Devils Illustrated - Hoops Madness: Preseason Third Team All-ACC Picks

October 11, 2004

Justin Young
Devils Illustrated Editor

As the season approaches, so does the preseason chatter. In our first installment of a month long series of previews, we unveil the first round of All-ACC selections here at Devils Illustrated. Today, we release our picks for Third Team All-Conference. Making the cut is Duke senior shooting guard and two-time captain Daniel Ewing.

3rd Team
Justin Gray, Wake Forest
Daniel Ewing, Duke
Sharrod Ford, Clemson
Alexander Johnson, Florida State
Luke Schenscher, Georgia Tech

It's hard to be second fiddle. The limelight passes you over and the media generally goes to the superstar. That's what Gray has experienced that thanks to the tremendous play of Chris Paul. The attention, or lack thereof, hasn't made a difference on Gray's game. He's one of the top players in a very loaded conference. Perhaps third team is too low but in a loaded year in the ACC, it's justifiable.

Like Gray, Ewing has quietly sat in the shadows of great guards during his time at Duke. Over the last three years, he's hit big shots in big games, particularly in the ACC tournament. Ewing is one of the most underrated shooters in the conference. He will be the most seasoned player this season for the Blue Devils. Expect him to shine at the point, two guard and occasional three.

Clemson will still be Clemson this season but it's not going to be as easy to beat the Tigers this season thanks to Ford. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward saw the light on what kind of player he can become, averaging nearly 12 points and 7.2 rebounds as a junior. Ford had a solid summer, refining his post skills and adding more muscle and weight.

Keeping with the big men theme, Johnson is one of the biggest and brightest stars in the conference. He finished the season strong and Florida State fans hopes that continues onto this season. Johnson has had his eye on the NBA since high school and he's developing into quite a player. Although he's a sophomore, Johnson should be the FSU's top player this season.

Schenscher, the one-time project, is now a legitimate NBA prospect. The 7-footer began to put the pieces together and learned how to be a true center from the high post to under the paint. The Aussie has fallen in love with the pick and roll. He'll need to keep riding the momentum he gained last year onto this season.

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