ACC basketball: Preseason first team all-conference

Who is ACC basketball’s starting five?

Believe it or not, the ACC basketball season was scheduled to start in less than two months.

As things do in 2020, the ACC basketball and college basketball landscape has shifted significantly to adapt to a global pandemic.

However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t start shifting our attention more towards the season.

As Jon Rothstein did on Monday, we compiled what we feel would the ACC basketball starting five if the season were to start today.

David Johnson, G

Louisville

David Johnson battled a shoulder injury last season and fought for playing time behind a veteran guard rotation. When he was on, however, he was often the best player on the court.
Louisville basketball head coach Chris Mack lauded Johnson’s playmaking ability time and time again in 2019; most notably his ability as an elite-level passer.

Johnson is a 6’5” point guard who had his breakout moment on the road at Duke  last season, but he made his fair share of ridiculous plays throughout the year.

With a full offseason to get healthy, an improved Johnson will be a key returning piece for Louisville basketball and a dark horse player of the year candidate.

Chris Lykes, G

Miami

There is no great player who has flown under the radar in the ACC more than Miami’s Chris Lykes.

Perhaps it’s due to his team’s lack of success during his career, or maybe he doesn’t get enough love because of his slight stature. Whatever the case, Lykes deserves his due as the real deal.

Last season, Lykes averaged 15.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steal per game. Now, entering his senior season, Lykes could have the pieces around him to take a huge leap and finally get the recognition he deserves.

Sam Hauser, F

Virginia

The highest profile transfer last season was Marquette forward Sam Hauser.

The dynamic forward averages 14.9 points, 7.2 boards, and 2.4 assists for the Golden Eagles in 2018-19. Now, under Tony Bennett, Hauser feels like the perfect fit with the Virginia Cavaliers.

A solid, lanky defender with a ridiculous penchant for hitting three point shots, Hauser is the no-brainer in this list.

Jalen Johnson, F

Duke

The next one-and-done lottery pick under Mike Krzyzewski at Duke is five star forward Jalen Johnson.

Its always tough to include a true freshman on a preseason list, but if we are including one this season, it has to be Johnson.

This is a player that has the ability to play a point forward type of role for the Blue Devils. He can get to the basket with both hands, and he can create mismatches all over the place by playing multiple positions.

Garrison Brooks, F

North Carolina

Besides Cole Anthony, there were not many positive takeaways from North Carolina’s 2019-20 season. But, perhaps the one development for UNC fans to be excited about is with forward Garrison Brooks.

The Tar Heels dealt with injuries last season up front, and Brooks stepped in, contributing nearly 35 minutes per game.

UNC could get more of the same next year with Brooks having the opportunity to take on a lighter workload. He scored 16.8 points, snagged 8.5 boards, and dished out two assists a game last season.

He should assume the role as the best big in the league as a senior.