ACC 2024-25 Season

[FanInNC]

Not against the Ducks

Historically:

Duke is 40-20 vs UNC since 1999

Duke is 14-6 vs UNC in the last 20 meetings

The series is 5-5 over the last 10

Duke has won 2 of the last 3.

I guess UNC did have a nice 2 year stretch against them, but that's about it.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Outside of Notre Dame, it's hard to come up with a better collection of ACC guards than the NC State guards. Maybe Georgia Tech. Duke is in the conversation, but our guards aren't as explosive offensively as, say, Aziaha James.

 

[CAbballfan2]

Interesting game between the Tar Heels and the Duck Blue Devils this week. Wonder if Duke will play well or fold again.

I’ll be interested to see if Fournier is available. That will make a difference for sure.

 

[Darwin]

Outside of Notre Dame, it's hard to come up with a better collection of ACC guards than the NC State guards. Maybe Georgia Tech. Duke is in the conversation, but our guards aren't as explosive offensively as, say, Aziaha James.

NCState just has no post talent.

 

[Dillon77]

Busy -- and good -- late afternoon/evening for this Irish fan, but some morning-after comments on a few ACC games:

Cal beating NC State, 78-71.
- Losing on the West Coast is no sin, but the Wolfpack pretty much played their starters the whole way, with substitutes getting scant minutes.
And most of those players are guards.
- All five Golden Bear Starters were in double figures led by double doubles by Marta Suarez and Ugonne Oniyah.

Va. Tech knocks Ga. Tech out of the ranks of undefeated with a 105-94 double OT victory.

• As noted, Dani Carnegie only played 6 minutes, depriving Yellow Jackets of one of their best players, but fellow guards Kara Dunne (33) and Tonie Morgan (28) lit it up. Worth seeing if this is a long-term injury, though.
• Lot of minutes played by Va. Tech's starters. Only one sub logged double-digit minutes in a double OT game. Could be very susceptible to foul trouble.
• Forward Rose Micheaux had one of her best games since transferring from Minnesota a few years ago with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
• Carleigh Wenzel had a double-double (24 points, 10 assists) for Va. Tech. She's such a Megan Duffy player - upbeat, basketball smarts, technically sound.

UNC beat Duke 53-46 in Overtime

• This was apparently the 2nd lowest amount of points scored in a D1 WBB game that went to OT in history.
• UNC scored nearly 34% of its points in the overtime session. Yikes.
• Each team had one player in double figures (10). I know both teams pride themselves in defense, but -- holy crow -- Duke shot 23% and UNC 32% (and I'll be that OT upped those numbers).

ND Defeats Wake100-64

• Irish took control methodically in first half and basically cruised from there, having ample opportunity to let Maddy Westbeld get her court legs under her (18 minutes) and have Kate Koval get more time on the court, as well.
• Yes, this was a blowout, but Megan Gebbia's team plays hard and with savviness. They played Louisville tough the game before. While they fell behind early here, they nearly tied the third 21-23.

Elise Williams continues to look good after coming back from missing a few games after the holidays. She had 18 here.
The player who caught my eye in both games is 6'3" junior Malaya Cowles who went for 15 points and 10 rebounds. She seals well, uses her body to shield her shot, makes picture-perfect cuts off the weakside and pick and roll. Proverbial diamond in the rough.

• Hidalgo had a quiet 23, many of which came off layups. Of course, she helped generate those with steals, 6 of which were credited to her and a few others she caused.
• Back-up shooting guard/wing Emma Risch didn't suit up and was spotted in a walking boot.
• Perhaps because of this, Sonia Citron played the most minutes, which doesn't cause much discomfort for Niele Ivey because, when push comes to shove, that is the player she wants on the court for all versions Irish: the team simply plays at its best when in the lineup.

 

[FanInNC]

As a follow up to your summary on State and Cal …

State’s injuries and lack of depth really showed up in this one. No point in rehashing losing Weimar for the season because she won’t be back obviously. But this is a game Zam Jones could have made a real difference in. For one she’s an electric offensive player and the pace and free flowing style of game fits her perfectly - she could have had a big game. But secondly she could have given Zoe, Azaiah and Hayes/Rivers some spells to rest up where Wes clearly didn’t trust anyone else to do so. In the 2ne period he did go to the bench and that’s when Cal outscored State 25-13, then he tightened up and didn’t sub hardly at all the remainder of the game.

Tilda Trygger had a coming out party for State at the 5 spot. 19 points 10 boards, 4-7 shooting the 3 at 6’6”! Easy to get excited about possibilities going forward when you have a freshman with that sort of skill set at that height! She however does not answer State’s weakness of interior defense and physicality. She alters shots with her length and obviously grabbed 10 boards - but she gets pushed around down low and gives up positioning on the defensive end too easily.

Also worth noting that Clemson lost to UVa and Stanford notched their first conference win beating FSU.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Busy -- and good -- late afternoon/evening for this Irish fan, but some morning-after comments on a few ACC games:

Cal beating NC State, 78-71.
- Losing on the West Coast is no sin, but the Wolfpack pretty much played their starters the whole way, with substitutes getting scant minutes.
And most of those players are guards.
- All five Golden Bear Starters were in double figures led by double doubles by Marta Suarez and Ugonne Oniyah.

Va. Tech knocks Ga. Tech out of the ranks of undefeated with a 105-94 double OT victory.

• As noted, Dani Carnegie only played 6 minutes, depriving Yellow Jackets of one of their best players, but fellow guards Kara Dunne (33) and Tonie Morgan (28) lit it up. Worth seeing if this is a long-term injury, though.
• Lot of minutes played by Va. Tech's starters. Only one sub logged double-digit minutes in a double OT game. Could be very susceptible to foul trouble.
• Forward Rose Micheaux had one of her best games since transferring from Minnesota a few years ago with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
• Carleigh Wenzel had a double-double (24 points, 10 assists) for Va. Tech. She's such a Megan Duffy player - upbeat, basketball smarts, technically sound.

UNC beat Duke 53-46 in Overtime

• This was apparently the 2nd lowest amount of points scored in a D1 WBB game that went to OT in history.
• UNC scored nearly 34% of its points in the overtime session. Yikes.
• Each team had one player in double figures (10). I know both teams pride themselves in defense, but -- holy crow -- Duke shot 23% and UNC 32% (and I'll be that OT upped those numbers).

ND Defeats Wake100-64

• Irish took control methodically in first half and basically cruised from there, having ample opportunity to let Maddy Westbeld get her court legs under her (18 minutes) and have Kate Koval get more time on the court, as well.
• Yes, this was a blowout, but Megan Gebbia's team plays hard and with savviness. They played Louisville tough the game before. While they fell behind early here, they nearly tied the third 21-23.

Elise Williams continues to look good after coming back from missing a few games after the holidays. She had 18 here.
The player who caught my eye in both games is 6'3" junior Malaya Cowles who went for 15 points and 10 rebounds. She seals well, uses her body to shield her shot, makes picture-perfect cuts off the weakside and pick and roll. Proverbial diamond in the rough.

• Hidalgo had a quiet 23, many of which came off layups. Of course, she helped generate those with steals, 6 of which were credited to her and a few others she caused.
• Back-up shooting guard/wing Emma Risch didn't suit up and was spotted in a walking boot.
• Perhaps because of this, Sonia Citron played the most minutes, which doesn't cause much discomfort for Niele Ivey because, when push comes to shove, that is the player she wants on the court for all versions Irish: the team simply plays at its best when in the lineup.

Don't forget the Cardinal! We finally got our first ACC win...!

 

[Dillon77]

Don't forget the Cardinal! We finally got our first ACC win...!

Congrats on the 89-84 win over Florida State.. Looks like two seniors largely led the way: Brooks Demetre with some fine outside shooting (5-9 from three); and, Elena Boagana with a double-double (21 points, 15 rebounds).

(As noted, I was bit preoccupied last night with two Irish teams playing! )

 

[FanInNC]

For the west coast ACC fans, I'm curious about a little history lesson. I'm getting a crash course on these new ACC members who frankly I have paid very little attention to in year's past. Cal's coach is a former Stanford player and grad, I see she was on staff for a period of time at Stanford and then left for Cal to be on their staff before a position in the WNBA and then returning to coach Cal as the head coach.

I'm curious about a couple of things, when she left Stanford for Cal back in 2007 was that for a promotion or what is the story there? Then secondarily, was she ever considered at all for Stanford's job this past offseason or was it a coach in waiting situation with Coach Paye?

Just found it interesting she is a Stanford alum heading up Cal, who I always thought was Stanford's main rival.

 

[CalWBBfan]

For the west coast ACC fans, I'm curious about a little history lesson. I'm getting a crash course on these new ACC members who frankly I have paid very little attention to in year's past. Cal's coach is a former Stanford player and grad, I see she was on staff for a period of time at Stanford and then left for Cal to be on their staff before a position in the WNBA and then returning to coach Cal as the head coach.

I'm curious about a couple of things, when she left Stanford for Cal back in 2007 was that for a promotion or what is the story there? Then secondarily, was she ever considered at all for Stanford's job this past offseason or was it a coach in waiting situation with Coach Paye?

Just found it interesting she is a Stanford alum heading up Cal, who I always thought was Stanford's main rival.

Charmin came on board when Joanne Boyle was coach in 2007. (I credit Boyle with really turning the culture at Calwbb around). When Boyle left, Gottlieb became HC (moving from UCSB back to Cal) and Charmin stayed on as assistant. Charmin left Cal to take a WNBA job at season's end in 2019 but when Gottlieb deserted the team late (mid-June) Cal's AD called Charmin and asked if she'd come back to take the helm. As Charmin recently explained during a panel I attended, she felt that it too big an opportunity not to take the job. She cares deeply about "raising the bar" for representation in the women's game.

Coach Smith was left with a pretty bare cupboard thanks to Gottlieb (no, I'm not bitter) and fans were relieved when she stepped up. At any rate I've always been a big supporter....and believe it or not, Tara has always been a big supporter of Cal's success (except when it came to head to head games). She was happy to see her players enter coaching and make wcbb stronger as result. Charmin has always been a great match for Cal and watching the chemistry on this year's team is evidence of that. She's a wonderful mentor on and off the court for her players. Some fans were impatient, as it's taken a while, but I've always admired Charmin and have had faith in her vision. She has a good class coming in and has used the portal to great effect as well....exciting times in Berkeley.

Here's more: Charmin Smith Named Women’s Basketball Coach - California Golden Bears Athletics

 

[Darwin]

Sorry, who has beaten two top 25 ranked teams this season? Sure Duke lost to USF, but who has UNC beaten to justify their top 25 ranking this season?

Who has UNC beaten? The Duck Blue Devils for one.

 

[Darwin]

Eh - I don’t think the conferences are drastically different. I agree that at this point the ACC is running in 3rd. But when I look at the SEC SC and LSU are a cut above - after that … idk. Some solid squads, no one that strikes fear in me. Similar in the Big 10 UCLA and USC stand out and I know there are good teams there - maybe Maryland is on that level? Idk. Some of those squads that are ranked in the BIG 10 haven’t exactly challenged themselves in the out of conference.

The ACC has ND and Duke sort of separating themselves and then a similar cluster of solid teams before it falls off a cliff.

SOS is something to consider too. If Louisville had played Ohio state, maryland or Michigan states schedule they’d probably be ranked 15th and have 1 or 2 losses. Not that Louisville is great, but they’ve challenged themselves and been exposed more than some of these teams I’m looking at in the SEC and big 10.

So when discussing the SEC you fail to even mention Texas who currently holds the number one rank in NET Rankings. But when you discuss the ACC you mention Duke as one of the teams separating themselves. Duke is 2-3 vs ranked opponents, and yet you hold them up as one of the ACC contenders but Texas doesn’t strike any fear in you? Priceless.

 

[Darwin]

Historically:

Duke is 40-20 vs UNC since 1999

Duke is 14-6 vs UNC in the last 20 meetings

The series is 5-5 over the last 10

Duke has won 2 of the last 3.

I guess UNC did have a nice 2 year stretch against them, but that's about it.

Your chart needs updating after last night btw.

 

[cancontent]

Who has UNC beaten? The Duck Blue Devils for one.

Fair, however up until yesterday UNC had nothing in the form of ranked wins.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Fair, however up until yesterday UNC had nothing in the form of ranked wins.

Beat Kentucky 72-53, that one is looking pretty decent. UK has been ranked almost all season haven't they?

 

[FanInNC]

Charmin came on board when Joanne Boyle was coach in 2007. (I credit Boyle with really turning the culture at Calwbb around). When Boyle left, Gottlieb became HC (moving from UCSB back to Cal) and Charmin stayed on as assistant. Charmin left Cal to take a WNBA job at season's end in 2019 but when Gottlieb deserted the team late (mid-June) Cal's AD called Charmin and asked if she'd come back to take the helm. As Charmin recently explained during a panel I attended, she felt that it too big an opportunity not to take the job. She cares deeply about "raising the bar" for representation in the women's game.

Coach Smith was left with a pretty bare cupboard thanks to Gottlieb (no, I'm not bitter) and fans were relieved when she stepped up. At any rate I've always been a big supporter....and believe it or not, Tara has always been a big supporter of Cal's success (except when it came to head to head games). She was happy to see her players enter coaching and make wcbb stronger as result. Charmin has always been a great match for Cal and watching the chemistry on this year's team is evidence of that. She's a wonderful mentor on and off the court for her players. Some fans were impatient, as it's taken a while, but I've always admired Charmin and have had faith in her vision. She has a good class coming in and has used the portal to great effect as well....exciting times in Berkeley.

Here's more: Charmin Smith Named Women’s Basketball Coach - California Golden Bears Athletics

Thanks for the response. I'll say I'm not sure how it would be received in the triangle if a former Wolfpack player was coaching at UNC-Chapel Hill. I can't say I'd be hoping for their success!

Good luck the rest of the season, Cal looks like a fun team to watch!

 

[FanInNC]

So when discussing the SEC you fail to even mention Texas who currently holds the number one rank in NET Rankings. But when you discuss the ACC you mention Duke as one of the teams separating themselves. Duke is 2-3 vs ranked opponents, and yet you hold them up as one of the ACC contenders but Texas doesn’t strike any fear in you? Priceless.

To be fair when that post was made Texas was 1-1 vs top 25 teams a win over WV and a loss to ND. Since I've posted that they have beat Oklahoma and Alabama so that clearly has upped their resume. Duke by comparison had 2 double digit wins against top 10 teams including that same Oklahoma team and K State. Since then Duke has lost to USF and UNC-CH...so yeah, things change. Now I'd argue more for GT or Cal, those teams are a combined 5-0 against the top 25.

The ACC has 10 teams in the top 50 of the NET the SEC has 9 the Big 10 has 13. The ACC has 6 in the top 25 of the NET the SEC has 9 the Big 10 has 6.

I still don't think the ACC is vastly different than the SEC or Big 10. Not arguing it's better, just that it's not that far off.

 

[cancontent]

Beat Kentucky 72-53, that one is looking pretty decent. UK has been ranked almost all season haven't they?

Mea culpa. So UNC and Duke are tied in that respect.

 

[FanInNC]

Your chart needs updating after last night btw.

I'm not a Duke fan so I really don't care - in fact I despise when UNC and Duke play in men's basketball. It's sickening to have to listen to the "battle of the blues" hype on espn and listen to Dickie V salivate over ever breath Roy or K made back in the day. It doesn't garner the same national pub in women's so I don't mind it nearly as much.

The chart I care about is State is 13-6 since 2015 vs the Heels and the Pack have 3 conference titles and a final four over the last 5 years whereas the Heels have 0 of each.

During that same time frame State is 10-5 vs Duke. And similarly Duke has 0 banners to State's 4.

 

[CalWBBfan]

Thanks for the response. I'll say I'm not sure how it would be received in the triangle if a former Wolfpack player was coaching at UNC-Chapel Hill. I can't say I'd be hoping for their success!

Good luck the rest of the season, Cal looks like a fun team to watch!

Truth be told, despite the rivalry there’s a lot of cross-pollination that occurs between Cal and Stanford. And, in terms of sports, our current men’s basketball coach is also a Stanford grad…Mark Madson, a 2 time All-American on their men’s team back in the 90s too.

 

[Dillon77]

Truth be told, despite the rivalry there’s a lot of cross-pollination that occurs between Cal and Stanford. And, in terms of sports, our current men’s basketball coach is also a Stanford grad…Mark Madson, a 2 time All-American on their men’s team back in the 90s too.

And Mike Montgomery coached both guys teams at Stanford, then Cal.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Thanks for the response. I'll say I'm not sure how it would be received in the triangle if a former Wolfpack player was coaching at UNC-Chapel Hill. I can't say I'd be hoping for their success!

Good luck the rest of the season, Cal looks like a fun team to watch!

@CalWBBfan nailed it, so not much to add other than that Tara was always a big supporter of Cal and all Pac-12 teams, as well as WCBB as a whole. For example, check out this story about a player who was unexpectedly denied admission to Stanford and who Tara helped get into Cal (our main rival!) to help that player out. Much as I love Geno and Dawn, I just don't see any other top coaching going out of their way like Tara did.

And in general vis a vis the NC state vs. UNC bloodbath rivalry, outside football there's not a lot of animosity between Stanford and Cal. The student populations are very similar, the school cultures are very similar, and tons of people, this author included, are proud to have degrees from both schools. (but I don't root for Cal because I went to Stanford for undergrad and I don't want my degree revoked for apostasy.) So if Stanford can't succeed at something, I'm very happy to see Cal doing so.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Carleigh Wenzel had a double-double (24 points, 10 assists) for Va. Tech. She's such a Megan Duffy player - upbeat, basketball smarts, technically sound.

I'm a believer in Carleigh Wenzel's potential, though I'd say that she's got a long way to go as a PG. She's got some great physical traits (size at 6'0, quickness, and length) and has the potential to be a great two-way ACC player, but she is prone to taking bad shots, not finishing the good shots she creates for herself, and turning the ball over at a very high clip. A good bit of that is due to the lack of experience as a redshirt sophomore, so there will be some natural improvement. Still, there has to be improvement for the team/program to reach its potential.

That said, these last two games (and the Duke game) have shown me why Coach Megan Duffy (and the staff) stick with her as the primary PG. She's got a lot going for her that should help her in the long run (her aforementioned physical gifts, playing for three PGs (including two former All-ACC players at Clemson and UVA), and PG Georgia Amoore's transfer to Kentucky), so if she sticks with the plan--she's going to be a really good one by the time she graduates.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Forward Rose Micheaux had one of her best games since transferring from Minnesota a few years ago with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

I can tell that she's been watching quite a bit of A'ja Wilson with those jab step, one dribble step back middies. She was outstanding versus Georgia Tech (looked like some of her family showed up to support her, which was nice).

 

[cancontent]

Duke vs Virginia has an interesting Canadian plot for me. Lattimore vs Fournier. Two former Crestwood players who came into college with a lot of hype, Fournier moreso than Lattimore. But they were both had the same coaching while in HS. Going to be interesting.