http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/03/30/acc-basketball-in-2012-2013-nc-state-and-maryland-might-be-the-teams-to-beat-unless-unc-gets-alex-oriakhi/

I came across this article of some ACC projections for next year. Definitely some positive things about the outlook of the future of this team, as they put our ceiling as "Len blows up to 20-10, Leslie leaves NCSU, McAdoo leaves UNC and they don't get Oriakhi - 23 wins, Top 3 Seed in March." I'll be satisfied if these predictions only occur in moderation, because finishing atop the league is quite a hefty expectation.

Some analysis of the point made in the article:

"Lost 2nd leading scorer, but 4 starters back." The loss of Mosley does not greatly concern me. Although the team benefitted from his leadership and quality decision-making, he was never a gamechanger and his minutes are definitely replaceable. Although Len technically was not a starter, I'll put him in that group of four with Terrell, Nick, and Padge. That right there is a terrific core four, with possibly Cleare booting out Padgett. Who do you think should be that fifth starter? Howard? Layman? Parker? Padgett as a third big man?

"Two top 75 recruits in Shaquille Cleare and Charles Mitchell." Must not be based off of ESPN, because then the 2nd would be Layman, but absolutely something to be excited about. I for one think that Mitchell will end up being the more productive freshman. Mitchell can come right in and be Dino Gregory/Ekene Ibekwe.

"Got three likely NBA players in Len, Stoglin, and Faust." Dreaming a little big there with Faust as an NBA prospect, but he really is immature and most likely will develop into a more complete player. The key here is Len. Hopefully he bulks up and instills a more dominant mindset. Obviously the competition was much less, but he was a beast against Albany and Cornell, where he actually dunked the ball. I think he can become that big time threat now playing the 4, what do you think?

In comparison to the point brought up in this article, how do we stack up to the big four next year of depleted FSU, UNC, and Duke, but a vastly improved State team?

*My first post, hopefully it looks ok