Ranking each ACC basketball team as conference play begins

3. Miami

Expectations were high for Miami following a Final Four run as it began the year ranked No. 13 in the AP Top 25. The Hurricanes have since dropped out of the poll thanks to blowout losses against Kentucky and Colorado, but Jim Larranaga has still led this team to wins in 11 of its first 13 games which includes a pair of ACC victories. As usual, Miami features a potent offense that puts up nearly 85 points per contest. Although the Canes lost ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong, they have had three guards step up to fill the void as Matthew Cleveland, Nigel Pack and Wooga Poplar all average 13.5 points or more. Meanwhile, big man Norchad Omier has been dominant, averaging 18 points and 9.5 rebounds. Those stars, along with some nice bench pieces, should have the Hurricanes challenging for an ACC title.