Seven Bids-Now What?

The ACC lobbied for and received seven bids to the NCAA. No other conference got more than six. The question is whether this will result in more ACC teams playing in the Sweet Sixteen or whether the ACC will have a "Big Ten" kind of year. The Big Ten annually seems to get six and seven bids, but five never survive the first week.

Since 1985, the ACC has sent 61 teams to the Sweet Sixteen in 111 opportunities, a percentage of .550. It will be difficult for the league to match that this year.

Here's how I see the week ahead for the ACC's seven NCAA invitees:

Virginia: The only ACC team in the South Regional, Virginia could make an early exit. The Cavaliers lack inside scoring punch and guard J.R. Reynolds has been slowed by a hip injury. As we saw in the ACC Tournament, Sean Singletary cannot carry this team by himself. Virginia has an easier draw than most of its ACC counterparts, but that probably won't make a difference.

Maryland: The Terps were playing the best of any ACC team prior to the tournament. Was Thursday's no show against Miami an aberration? If Maryland can force Davidson to play transition basketball the Terps can build some momentum that could carry them to the Midwest Regionals. Other the hand, the savvy Wildcats could dictate a halfcourt game that would cause trouble for the Terps.

Georgia Tech: This is the scariest ten seed in the entire tournament. The Yellowjackets were just finding themselves in late February. Georgia Tech is quick enough to run with UNLV and physical enough to bang with Wisconsin. On the other hand, Tech is vulnerable to the three point shot (see Harvey Hale Thursday night). Both Vegas and Wisconsin can shoot the three.

Virginia Tech: The Hokies lack NCAA experience, but they have an NCAA worthy first five. Tech's backcourt pressure and ability to convert turnovers to points will give the Hokies an advantage against halfcourt-oriented teams. But for the Hokies to even dream about seeing the Sweet Sixteen, they have to make some free throws.

Duke: Like Virginia Tech, the Blue Devils are assigned to the West Regional. Duke could be closer to getting there than the Blue Devils recent record would suggest. Team defense has been a problem in late losses to Maryland, UNC, and NC State. By Thursday, Mike Krzyzewski will have had a week to work on communication among his players. Duke should beat VCU and has a chance to beat third seed Pitt in round two. Pitt is very good defensively, but like Duke, is not what one would call an offensive juggernaut.

Boston College: The Eagles of January would be formidable. The BC of season's end will not be. Boston College must find a way to get someone else besides Jared Dudley going on the inside. Sean Marshall being able to help Tyrese Rice with the perimeter scoring is another must. The biggest problem for BC is that it would play Georgetown in the second round in the brutally difficult East Regional.

North Carolina: The Tar Heels earned a number one seed and history suggests that when that happens UNC goes to the Final Four. Carolina played well at the ACC Tournament. The problem here is the draw: Texas and Georgetown stand in the way of a Tar Heel trip to Atlanta. Even Carolina's second round match up against either Michigan State or Marquette could be dicey.

The ACC leads the nation in championships, Final Four appearances, and Sweet Sixteens over the last 20 years. The league has a 221-105 record in that span. While the league has great depth this year, it may not have the power at the top to measure up to its past performances, especially given the difficult draws in the East and West Regionals.