For the most part, that's been the case. But not where you'd expect.

North Carolina and Wake Forest talked of challenging Duke for the conference title but both have failed to mature as predicted. However, the improved play from N.C. State and Virginia has come not entirely without the help of some key freshmen. And then there's Duke, which has proven to be more resilient than anyone anticipated.

Duke and Virginia have the two bumper freshman crops this season, filling roster holes left by early-entry, transfers and just a lack of quality players. The Devils plugged in four McDonald's All-Americans and haven't missed a beat while the Cavaliers, who were down to six scholarship players last season, are fighting for a place in the ACC's upper echelon.

Jason Williams is challenging Arizona's Jason Gardner for national freshman of the year honors, and a look at his numbers tells you why. He fills the box score every night, coming within one rebound of recording a triple-double in an 84-83 overtime win over DePaul in which he played all 45 minutes.

Along with veterans Chris Carrawell, Nate James and Shane Battier, Williams has a slew of freshmen at his disposal. Carlos Boozer is dominating inside after recovering from a foot injury early in the season, and Mike Dunleavy is considered a sixth starter for the Devils. The fourth famous frosh, Casey Sanders, just needs to add bulk before this Duke quartet can become an absolute wrecking ball.

Long on perimeter players but short inside, the Cavaliers found their bruiser in 6-foot-7, 245-pound Travis Watson. His presence inside has pulled defenses in, opening the perimeter for Chris Williams and Donald Hand. Roger Mason and Majestic Mapp, two equally heralded recruits, haven't had to play as much as Watson but are still progressing nicely.

While North Carolina's season is failing to meet expectations, the play of freshman Joseph Forte is exceeding Bill Guthridge's wildest dreams. Forte leads the Heels in scoring at 16.2 and chips in 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He could stand some improvement on defense, but in this transition time for Carolina, the door is open for him to assume a major leadership position. Judging by how he's tried to take over on offense during tough times, he's already on his way.

Statistics through Thursday, Jan. 27.

Player	School	Comment
Pasha Baines	Clemson	Third on team with 7.5 ppg
Steven Blake	Maryland	Third in ACC with 6.5 apg, 2.3 spg
Carlos Boozer	Duke	13.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 66.1% FG
Mike Dunleavy	Duke	9.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 21 3s
Joseph Forte	North Carolina	Team-leading 15.8 ppg (7th in ACC)
Roger Mason	Virginia	7.4 ppg, 19.3 mpg
Drew Nicholas	Maryland	Went off for 27 points vs. FDU
Travis Watson	Virginia	11.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg (second in ACC)
Damien Wilkins	N.C. State	9.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg
Jason Williams	Duke	14.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.3 spg