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| 24. WAKE FOREST |
LAST YEAR: 22-14 |
'99-00 RANK: NR
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 Why No. 24?: Darius Songaila. Songaila's aggressive play on the backboard for the Lithuanians helped them make a run at the U.S. in an Olympic semifinal game. Songaila can get away with his bruising play in international games. If he tempers it a bit and plays off of Josh Howard and Rafael Vidaurreta (still nursing nagging injuries), then the Demon Deacons have a shot for a top-four finish in the ACC. All five starters return from the NIT champs, who probably would have made a decent run in the NCAA Tournament last season after finally deciding on keeping Robert O'Kelley as more of a wing. O'Kelley is still the team's leader and most versatile player. He's enough of a talent to keep Wake in the top 25.
Will Climb If: Songaila stays on the floor, Vidaurreta is healthy for the critical games, and O'Kelley doesn't stray from his role. If O'Kelley doesn't yield to Ervin Murray and Broderick Hicks, then Dave Odom will have problems in the backcourt. But, most importantly, Wake can't afford a melt down in the non-conference, like it did last year at the Rainbow Classic in Hawaii. Wake can't give the committee a reason to snub the Deacons. Splitting road games against Michigan and Temple would help, but sweeping home games against Kansas and Georgia would do wonders for its top 25 standing.
Will Fall If: The Demon Deacons can't separate themselves from N.C. State and Virginia in the ACC. The three enter the season essentially tied behind Duke, North Carolina and Maryland as the next team to beat in the ACC. Wake has the most experience back among N.C. State and Virginia, but it can't afford lapses in judgment, especially in late-game situations like it had last year.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"Great for the 49ers. They play pretty tough, I like their games of the past asgaint the Tarheels. I like that position for them."
Dave, Raleigh, N.C.
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