ACC Countdown Preview

#8. Virginia Tech

Games against 2009 NCAA Tournament teams: 10

Best non-conference game: Nov. 27 vs. Temple (in Philadelphia)

Projected Starting Five:

F - Jeff Allen (Junior)

F - J.T. Thompson (Junior)

G - Dorenzo Hudson (Junior)

G - Malcolm Delaney (Junior)

G - Erick Green (Freshman)

When I look at this program now versus what it was about six years ago, there has been quite a transformation. Seth Greenberg has done a great job. I never imagined the Hokies would make the NCAA Tournament or have so many high finishes in the ACC. That being said, the last two years have been pretty frustrating for Tech fans. The team has finished just shy of the Big Dance both times.

I think the biggest factor is the performance out of conference. Every year, the Hokies lose at least one or two games to teams they shouldn't, and that comes back to haunt them in March. I think part of the problem is the mentality. Greenberg's teams like to take the underdog, David vs. Goliath approach. And that's good when you're trying to knock off a big dog, but when you are playing games against inferior teams from other conferences, you have to have that ACC swagger. If the Hokies want to make it to the Big Dance they need a non-conference slate with one or two losses max.

So let's look at this year's team. Gone is A.D. Vassallo, who was a huge contributor offensively. Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen are as talented as anyone in the ACC. The key for Tech is the contributions from other players. They have really lacked balance in the past. Guys like Hudson, Thompson and Terrell Bell have to contribute on a consistent basis. A big factor this year will be the play of freshman guards Erick Green and Ben Boggs. The Hokies faded down the stretch last year because Delaney had to play the point too much, which really wore him down.

I think with the way the ACC lays out this year, the Hokies could definitely jump up and finish in the top half. They have the experience. But I just have a feeling that it will be a very similar year to last year: too many offensive lapses, too many losses to teams they should beat to get back to the NCAAs.