Duke men's basketball picked to win ACC, Tre Jones named to preseason All-ACC first team

Will this be the first time since the 2009-10 season that Duke will finish the regular season atop the ACC? The media thinks so.

The ACC released its preseason honors Thursday, with the Blue Devils checking in at first in the projected order of finish. Duke's most notable player, point guard Tre Jones, was also recognized, earning a spot on the preseason All-ACC first team and finishing third in Preseason Player of the Year voting.

A sophomore, Jones impressed in his first season with the Blue Devils, as his 5.3 assists per game and 2.0 steals per game were good for second and third in the ACC, respectively. The Minnesota native will be relied on more as a scorer this year, as his three former classmates—Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish—have all since departed for the NBA.

Though not as hyped as last year's Duke freshmen crop, the Blue Devil newcomers were represented well Thursday, with big man Vernon Carey Jr. earning preseason All-ACC second team honors and Carey, Wendell Moore Jr., Cassius Stanley and Matthew Hurt all earning votes for preseason ACC Freshman of the Year.

Preseason All-ACC teams

First team:

Jordan Nwora, Louisville

Second team:

Markell Johnson, North Carolina State

Vernon Carey Jr., Duke

Chris Lykes, Miami

Garrison Brooks, North Carolina

Trent Forrest, Florida State

Preseason Player of the Year

Jordan Nwora, Louisville

Preseason Freshman of the Year

Cole Anthony, North Carolina

Predicted order of finish

1. Duke

2. North Carolina

3. Louisville

4. Virginia

5. Florida State

6. North Carolina State

7. Notre Dame

8. Syracuse

9. Miami

10. Pitt

11. Clemson

12. Georgia Tech

13. Boston College

14. Virginia Tech

15. Wake Forest