With one month away until Selection Sunday, it's time to start sorting the contenders from the pretenders. In this week's episode, we talked with college basketball insider Jim Root about the most interesting and confounding programs in the ACC and beyond.   Topics for discussion include:

• The improved reputation and depth of the ACC
• The success of UVA in Ryan Odom's first season and the tournament ceiling for the top of the conference
• Teams that deserve more attention and the Darryn Peterson situation at Kansas
• Whether Duke and UNC are realistic contenders
• ACC and national coaches on the hot seat
• NCAA Tournament dark horses and possible disappointments

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