2009-2010 ACC Previews: Wake Forest

LCB believes that while teams have been playing games since the start of November the real college basketball season does not begin until conference play is in full gear. Over the next couple of weeks, we will preview each ACC team by remembering some of the conference's past players that may have gone forgotten in some circles.

Season Outlook: According to sports cliches, every Batman needs a Robin, but Wake Forest's masked avenger Tim Duncan was never sinister enough to be the Dark Knight. He was always more of a stoic reindeer braving the arctic cold, seeking a companion with which to munch on permafrost. Yeah, Duncan was definitely more Bullwinkle than Batman, and, with his chipmunk smile, Tony Rutland seemed destined to be Duncan's Rocky. Then Boris and Natasha dynamited Rutland's knee and Duncan never saw the other side of the Sweet 16, like a Mountie who never rides south. Now, Wake has another NBA talent in sophomore Al-Farouq Aminu, who is currently averaging a double double, but no Rocky. Of course, Duncan and Aminu are not the only Demon Deacons whose college hoops dreams were thwarted by the lack of a squirrel in a blue flying helmet--Josh Howard and Chris Paul were left with the role of Mr. Know-It-All also. In fact, this plot line should feel as similar as syndication to all those wearing black and gold tie dye.

Key Players: F Al-Farouq Aminu (So.), PG Ishmael Smith (Sr.),

Top Newcomer: G C.J. Harris (Fr.)

Record at Time of Posting: 8-2

Teach's Prediction: 6th in the regular season

Langston's Prediction: 8th in the regular season

Iceman AD's Prediction: 4th in the regular season

Key Games:

L @ Purdue 69-58

W @ Gonzaga 77-75

W @ UNC-Wilmington 80-69

W NC State 67-59

Xavier 1/03

@ Miami 1/09

Maryland 1/12

@ Duke 1/17

@ UNC 1/20

@ GA Tech 1/28

Boston College 2/09

@ VA Tech 2/16

@ NC State 2/20

UNC 2/27

@ FSU 3/03

Clemson 3/07