With one month until Selection Sunday, it's time to start sorting the contenders from the pretenders. In this week's episode of the Preferred Walk-Ons Podcast, the show talked with college basketball insider Jim Root about the most interesting and confounding programs in the ACC and beyond.

You can read more from Jim Root on Basket Under Review or in The Athletic. You can also listen to his basketball analysis on the Three Man Weave and STATS by Will & Jim podcasts.

Topics in this episode include:

  • The improved reputation and depth of the ACC (0:00-10:13)
  • The success of UVA in Ryan Odom's first season and the tournament ceiling for the top of the conference (10:13-14:28)
  • Teams that deserve more attention and the Darryn Peterson situation at Kansas (14:28-18:52)
  • Whether Duke and UNC are realistic contenders (18:52-21:29)
  • ACC and national coaches on the hot seat (21:29-28:28)
  • NCAA Tournament dark horses and possible disappointments (28:28-34:07)

TheSabre.com presents The Preferred Walk-Ons Podcast, a college sports podcast through the lens of the ACC. Michael McGraw, a University of Virginia graduate and fan, and Michael Shutt, a life-long NC State fan, both grew up watching the ACC and have insights on the history and present of the conference.

You can always email the show at [email protected]. You can also follow the show on Twitter or Instagram (@PWOPod). Make sure to listen here and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!