Keeping It Heel
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ACC Basketball: Preseason All-ACC team

By Brandon Griffin

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) and North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) celebrates after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) and North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) celebrates after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Deng Adel (22) dunks over Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Deng Adel (22) dunks over Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward

Deng Adel quickly jumped on this list after deciding to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to school for his junior season. Adel instantly makes Louisville a legitimate threat to repeat as a top-five team in the ACC and have a chance at a national championship.

Last season, Adel averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 30 minutes of play. These were huge jumps from his freshmen season when he only had four points and two rebounds in 12 minutes per game.

With a similar jump this season, Adel would be an easy pick for first team All-ACC, especially with the loss of fellow Cardinal, Donovan Mitchell, to the NBA.

Other Candidates: Theo Pinson (UNC) and Chris Clarke (Virginia Tech)

Both Pinson and Clarke had injuries impact their seasons last year. Pinson was injured before the year started and missed the first 16 games for the Tar Heels before returning and becoming a key cog to their championship run.

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1)c celebrates with fans after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1)c celebrates with fans after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Although Pinson doesn’t do one thing superbly, he does a lot of things very well. It’s that kind of stat-stuffing that can earn a player recognition and help his team win.

Clarke was injured late in the season and missed the Hokies’ last nine contests, including their opening round NCAA Tournament loss to Wisconsin. Clarke was the team’s third-leading scorer and tied for the team lead in rebounds.

With the team’s top two scorers, Zach LeDay and Seth Allen, having graduated, Clarke could be the focus for a team looking to make more noise in the ACC this season.

Freshman Hopeful: DJ Harvey Jr (Notre Dame)

Harvey is a 6-foot-6 small forward out of Bowie, Maryland. With a couple of senior leaders, Bowie may be the final piece that the Irish need to make a run for the ACC title.

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