Shane Larkin for POY? Plus more News and Notes.

A strong argument can be made that Shane Larkin should be the frontrunner for ACC Player of the Year. Besides the fact that opposing coaches Leonard Hamilton, Roy Williams, and Mike Krzykewski all gushed about the 'Canes sophomore PG in post game pressers, a closer look reveals that Larkin saves his best for when UM needs him most. In three of Miami's closest conference games: at Va Tech, at BC, & at FSU he has averaged 18 ppg, 3.6 rpg, & 4 apg in addition to making a number of timely plays.

In a season where highly ranked teams are falling regularly to in conference foes on the road, Larkin's play when the 'Canes have faced such challenges, is the single biggest reason Miami remains undefeated in the ACC........

Speaking of post season awards, my ACC Preview listed the following All-ACC teams:

All-ACC First Team

G Lorenzo Brown, North Carolina State
G Michael Snaer, Florida State
F Travis McKie, Wake Forest
F C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State
C Reggie Johnson, Miami

All-ACC Second Team

G Erick Green, Virginia Tech
G Durand Scott, Miami or CJ Harris, Wake Forest
G Ian Miller, Florida State
F James Michael McAdoo, North Carolina
F Kenny Kadji, Miami

At this stage of the season I would make the following revisions:

All-ACC First Team

G Erick Green, Virginia Tech
G Shane Larkin, Miami
F Joe Harris, Virginia
F Kenny Kadji, Miami
C Mason Plumlee, Duke

All-ACC Second Team

G Seth Curry, Duke
G Durand Scott, Miami
G Lorenzo Brown, NC State
F Ryan Anderson, BC
F Richard Howell, NC State

For those counting at home, my first team (by my own admission) is 0/5 and my second team is 1/5. I also leave my preseason Player of the Year, CJ Leslie, off both squads. While Leslie is putting up big numbers, he turns the ball over far too often. Teammate Richard Howell has been more efficient in my opinion.........

Among the most surprising results Wednesday night, was Charlotte's 71-67 upset over #11 Butler. Yes, the same 49ers team that Miami dominated 77-46 on December 14th. One night earlier, Michigan State annihilated #4 Michigan 75-52. Yep, the same Spartan club that the 'Canes defeated 67-59 November 28th. Just a few more exhibits that UM is in the midst of a special season and should be earmarked for a #1 seed come March.......

In conference only games, Julian Gamble remains on top of the field with 2.7 bpg (ACC defensive player of the year perhaps??) and Shane Larkin is still the conference steals leader at 2.0 per game. Miami is beating ACC opponents by a league leading average of 13.2 points per game, despite ranking 11th in the conference in FT shooting at 62.6 %. UM leads the league in team steals, team blocks, FG % defense, and 3 point FGs made as well. ALL ACC STATS HERE............

According to CNNSI, Miami fields the oldest team in the country. The 'Canes top six players average 22.5 years old. Despite not having a single player on the roster with NCAA Tournament experience, this level of maturity should benefit them immensely come March.......