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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 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners forward Matt Smith (0) drives to the basket between Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets center Ben Lammers (44) and Yellow Jackets forward Quinton Stephens (12) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NIT Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners forward Matt Smith (0) drives to the basket between Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets center Ben Lammers (44) and Yellow Jackets forward Quinton Stephens (12) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NIT Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

 Center

The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year was also a member of the All-ACC second team. Like Adel, Lammers made a huge jump from the previous season increasing his points per game by 11 and his rebounds by five.

Lammers was also an immovable rock in the post, leading the ACC in blocks per game with 3.4. His 104 total blocks also ranked third overall among all Division I players.

Two years ago, Malcolm Brogdan won ACC Player of the Year as a top defensive player, so why not Lammers?

If he can increase his points and rebounds a bit more and average a double-double next season (he had 14 and 9 in 2016-17), he might just do it, especially if it helps Georgia Tech make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010.

Other Candidates: Omar Yurtseven (NC State) and Jack Salt (Virginia)

To be fair, the center position is quite weak this season. Tony Bradley would’ve been an obvious favorite for the honor had he stayed in Chapel Hill. Players like Amile Jefferson and Kennedy Meeks graduated, leaving big shoes to fill as well.

However, Yurtseven and Salt both have chances to impress this season. Yurtseven shocked many when he decided to return to school for his sophomore season. The shock wasn’t because he wasn’t thought to need the extra time before going pro. He did. It was that he didn’t choose to go overseas, which was expected.

Yurtseven will be the anchor for the Wolfpack who lose do-it-all freshman phenom Dennis Smith Jr. but also bring in a new coach in Kevin Keatts. If Yurtseven can help Keatts win some ACC games this season, it may earn him some individual recognition as well.

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers center Jack Salt (33) shoots a free throw during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers center Jack Salt (33) shoots a free throw during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Meanwhile, Salt is the middle of the Virginia defense. If he makes a similar jump in points and rebounds as Lammers did, he could be in line for an All-ACC spot, especially since Virginia usually finishes in the top half of the ACC.

Freshman Hopeful: Ikey Obiagu (Florida State)

Obiagu comes to an FSU team that is in need of some talent as the Seminoles top three players all went pro early. if he can produce numbers similar to Jonathan Isaac, he could be in line for some All-ACC recognition.

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