Getting into the college basketball spirit, Phenom Hoops is looking around conferences for some of the top players that should lead the charge. In a 2-part series, we first take a look at a few players that should be the stars of the ACC in the coming year.
Here are four names that make our list, with more coming.
Michael Devoe – Georgia Tech
Devoe was spectacular last season for the Yellow Jackets and with others returning along with him, he will look to lead the way this season once again. Devoe averaged 16 points per game and shot nearly 48 percent from the floor and 42 percent from three. Out of the Top-10 players, there was only player that took fewer shot attempts (Vernon Carey) than Devoe. With a few more opportunities and his shooting, he could certainly surpass those numbers he posted last year and be further up the rankings.
Buddy Boeheim – Syracuse
Boeheim took a significant jump in his game, doubling his minutes and jumping from 6.8 ppg to 15.3 ppg as a sophomore. He also increased his field goal percentage and shot 37 percent from three. The loss of Elijah Hughes will be tough for the Orange but Boeheim, along with Joseph Girard and company, look to pick up the slack. If his shooting from the outside continues to rise (averaged 8.2 3-pointer attempts last season), he could see his numbers continue to rise as well.
Chris Lykes – Miami
Lykes has been a proven player the last two years, averaging nearly 16 points per game and we don't expect those numbers to fall off heading into his senior year. Last year, he averaged 15.4 points per game, shooting 43 percent from the floor. There were a few games in which he struggled late on the road but he still posted better averages than his entire season (16.2 points per game). The 5'7 guard isn't afraid to put on a show and he should continue to show that this upcoming season.
Matthew Hurt – Duke
Call this one a hunch, but Matthew Hurt could make one of the biggest jumps this season and become the star leading the way for the Blue Devils. The loss of Vernon Carey is going to be tough but Duke added Patrick Tape who should be more of an experienced role but Hurt has a chance to take that jump. Averaging just under 10 points and not being able to play a consistent role offensively, if Hurt has put in the work this offseason and bulked, it could be a great season for him. A 6'9 forward, with another year in the system, and being one of the primary offensive threats in the paint but also spread the floor from the perimeter… It could be his year.