February 20, 2007

My VBDI (Vitale Bald Dome Index) is really high on the ACC.

Look at the clubs and break down their key wins … then tell me how the conference doesn't deserve to have eight teams in the big dance? Last season, the ACC had just four teams (Duke, NC State, Boston College and North Carolina) make the field of 65 and I felt that was a raw deal. Florida State and Maryland should have been right there.

Any time you can go .500 or better in that conference, you belong among the top 65 teams in America. If you look at the criteria, you can't convince me that those schools did not belong. Playing .500 in a league of that caliber should be a key reason to be included in the field.

Take a look at some of the things that have happened. North Carolina went out to Arizona and put a hurting on the Wildcats. Virginia also got an early W over Lute Olson's club. Florida State knocked off Florida. Duke beat the likes of Georgetown, Air Force and Indiana. Maryland beat Michigan State and Illinois. Georgia Tech has victories over Memphis, Purdue and Georgia in non-conference play to spruce up the resume. Yes, there were some disappointments too, but there are so many positive results!

Then there is Virginia Tech, which has done an amazing job in league play, sweeping North Carolina while getting a big W at Cameron Indoor Stadium over the Dukies. The great guard combination of Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon provides a solid 1-2 punch, while Coleman Collins leads a solid frontcourt.

The conference has fierce competition day in and day out. Yes, at times they beat each other up, but the bottom line is Boston College, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Duke should be lock city, baby! Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Florida State should make it as well, based on the VBDI. Clemson has struggled a bit down the stretch but is in the hunt as well.

Look carefully at the schedules and results. I really feel that when it is all said and done, there is so much talent there and so many teams deserving of bids. It is interesting to look at the landscape across America and there is such parity in league standings. I feel the conference tournaments are going to have a major impact this time around.

Down in Tampa, the ACC tournament should be very special. It should be phenomenal and rock and roll time. There are no easy wins my friends. Go ask North Carolina about NC State. Miami knocked off Maryland and Georgia Tech, while Wake Forest edged Clemson.

The granddaddy of all conference tournaments, this will be very competitive and it is hard to project a winner. Keep an eye on this league down the stretch as clubs jockey for position and seeding in the tourney. It will be awesome, baby with a capital A!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.