ACC Tournament: 10 players who will make an impact in Brooklyn
![Feb 11, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) celebrates after a basket in the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Feb 11, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) celebrates after a basket in the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ced35810520b6a6f61bf31e266acb8442e1b9517ef425aba17f2b1cb480c7571.jpg)
North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith, Jr. was the preseason pick for Freshman of the Year and preseason first-team All-ACC.
Smith was the best freshman in the ACC this season and one of the best players in the conference.
He led the Wolfpack with 18.5 points, 6.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He recorded two triple-doubles this season against Virginia Tech (27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals) and Syracuse (15 assists, 13 points, 11 rebounds).
N.C. State finished the 2016-17 season with 15-16 overall record, 4-14 ACC record and 13th place in the conference. Despite the below .500 record(s), the Wolfpack managed to upset the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils 84-82 and No. 21 Virginia Tech 104-78.
Smith had 32 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals against Duke. Smith posted a triple-double against the Hokies (as stated earlier).
If N.C. State is clicking on all cylinders, they are capable of beating any team. When Smith plays at his best, then the Wolfpack are a dangerous team. N.C. State could potentially make a run in this tournament and surprise some people.
Smith’s athleticism along with several other players will make the Wolfpack competitive. N.C. State is the kind of team you do not want to face in the ACC Tournament this week.
They are out for revenge on practically every ACC team.