Devils will lead the way

It's supposed to be North Carolina's year. Maybe so, but don't forget about Duke. On this list, the Blue Devils are No. 1. Mike Krzyzewski's team is just too big and physical to ignore. If Ish Smith is healthy, it will be worth watching Wake Forest, too. None of this is to say UNC will fall short. The Heels just might go all the way to the NCAA Tournament final -- against the Blue Devils. As for N.C. State, the Pack really needs good play at the point.

1. Duke (14-2)

The Blue Devils are going to be bigger and more physical than during the past few seasons. That will work in their favor against North Carolina. Plus, the additional frontcourt depth will come in handy down the stretch, not to mention in the NCAA Tournament. Gerald Henderson will make most of the postseason All-America teams.

2. UNC (13-3)

It has nothing to do with the coaching or the talent level or motivation. But I do have just a few reservations about the chemistry and the injuries. Until Marcus Ginyard returns in 100 percent health, the Heels don't have a bona fide defensive stopper. This team is going to be very good, of course. If I had to pick an NCAA championship matchup right now, I'd go with Carolina vs. Duke.

3. Wake Forest (11-5)

Fair or not -- mostly not -- most of the pressure is on Dino Gaudio to coach his way through the maze of ACC regular-season competition. Historically, only Dave Odom and Bones McKinney have been able to solve that riddle thoroughly enough to win the regular season. Obviously, playmaker Ish Smith needs to get healthy and stay healthy.

4. Miami (10-6)

The biggest loss from last season is Anthony King's rebounding. But between newcomer Cyrus McGowan and returnee Dwayne Collins, the Hurricanes still should be formidable on the boards. Frank Haith's biggest challenge is sorting out the possibilities at point guard, where neither Lance Hurdle nor Ed Rios has been more than average.

5. Virginia Tech (9-7)

There are several ways for the Hokies to finish much better than .500, but all of those routes hinge on A.D. Vassallo's on-court temperament and leadership. Seth Greenberg can X-and-O with the best of 'em, but no one is smart enough to punch the correct buttons if the team's best player goes, and stays, off subject. Burly sophomore Jeff Allen needs to play under control, too. He needs to average 12 points, eight rebounds and 0.1 technical fouls per game.

T-6. Clemson (7-9)

Like Greenberg, the Tigers' Oliver Purnell is a situational over-achiever. Most coaches in his position would have bolted for more appealing jobs by now. To Purnell's credit, he has stayed true to his mission. But now, he's finally without Cliff Hammonds, who ruled the locker room in a manner more often associated with NHL captains. Until the next Hammonds emerges, I just cannot drink the orange juice.

T-6. N.C. State (7-9)

It's preseason, which means it's time for crazy hunches. The hunch here is that State will go back to being a team rather than a launching pad for J.J. Hickson's NBA career. Beyond that dynamic, it's not complicated whatsoever: If Sidney Lowe can find -- or develop -- another Sidney Lowe at the point, the Pack's going to be a factor. If he doesn't, keep an eye on Notre Dame's Mike Brey.

8. Georgia Tech (6-10)

Now that Lewis Clinch has strayed off course (academic suspension), as usual, the Jackets are just as likely to win three games as seven. He has to work his way out of at least three doghouses -- Paul Hewitt's, league officials', and teammates'. Without guards Clinch and D'Andre Bell (out for the season with a spinal injury), Iman Shumpert will have every chance to win rookie of the year.

T-9. Boston Coll. (6-10)

Tyrese Rice, alone, is good for six wins. But then, well, six is what you see and six is what you get. Who is going to rebound? Who is going to defend inside?

T-9. Maryland (6-10)

The only legitimate team more overdue to win big is the Chicago Cubs. And if there's any justice, Gary Williams will have one more minute or two in the spotlight. But when your best returning rebounder is Landon Milbourne, you might as well be trying to pitch a no-hitter at Wrigley Field with the wind blowing out to left-center.

11. Florida State (5-11)

The Seminoles should have gone about 19-14 overall and 7-9 in the league last season. They went 17-16 and 5-11. As honest as a Leonard Hamilton interview session can be, I can't see him hanging on much longer. (Keep an eye on Notre Dame's Mike Brey.) Maybe freshman Chris Singleton will pan out to be the new Kyle Singler and prove me wrong. That'd be fun.

12. Virginia (2-14)

No one can say for certain what's going on at Virginia, including Dave Leitao. (Keep an eye on Notre Dame's Mike Brey.)