College Basketball Preview: Will Duke Run Away With the ACC?

Team on the Rise: Miami Hurricanes

Miami coach Jim Larranaga has speculated that he and the 'Canes are part of the NCAA scandal that has swept the nation, but until the FBI comes knocking on their door, the Hurricanes have a great roster and the potential to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.

The next statement may sound naive if anything comes of Larranaga's belief, but for the time being, we can say Miami has improved their recruiting game over the past couple years. Last year, they landed four-star recruit Bruce Brown, who averaged 11.8 points per game as a freshman, third on the team. This year, they bring in Lonnie Walker, the second-best shooting guard prospect, according to ESPN's Top 100. Walker has the skill set to be a dynamic scorer and could end up being the leader of this Hurricanes team come March. They will team up with senior guard Ja'Quan Newton, who was second on the team in points per game last season with 13.5.

Last season, the Hurricanes leaned on defense, allowing 64.1 points per game, second in the ACC. This season, if they are able to couple that defensive prowess with an improved offense, they can prove the media right for voting them 13th in the preseason polls.