2011-12 Wake Forest Basketball Predictions


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2010-11 Results:
Overall: 8-24 (7-12 H, 1-11 A, 0-1 N)
ACC: 1-15 (1-7 H, 0-8 A)
Conference Tournament: 0-1, lost in first round
Postseason: None

It was a year to forget for one of the more storied programs in college basketball – just eight wins, losing its last 12 games and 16 of 17 to end the first season of Jeff Bzdelik’s tenure at Wake Forest. After a 5-3 start and a three-game win streak, the team lost 21 of its 24 games thereafter, winning just one ACC game (at home vs. Virginia).

Roster
Returning Starters
Carson Desrosiers
C.J. Harris
Travis McKie

Returning Lettermen
Tony Chennault
Nikita Mescheriakov
Ty Walker

Other Returning Players
Brooks Godwin
Spencer Jennings
Aaron Ingle
Ryan Keenan

Newcomers
Anthony Fields
Daniel Green
Chase Fischer

Head Coach
Jeff Bzdelik, second year

Key Losses
The Demon Deacons lost three of their top five scorers and contributors from last year.

J.T. Terrell finished second on the team in scoring (11.1 ppg) and assists (51) and was fourth in steals (21). Gary Clark was third in scoring (10.9 ppg) and assists (50) while being tops in steals (30) and shooting 55 percent from the 3-point line (52-94) and 41 percent from the floor overall. Ari Stewart was second in rebounding (4.4 pg) and fifth in scoring (8.5 ppg) while playing 25 minutes per game and starting 16 games.

Schedule

Date Opponent / Event
11/4/2011 vs. Ferrum College (Exhibition)
11/11/2011 vs. Loyola (Md)
11/16/2011 vs. Georgia Southern
11/20/2011 vs. North Carolina Central
2011 Old Spice Classic
11/24/2011 vs. Dayton
11/25/2011 Arizona State or Fairfield
11/27/2011 TBD
Regular Season
11/30/2011 @Nebraska
12/3/2011 vs. Richmond
12/7/2011 @High Point
12/10/2011 @Seton Hall
12/18/2011 vs. Gardner-Webb
12/21/2011 vs. UNC Wilmington
12/29/2011 vs. Yale
1/2/2012 vs. Wofford
1/7/2012 vs. Virginia Tech
1/11/2012 @Maryland
1/14/2012 vs. NC State
1/19/2012 @Duke
1/21/2012 @Boston College
1/25/2012 vs. Florida State
1/28/2012 @Clemson
1/31/2012 vs. North Carolina
2/4/2012 @NC State
2/8/2012 @Virginia
2/11/2012 vs. Clemson
2/15/2012 vs. Georgia Tech
2/18/2012 @Miami
2/25/2012 vs. Boston College
2/28/2012 vs. Duke
3/3/2012 @Georgia Tech

2011-12 Preview

The good news for Wake Forest is that 10 players return in 2011-12, which should give the Deacons some depth and make for fierce competition for playing time. Wake Forest should have the pieces in place to improve on their last-place finish in 2010-11. One of the trademarks for Jeff Bzdelik-coached teams is defense, and one may expect that this group will have to buy into his defensive philosophy to improve its fortunes. Bzdelik has a history of producing significant improvements from year one to year two.

Backcourt
There are four players returning to the Wake backcourt, with only two having any significant playing time last year.

Junior C.J. Harris is the top returning guard, as he led the team in assists (111) and steals (30) while finishing fourth in scoring (10.3 ppg) and rebounding (3.4 pg).

Sophomore Tony Chennault played about 18 per game over 15 games, averaging 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Senior Aaron Ingle saw 45 minutes of action last year, securing three points, one rebound and one assist. Junior Spencer Jennings saw no action in 2010-11 but is expected to compete for playing time.

Frontcourt
Six players, including two starters, highlight this group, which will likely be the strength of the team due to the experience and the talent. Four of their returners saw significant time last year.

Sophomore Travis McKie led the team in scoring (13.0 ppg) and rebounding (7.7 ppg), was third in blocked shots (32) and steals (29).

Sophomore Carson Desrosiers was second in blocked shots (52), averaging 4.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game over 19 minutes per contest last season.

Senior Nikita Mescheriakov averaged 4.5 points and 1. 8 rebounds per game in his 14 minutes per game over 23 contests.

Senior Ty Walker led the team in blocked shots (79) and was third in rebounding (3.5 pg) while scoring 3.6 points per game.

Seniors Brooks Godwin and Ryan Keenan combined for nine points, seven rebounds and three assists over 62 total minutes.

More ACC Basketball Predictions

North Carolina Tar Heels Duke Blue Devils Florida State Seminoles
Virginia Cavaliers NC State Wolfpack Miami Hurricanes
Clemson Tigers Maryland Terrapins Virginia Tech Hokies
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Boston College Eagles
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