Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington declare; Is Duke the team to beat in the ACC?

Already today, we have had Steph Curry declare for the NBA Draft. In his press conference, Curry said that he would be hiring an agent, thus ending any chance he could return to Davidson.

But he wasn't the only star from the state of Carolina to declare today.

UNC's starting back court, juniors Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington, both declared for the draft today as well. Since both players tested the waters last season, the decision to declare is final - they will not be able to return to Chapel Hill.

Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson both entered the NBA Draft today.
(photo credit: raleighdurham.about.com)

What does this mean?

For starters, we aren't waiting for anymore stars to make their decision (this list is about as comprehensive as you will find). But more importantly, it makes Duke the clear cut favorite in the ACC, even with Gerald Henderson going pro.

UNC may have a ton of talent on their bench and some great recruits coming in, but it is near impossible for a team to lose guys as talented as Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington and still be a title contender.

Wake Forest was proven to be nothing more than average by season's end, and they will be losing James Johnson, and possibly Jeff Teague.

BC loses Tyrese Rice.

FSU loses Toney Douglas.

Clemson loses KC Rivers.

Duke brings back two of their three stars (Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler), their star in the making (Elliot Williams), and adds two top 50 big men in Ryan Kelly and Miles Plumlee's brother Mason. Add Nolan Smith and Olek Czyz to the mix, and you have a pretty damn good rotation.