ACC Nation's new site

Please visit our new and improved ACC Nation.com site, which now contains the ACC Nation blog. You can also listen to the latest ACC Nation podcast or visit our store.

Around ACC Nation

This could be a turning point for Virginia basketball. The Cavs beat NC State on the road, but then again, the Wolfpack aren't that great this season. But to go into Clemson and knock off the Tigers 64-63, especially after being down 16 in the second half, is huge for the Cavaliers. Plus, J.R. Reynolds continued his hot play. One has to wonder if three huge games in a row is a fluke or if Reynolds is finally doing what everyone thought he could throughout his career.

Times Dispatch

Don't look now, but Duke is getting better. The Devils have won five in a row after beating Boston College 75-61. Of course, Thursday night at Virginia will be a test. The Cavs are very good at home.

ESPN.com

Here's something I didn't expect to be writing on Jan. 28 - Virginia Tech is in first place in the ACC. After the Hokies beat Georgia Tech Sunday and BC fell to Duke, Virginia Tech took over first in the conference. Not bad for a team that lost to Western Michigan and Marshall earlier this season.

Times Dispatch

AJC

In women's basketball, North Carolina beat Maryland behind Ivory Latta's 32 points. Maryland, the defending national champion, has now lost to Duke and Carolina.

Fox Sports

North Carolina State, Clemson, Georgia Tech and Florida State also won in women's hoops Sunday.

TheACC.com

Carolina rolls, FSU knocks off Wake

How impressive was Carolina yesterday? Even without Brandan Wright and Marcus Ginyard, the Tar Heels went into Arizona, ranked No. 17 in the country, and destroyed the Wildcats 92-64. A lot of questions have been answered with the improved play of Ty Lawson. There's still plenty of season left, but if Carolina continues playing like this the Heels could be scary good come March.

News and Observer story

Tucson Citizen story

Andy Katz's take

The only other ACC game yesterday featured Florida State squeaking by Wake Forest. Here's the story from the Tallahasse Democrat.

ACC officials admit to mistake

John Clougherty, the ACC's coordinator of basketball officials, made the following statement about a timing error at the end of the Clemson-Duke game Thursday night.

"The league acknowledges that a timing error was made in not starting the game clock at the correct time, when the ball was stolen by Clemson's Vernon Hamilton off the in-bounded pass from Duke's Josh McRoberts."

Following Hamilton's steal, the guard hit a jumper to tie the game at 66, but officials realized that the game clock didn't start until right before ball went through the basket. Then it continued to run, going from 5.0 seconds to 1.8 seconds. The clock should have started when Hamilton touched the ball and stopped after his shot was made.

Officials, after studying TV replays, decided that 4.4 seconds should have remained on the clock, but they didn't take into consideration that the clock never started when Hamilton stole the ball.

ESPN, which broadcast the game, looked at the replays also and determined that 2.4 seconds should have been left on the clock. But, with those two additional seconds put on the clock by ACC officials, Duke was able to get the ball down the court and score on a David-McClure layup as the buzzer sounded. Duke won 68-66.

"We came to this conclusion after completing a review of the game film as well as internal conversations with the crew of officials, both head coaches and conference office staff," said Clougherty. "At this point, as with most league officiating matters, this situation has been handled and resolved internally."

For his part, Clemson coach Oliver Purnell seems to be taking it all in stride, at least publicly.

"I spoke with John Clougherty of the ACC this morning and we discussed what took place at the end of the Duke game last night. He acknowledged that there was a timing error and the matter will be handled internally. I am satisfied with their review in this matter."

Then Purnell turned his attention to the Tigers' next game.

"We now need to put 100 percent of our focus on our game with
Virginia on Sunday and that is what we will do starting with today's practice," Purnell said Friday.

- Patrick Hite

ACC Nation (weekend of January 26)

Click here to listen

(Go to Download this week's show, complete show and click on ACC Nation (weekend of January 26) )

On ACC Nation this weekend, ESPN’s Andy Katz joins the guys to talk ACC hoops.

Patrick and Chris also chat with Mark Berman of the Roanoke Times about Virginia Tech basketball.

In Inside the Nation, the guys take a look at what NBA scouts think of some ACC players, and they’ll discuss the ACC football schedule on the Sound and the Fury.

That and more on ACC Nation

Click here to listen

Coach K haters unite

Washington's Gilbert Arenas sure can hold a grudge. Of course, I have no problem with the object of his bitterness.

Arenas is now a member of the "I hate Coach K and Duke" club, and, speaking as a card-carrying member of that group, I welcome all new members - the more the merrier.

Arenas is upset about being left off of the U.S. national team, and said he's score 84 or 85 points against Duke if he could go back to college. Of course, Duke is coached by Mike Krzyzewski, who also coached the national team.

Here's the story

- Patrick Hite

ACC football schedule

The ACC released is football schedule. The team-by-team schedule is below. A few things that are worthy of attention:

Boston College plays three conference games to start the season;

Duke will be 0-12 once again;

One would think Carolina should get a win to start off the Butch-Davis era, considering they play Division I-AA (or is that NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision team) James Madison;

Wake Forest will have a tough time going undefeated in the non-conference portion of its schedule with Nebraska coming to town (although I'm not saying the Deacons can't be the Huskers)

Boston College
Sept. 1 Wake Forest
Sept. 8 NC State
Sept. 15 at Georgia Tech
Sept. 22 Army
Sept. 29 Massachusetts
Oct. 6 Bowling Green
Oct. 13 at Notre Dame
Oct. 20 Open
Oct. 25 at Virginia Tech (Thursday)
Nov. 3 Florida State
Nov. 10 at Maryland
Nov. 17 at Clemson
Nov. 24 Miami

Clemson
Sept. 3 Florida State (Monday)
Sept. 8 Louisiana Monroe
Sept. 15 Furman
Sept. 22 at NC State
Sept. 29 at Georgia Tech
Oct. 6 Virginia Tech
Oct. 13 Open
Oct. 20 Central Michigan
Oct. 27 at Maryland
Nov. 3 at Duke
Nov. 10 Wake Forest
Nov. 17 Boston College
Nov. 24 at South Carolina

Duke
Sept. 1 Connecticut
Sept.8 at Virginia
Sept. 15 at Northwestern
Sept. 22 at Navy
Sept. 29 at Miami
Oct. 6 Wake Forest
Oct. 13 Virginia Tech
Oct. 20 Open
Oct. 27 at Florida State
Nov. 3 Clemson
Nov. 10 Georgia Tech
Nov. 17 at Notre Dame
Nov. 24 at North Carolina

Florida State
Sept. 3 at Clemson (Monday)
Sept. 8 UAB
Sept. 15 at Colorado
Sept. 22 Open
Sept. 29 Alabama (Jacksonville)
Oct. 6 NC State
Oct. 11 at Wake Forest (Thursday)
Oct. 20 Miami
Oct. 27 Duke
Nov. 3 at Boston College
Nov. 10 at Virginia Tech
Nov. 17 Maryland
Nov. 24 at Florida

Georgia Tech
Sept. 1 at Notre Dame
Sept. 8 Samford
Sept. 15 Boston College
Sept. 22 at Virginia
Sept. 29 Clemson
Oct. 6 at Maryland
Oct. 13 at Miami
Oct. 20 Army
Oct. 27 Open
Nov. 1 Virginia Tech (Thursday)
Nov. 10 at Duke
Nov. 17 North Carolina
Nov. 24 Georgia

Maryland
Sept. 1 Villanova
Sept. 8 at Florida International
Sept. 13 West Virginia (Thursday)
Sept. 22 at Wake Forest
Sept. 29 at Rutgers
Oct. 6 Georgia Tech
Oct. 13 Open
Oct. 20 Virginia
Oct. 27 Clemson
Nov. 3 at North Carolina
Nov. 10 Boston College
Nov. 17 at Florida State
Nov. 24 at NC State

Miami
Sept. 1 Marshall
Sept. 8 at Oklahoma
Sept. 15 Florida International
Sept. 20 Texas A&M (Thursday)
Sept. 29 Duke
Oct. 6 at North Carolina
Oct. 13 Georgia Tech
Oct. 20 at Florida State
Oct. 27 Open
Nov. 3 NC State
Nov. 10 Virginia
Nov. 17 at Virginia Tech
Nov. 24 at Boston College

North Carolina
Sept. 1 James Madison
Sept. 8 at East Carolina
Sept. 15 Virginia
Sept. 22 at South Florida
Sept. 29 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 6 Miami
Oct. 13 South Carolina
Oct. 20 Open
Oct. 27 at Wake Forest
Nov. 3 Maryland
Nov. 10 at NC State
Nov. 17 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 24 Duke

NC State
Sept. 1 Central Florida
Sept. 8 at Boston College
Sept. 15 Wofford
Sept. 22 Clemson
Sept. 29 Louisville (or Sept. 27)
Oct. 6 at Florida State
Oct. 13 Open
Oct. 20 at East Carolina
Oct. 27 Virginia
Nov. 3 at Miami
Nov. 10 North Carolina
Nov. 17 at Wake Forest
Nov. 24 Maryland

Virginia
Sept. 1 at Wyoming
Sept. 8 Duke
Sept. 15 at North Carolina
Sept. 22 Georgia Tech
Sept. 29 Pittsburgh
Oct. 6 at Middle Tennessee State
Oct. 13 Connecticut
Oct. 20 at Maryland
Oct. 27 at NC State
Nov. 3 Wake Forest
Nov. 10 at Miami
Nov. 17 Open
Nov. 24 Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech
Sept. 1 East Carolina
Sept. 8 at LSU
Sept. 15 Ohio University
Sept. 22 William & Mary
Sept. 29 North Carolina
Oct. 6 at Clemson
Oct. 13 at Duke
Oct. 20 Open
Oct. 25 Boston College (Thursday)
Nov. 1 at Georgia Tech (Thursday)
Nov. 10 Florida State
Nov. 17 Miami
Nov. 24 at Virginia

Wake Forest
Sept. 1 at Boston College
Sept. 8 Nebraska
Sept. 15 Army
Sept. 22 Maryland
Sept. 29 Open
Oct. 6 at Duke
Oct. 11 Florida State (Thursday)
Oct. 20 at Navy
Oct. 27 North Carolina
Nov. 3 at Virginia
Nov. 10 at Clemson
Nov. 17 NC State
Nov. 24 at Vanderbilt

Labor Day Bowden Bowl

I find this interesting. Last year FSU played Miami on Labor Day and the Hurricanes' coach was fired after the season. This year the Seminoles play Clemson on Labor Day ... I'm not saying, I'm just saying.

Patrick

Clemson press release:

Clemson will open its 2007 football schedule against Florida State on Labor Day Night (September 3, 2007) in a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN. This will be the first time Clemson has played a regular season game on a Monday night since 1982 when the Tigers opened the season at Georgia in a nationally televised game on ABC.

"The Clemson-Florida State game is one of our most viewed telecasts, and eagerly anticipated match-ups each year," said Dave Brown, vice president, ESPN programming and acquisitions. "The popularity of our Labor Day primetime window is a natural fit for this game and we look forward to showcasing the Clemson-Florida State game to a national audience in an exclusive college football window."

Kickoff for the contest will be 8:00 PM.

"This will bring tremendous exposure to our program," said Head Coach Tommy Bowden. "The Clemson-Florida State game is always one of the most watched college games of the year and now it will be in a time slot on a holiday evening with no other college game broadcast at the same time.

Last year's Labor Day Night game between Florida State and Miami (FL) averaged 6,330,000 households, was the sixth most viewed regular season college football game on national television in 2006, ranked as ESPN's highest-rated college football game since 1994 with a 6.9 rating, and was the most viewed college football game in ESPN's history.

"As we saw last year when ESPN's College GameDay came to Clemson for the Georgia Tech game, this Labor Day evening game will be a great opportunity to showcase Clemson University," said Clemson Athletic Director Dr. Terry Don Phillips. "It will bring great exposure for the University as we strive to become a Top 20 national public university.”

The ACC has informed Dr. Phillips that Clemson will not have a Thursday Night game home or away during the 2007 season.

The Clemson vs. Florida State game will be the ninth meeting between Tigers Head Coach Tommy Bowden and his father, Florida State Hall of Fame Head Coach Bobby Bowden. Bobby has won five of the first eight, but Tommy has won three of the last four, including last year's game in Tallahassee, FL, a 27-20 Clemson victory on a one-yard touchdown run by James Davis with just eight seconds left.

The complete Clemson schedule for 2007 will be released at a later date.

Gailey to remain at Georgia Tech

Some might say this is bad news for Georgia Tech, but Chan Gailey is remaining at the school as its football coach. Below is the press release announcing Gailey's decision.

Patrick

Press release from Georgia Tech:

Chan Gailey, Georgia Tech's head football coach since 2002,announced Friday that he will remain at Tech.

"I'm excited about the future here at Georgia Tech," Gailey said at a Friday afternoon press conference. "We have 17 of the 22 returning starters from the bowl game. We've got a great recruiting class. We've got a (Coastal) Division title to defend. It was a great opportunity for me and an honor to visit with these people but, I'm excited about the future here at Georgia Tech and where we're headed and what we're going to do for the next few years."

Gailey had been under consideration by for the head coaching position of the Miami Dolphins, the organization from which he was hired by Georgia Tech on Dec. 29, 2001. He spent the 2000 and 2001 seasons as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator before becoming the 11th head coach in Tech history. During his time in Miami, Gailey developed a close relationship with owner Wayne Huzienga, leading him to interview for the head coaching position.

"I'd like to thank all the fans and all of the members of the Georgia Tech family that have been so patient through this whole process," said Gailey. "It didn't happen nearly as quickly as anyone had hoped but we are excited that we are now able to go on to the next full speed ahead. Everybody has been very supportive and I'm deeply appreciative."

Gailey led Tech to a 9-5 record, the ACC Coastal Division title and a berth in the Toyota Gator Bowl in 2006. The Jackets return 17 starters from last year's squad that earned the school's 10th consecutive bowl berth, led by ACC rushing leader Tashard Choice, all-conference defenders Philip Wheeler, Jamal Lewis and Adamm Oliver and all-America punter Durant Brooks.

The 55-year-old Gailey has led the Yellow Jackets to winning seasons and bowl games in each of his five seasons on the Flats, compiling a record of 37-27. He joins college football legend John Heisman as the only head coaches in school history who have never had a losing season. Gailey's 37 victories rank fourth among all Tech head coaches, behind Bobby Dodd (166/22 seasons), William Alexander (134/25 seasons), Heisman (102/16 seasons) and George O'Leary (53/7 seasons).

Tech has posted seven victories over nationally-ranked teams under Gailey, six of them coming on the road, including wins at No. 10 Virginia Tech, at No. 3 Miami and at No. 15 Auburn over the last two seasons.

Ten Yellow Jackets earned all-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition in 2006, led by ACC Player of the Year and unanimous first-team all-American Calvin Johnson. Tech had a total of 28 first or second-team all-ACC selections over Gailey's five years, as well as 21 Academic All-ACC student-athletes through the 2005 season.

ACC Nation (weekend of January 19)

Click here to listen

On ACC Nation this week, Steve Martin, play-by-play voice of ACC telecasts on Lincoln Financial Sports, visits with the guys to talk ACC hoops.

Patrick caught up with Johnny Holliday, Voice of the Terps, earlier this week and the two talked Maryland basketball. We'll have that interview for you,

Another listener tries to Win the Shirt off Chris' Back.

And, in the Sound and the Fury, Patrick and Chris rip Boston College and discuss why the UNC women might have trouble winning a national title.

All that and more on ACC Nation.


Click here to listen

Around ACC Nation

More on the dismissal of two Boston College players. Sean Williams and Akida McLain are gone for good.

North Carolina bounced back from its loss to Virginia Tech, while the Hokies fell apart.

Former NC State coach Chuck Amato has a job, returning to Florida State under Bobby Bowden.

Boston College loses two players

Boston College has dismissed Sean Williams and Akida McLain from its basketball team, according to this story. The loss of Williams will be huge. He was one of the best defenders in the conference and BC will find it difficult to replace him up front. Even though the Eagles are 5-0 in the ACC, Len Elmore, broacasting the UNC at Clemson game Wednesday night, said the loss of Williams ended Boston College's chances at the conference title.

- Patrick Hite

Around ACC Nation

For those hoping Duke would never win again, so much for that dream.

In women's basketball, NC State and Virginia both won conference games. Carolina gets tested tonight with UConn visits Chapel Hill.

Sean Williams has stepped up his defense at Boston College. Here's a quote, from Jared Dudley, that I love from this story:
“Earlier in the year, Sean didn’t really play defense,” Jared Dudley said. “He just let everyone bring it to him and he blocked shots. That worked against teams like Duquesne and Providence, but it doesn’t work in the ACC. He’s being smarter now and we’re trying to stop the penetration to him.”
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't BC lose to both Duquesne and Providence, and aren't the Eagles unbeaten in the ACC? Oh well.

Speaking of unbeaten in the ACC, Virginia Tech is tied with BC at the top of the conference standings.

Georgia Tech may be losing its football coach, and no one seems to care.

For those enjoying the spring-like temperatures in the mid-Atlantic recently, here's some baseball news out of Florida State. The season begins - get ready for this - in less than three weeks.

Around ACC Nation

The biggest game of the day is on the women's side, where Maryland is at Duke. It's the first meeting from the teams since last year's National Championship game. Friend of the Nation Beth Mowins writes that Crystal Langhore is the X factor in the game. She also writes that Kristi Toliver is ready to move on from the shot. Here's a good story on Maryland's Jade Perry.

Seth Davis thinks Carolina will go down this weekend when it plays at Virginia Tech.

Clemson needs to keep its mind on the game as the attention starts to mount for the only undefeated team in Division I men's basketball.

Georgia Tech upset Duke last week, but they are averaging almost 17 turnovers a game and that's a concern.

The latest in the Duke lacrosse case is that the prosecutor, who is facing ethics charges, has asked off the case.

Here's the latest Foul Shots column from the News and Observer. This week they take shots at everyone from UVa.'s win over Puerto Rico to Herb Sendek's slow start in Arizona to Gary Williams' s propensity to sweat a little too much during games.

ACC Nation (weekend of January 12)

Click here to listen

On ACC Nation this weekend, Friend of the Nation Jeff White of the Richmond Times Dispatch stops by to talk both UVa. and Virginia Tech basketball.

Wes Durham, Georgia Tech’s play-by-play voice, talks about the Yellow Jackets’ big win over Duke earlier this week, plus he gives us the latest on Tech football and the NFL Draft.

And Rachel Carter of the News and Observer previews the Maryland-Duke women’s games this weekend.

That and more on ACC Nation

Click here to listen

Clemson on a roll

Clemson rolled off 14 wins in a row before entering ACC play last week, leading some to compare the Tigers basketball team to the Wake Forest football team. But Dan Bonner, a college basketball analyst with Fox Sports Net and CBS, as well as ACC telecasts, wasn’t shocked to see the Tigers having success heading into January.

“Anytime a team goes through its non-conference schedule undefeated, I think you have to say that’s a surprise,” Bonner said, “but I expected Clemson would have a pretty good season.”

The winning didn't stop once the Tigers started ACC play. After beating North Carolina State Tuesday night, Clemson is 3-0 in conference play and, maybe more noteworthy, 2-0 on the road in the ACC.

With three of their five starters having seen significant minutes last season, plus the return of James Mays, who started 11 games before being placed on academic probation last season, Bonner knew Clemson had a chance to be good this year.

The only questions Bonner had about Clemson focused on the offense. He wondered about the Tigers' perimeter shooting and free throws. So far, that’s still a question. Clemson is eighth in field-goal percentage and 9th in three-point-shooting percentage in the ACC. As for free throws, the Tigers are last in the conference at 61.6 percent.

But it's defense where Clemson is making its mark this season. The Tigers have held opponents to just over 61 points a game – good enough for third in the ACC – and forced nearly 19 turnovers a game. That’s been enough to run off 17-straight wins, including the three ACC victories.

Vernon Hamilton and Cliff Hammonds have to be considered among the best backcourts in the ACC. Combined, the two average slightly more than 22 points a game, but you have to look past the numbers to realize the impact the guard duo has on the team.

"These guys strip steal and disrupt and square up about as well as any two guards I've seen," said Pete Yanity, who calls play-by-play for the Tigers’ radio network. "Watching Vernon Hamilton with a signature strip steal near midcourt is just a thing of beauty. He's made it such an art. And Cliff Hammonds, I think, is the best defensive player on this team."

After missing most of the season last year, Mays is back this season. So far he is getting the job done on offense, scoring nearly 13 points a game, but he also leads the Tigers with 7.3 rebounds per contest. But, like Hamilton and Hammonds, Mays brings more to the table than just the obvious statistics.

"He's one of the best defenders I've ever been around," Clemson coach Oliver Purnell said of Mays. "Certainly the best on the point of your press."

He has been crucial in keying that Clemson press and even held down the point on a 1-3-1 zone used by the Tigers in the win over Florida State.

"He's got good rebounding and scoring numbers," Yanity said, "but then add in the deflected balls, the intimidation factor in the paint, being there as another body inside along with Booker - that certainly has helped the development of Trevor Booker too."

Oh, yes, Booker. Even though Clemson is loaded with experience, Booker, just a freshman, has started all 16 games and is averaging 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds a contest.

“He has proved to be just a force and looks like he has been in college hoops for a couple of years, not just a couple of months,” said Yanity.

One of the more interesting stats that jumps out at you about Clemson this season is that its leading scorer, K.C. Rivers, hasn't started a single game. He's averaging 15 points a game coming off the bench, a decision that was made in the second week of practice.

Rivers is one of only three players on the Clemson roster who can play point guard - Hamilton and Hammonds are the other two - and Purnell didn't want all three of them in the starting lineup. He discussed it with Rivers, who didn't hesitate to play the role as sixth man.

"Not only has he been tremendous offensively, he's been very good defensively and rebounding the basketball as well," Purnell said. "People notice him scoring in the box score, but if you look down that stat sheet carefully, you'll see that he gives us something in steals, assists, rebounding - that kind of thing. "

Before the Georgia Tech game, Bonner said he thought a Clemson win would make the Tigers a factor in the ACC race this season. Don’t look now, but Clemson is one of only four ACC teams ranked in the latest ESPN/USA Today poll, coming in at 14th. In the Associated Press poll, Clemson is 17th, but one of only three ACC teams to be ranked.

Purnell said he hasn't been following the attention his team is receiving as the only remaining unbeaten team in Division I men's basketball, but he knows that people are talking about the Tigers. The coach realizes there could be a downside to all of the attention, but at the same time he wants his players to enjoy and embrace what has been, to this point, a special situation.

"There could be pitfalls," Purnell said, "but so far our guys have handled ever situation that we've come across the same way. I think it's just important for me, as their coach, to remind them why we're (unbeaten) and if we don't do the same things that got us here, that will end very quickly."

- Patrick Hite

Clemson's Gaddis turning pro

Press release from Clemson:

Clemson redshirt junior cornerback C.J. Gaddis has decided to forego his senior season of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. Gaddis informed Clemson coaches of his final decision on Wednesday.

"I want to thank all the people at Clemson for the help they have given me the last four years," said Gaddis. "I especially appreciate my teammates and coaches, in particular Coach Tommy Bowden and my position coach the last two years, Vic Koenning. This is the best decision for me. I have thought about it for a long time and I am comfortable with the decision.

"It is important for me to get my degree from Clemson. I have only 19 hours. I will be back to finish up."

Gaddis started 11 of Clemson's 13 games this season and had 33 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss. He had two interceptions, including one against South Carolina in the regular season finale. Gaddis had five passes defensed and 25 individual tackles.

His top game came at Wake Forest when he had a season high six tackles, including four tackles for loss. The four tackles for loss were a Clemson record for a Tiger defensive back. He also had an interception on Wake Forest's final drive that clinched Clemson's 27-17 win over the eventual ACC Champions.

Gaddis was a big reason Clemson ranked in the top 20 this season in total defense, pass efficiency defense and scoring defense. Gaddis had 59 tackles as a safety in 2005 when he helped the Tigers to an 8-4 season and a top 25 finish in the final polls. He had three consecutive double figure tackle games early in that season against Maryland, Miami (FL) and Boston College.

Gaddis finished his career with 35 games played and 16 starts. He had 113 career tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and five interceptions. He also forced four fumbles, including two in 2006.

As a sophomore in 2005 he had a streak of three consecutive games with an interception as a non-starter in wins over Duke, Florida State and South Carolina.

Gaddis came to Clemson as a quarterback from Raeford, NC, but his family now lives in Virginia.

"I feel C.J. Gaddis would have benefited by returning for his senior year just as Tye Hill and Gaines Adams have done each of the last two years," said Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden. "He had a fine career here and we wish him well in his pursuit of a professional career."

Goestenkors against banning male practice players

Last month the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics issued a position statement calling for a ban on the use of male practice players in women’s intercollegiate athletics.

Since then it has been a hot topic of conversation, especially among women's basketball coaches.

It’s been a subject that the committee has been looking at for a couple of years. Currently, Division III has an actual proposal on the table to limit the use of male practice players, while Division I and II are simply looking into the issue.

Duke’s Gail Goestenkors has said she is against banning male practice players. ACC Nation recently had a chance to ask about her thoughts on the topic.

ACC Nation: What are the benefits of using male practice players?

Coach G: Practicing against male practice players allows us to improve in each and every practice. Going up against bigger, stronger and faster athletes in practice every day makes our practices more intense and makes us better. I want to make practice so hard that when they get out on the court during games they think it is easier.

ACC Nation: If male practice players are banned, what are the possible repercussions?

Coach G: We usually carry a roster of 12 players and if they were banned we would have to add more players to our roster which would result in players not getting playing time and end result would be more transfers. This would also take away some players for the mid-majors they would normally get.

ACC Nation: How does Duke use male practice players?

Coach G: We use male practice players for drills, scrimmages and running opposing teams offenses. The use of male practice players in no way takes time away from our 11 scholarship players.

ACC Nation: What about the argument that using male practice players eliminates opportunities for females?

Coach G: If they came out and watched our practice they would see that using male practice players does not eliminate opportunities for females. Everyone gets equal time in practice.

- Patrick Hite

Johnson declares for NFL draft

Georgia Tech All-American Calvin Johnson announced today that he is making himself available for the 2007 NFL draft.
The junior wide receiver had been tabbed by some draft analysts as being one of the top two or three prospects for the upcoming draft before confirming his plans to turn professional.
Johnson, a 6-5, 235-pounder, was a unanimous first-team All-America selection and first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick in 2006 and was named the 2006 ACC player of the year.
Johnson led the ACC in receptions with 76 and in receiving yards with 1,202 - and was second in the nation in touchdown receptions with 15.
- Chris Graham

Around ACC Nation

North Carolina broke away from Florida State in the second half to win its ACC opener. Frank Dascenzo writes that the point-guard position at Carolina this season could be special.

Virginia finally lost at its new arena.

Here's the women's roundup from Sunday.

It's easy to see that with Jared Dudley, Boston College is a different team.

Georgia Tech is already shorthanded this year, but the Jackets may lose another player for Wednesday's game against Duke.

Miami's Jon Beason will enter the NFL Draft.

Monday Morning Power Poll

With all 12 teams having played at least one conference game, and with a new year here, ACC Nation figured it was time to debut our Monday Morning Power Poll. So, for the week of Jan. 8, here’s how we see the ACC teams:

1. North Carolina
- Too talented and too deep for many teams to keep up with for 40 minutes. Just ask Florida State.
2. Clemson
- An undefeated record and two tough ACC wins has to be worth something. Here, it’s worth the second spot.
3. Duke
- OK, they lost at home. Still, let’s not forget the Devils are 13-2 and have the best defense in the conference.
4. Maryland
- No, the Terps aren’t the same team they were in November. But they have won five straight, and all in impressive fashion.
5. Virginia Tech
- Beating Duke in Cameron is good enough for us to put the Hokies this high. Still, there are questions Tech will have to answer in weeks to come.
6. Virginia
- Wins over Gonzaga and Arizona, good. Loses to Appalachian State and Utah, bad.
7. Boston College
- We’ll cut them some slack because Jared Dudley was out, but we haven’t forgotten BC lost to Duquesne, which turned around and lost to St. Joseph’s by 48.
8. Georgia Tech
- Young and talented, sure, but with Duke coming up this week the Jackets are looking squarely at 0-3 in the ACC.
9. Florida State
- The Seminoles have been tested five times this season, and failed four of those. (The High Point and Coastal Carolina wins didn’t do much for us).
10. North Carolina State
- A two-point win over North Carolina Greensboro followed by a 16-point home loss to Boston College. Thank goodness for Wake and Miami.
11. Wake Forest
- The Demon Deacons saved themselves from last with an impressive comeback win over Miami.
12. Miami
- Miami earned last place with a not-so-impressive meltdown against Wake Forest.

Around ACC Nation

Getting a road win in the ACC is not easy. Well, unless you're Virginia Tech, Wake Forest or Boston College. All three won conference games on the road yesterday. For Virginia Tech, the win at Duke was sweet revenge for the way the Hokies lost at Cameron last season.

Clemson, which won on the road Wednesday against Florida State, returned home yesterday and, for the second time in a week, recorded a close conference victory. The Tigers are the only unbeaten team in Division I men's basketball.

North Carolina opens conference play tonight against Florida State.

Maryland, meanwhile, continued to crush opponents on the women's side. The Terps are so impressive that George Solomon of the Washington Post chose to watch them over any number of other choices last week when Maryland opened ACC play.

Chan Gailey said he isn't looking to leave Georgia Tech. Then again, he did admit to interviewing for the Miami Dolphins' head coaching job.

GT's Clinch suspended for season

Press release from Georgia Tech:

Lewis Clinch, a sophomore member of Georgia Tech’s basketball team, has been suspended from the Yellow Jackets’ team for violation of Institute policy. The 6-3 guard left the team on Friday, and will not play the remainder of the 2006-07 season.

His status as a student at Georgia Tech will be determined next week when spring semester classes begin. Clinch has indicated his desire to work with the Institute to remain enrolled.

“Lewis has been presented with several options, but has been resolute about staying in school at Georgia Tech if at all possible,” said head coach Paul Hewitt. “He has been in good academic standing throughout his career. He has been a good person, a good teammate and a hard worker.

“There are a number of scenarios under which Lewis can regain his playing status in the coming months and rejoin our basketball team next season. I can only wish him the best in working with the Institute with regard to his pursuit of a degree from Georgia Tech.”

Clinch, from Cordele, Ga., has played in all 14 games for Tech this season and started 12 of them, averaging 13.2 points a game while shooting 53.2 percent from the floor and 47.6 percent from three-point range. Clinch ranked among the Atlantic Coast Conference leaders in all three categories.

ACC Nation (weekend of January 5)

Click here to listen

On ACC Nation this weekend, Mike Hogewood joins Patrick and Chris to wrap up the bowl season in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Dan Bonner stops by to talk ACC basketball, and Pete Yanity, the voice of the Clemson Tigers, discusses the fast start by the Clemson basketball team.

Plus, the guys talk about Coach K, bowl games and fantasy football in the Sound and the Fury.

That and more on ACC Nation

Click here to listen

Around ACC Nation

Wake Forest wasn't able to put the finishing touches on its dream season Tuesday night.

Duke rallied from a first-half deficit to beat Temple, while NC State had to hold on for an overtime win. Miami also won a close one.

Here's what the rest of the ACC women's basketball programs wanted to hear - Maryland has yet another weapon.

Some decisions being made today in the coaching ranks could have an affect on Florida State.

Despite a loss, Georgia Tech may have found its next quarterback.