Over the past few weeks DWHoops has counted down the ACC with three questions about each team. Today we conclude the series with our pick to win the ACC Regular Season, the Duke Blue Devils.

Duke

DWHoops 2011 ACC Prediction: #1

1. Are there enough creators to unclog the offense?

Duke had athletes galore at nearly every position last year. What they didn't have was a lot of players who could create their own offense or attack the basket. Jasmine Thomas, Karima Christmas and Shay Selby were about it, and Selby sat much of the time. As a result, a team with any quickness or a smart defensive scheme would often force Duke into ugly shots or out-of-control drives. Adding frosh Chelsea Gray at point guard could open things up for everyone, especially Thomas. Adding frosh Richa Jackson could be that one-on-one shot-maker that Duke has lacked under McCallie.

2. Who's playing power forward?

No one on the roster fits the bill at PF. Posts Allison Vernerey and Krystal Thomas are both true back-to-the-basket centers. If Haley Peters is strong enough to stand the rigors of elite competition, her toughness could earn her a starting spot. Otherwise, you might just see McCallie used the undersized but highly physical & athletic Karima Christmas at this position, and start someone else at the wing.

3. Can Allison Vernerey progress significantly as a sophomore?

Vernerey's footwork, toughness, quickness and left-handed hook were fun to watch last year. Opponents quickly figured out that Vernerey is a mediocre dribbler, a poor shooter and unable to do much going right. Frankly, she needs to work with someone to completely remake her form from the field and the foul line, especially considering how often she gets fouled. One worries that suffering an injury this summer might have prevented that sort of progression.