most nights, averaging 14 ppg and 7 rpg at a much lower price point. The Eagles will once again be without the services of PG Wynston Tabbs who will sit out with a season ending injury. F Steffon Mitchell averaged 8 boards last season, while Jairus Hamilton’s role should increase. Derryck Thornton, former 5-star Duke recruit via USC will attempt to fill the massive minutes and usage Bowman leaves behind.
Our favorite BC plays for 2019-2020
Steffon Mitchell,
F, So.
Not a prolific scorer at shy of 5 ppg, he did average 8 rpg in 29 minutes as well as filling up the defensive stats (1.2 blocks, 1.1 steals) and netting a couple of assists. Someone to look at as a cheaper cash option.
Nik Popovic,
F, Sr.
The offense should run through the veteran big man. He ranked in the top 20 in the ACC in points and rebounds last season. His price/performance value made him a sought-after commodity last season. While I expect a price increase, he should still be considered most nights
Derryck Thornton,
G, Sr.
The talented 5th year player could end up making a splash as he finds himself in an ideal situation. He’ll immediately fill Tabbs’ PG spot. He’s not a great shooter, so that will need to improve for him to be a serious fantasy threat.
Veteran Guards Lead Manning’s Attack
Wake Forest is coming off a pitiful season and things don’t look up for Coach Manning as his star freshman last season is playing for the Trailblazers now. The good news is (especially for us), they do retain Brandon Childress for another season. He played 90% of the mins last season and that might actually go up somehow. His usage should improve with Hoard out of the picture. Chaundee Brown came on late last season and Wright and Mucius should see expanded roles.
Our favorite Wake plays for 2019-2020
Brandon Childress,
G, Sr.
As mentioned, gets all the minutes and will have the ball in his hands every time down the court. Known more as a playmaker, he was a more assertive scorer leading the team in points (14.4 ppg). I could see that number increase this season
Chaundee Brown,
G, Jr.
The Junior wing popped up late on bucketheads’ DFS radar. He averaged 12 pts and 5 boards, doing much of that in the latter half of conference play where he had games of 21 and 14 vs Miami and 21 and 10 against Duke
Adrien White,
G, Sr.
The transfer averaged 15 ppg at Charlotte his last season where he took nearly 30% of his team’s shots. He’s a solid 3pt shooter and should get up plenty here
