2023-24 NCAA Men’s Basketball ACC Preview: Who Starts Hot?

By: Jacob Cullum

College hoops are just around the corner. With that being said, the ACC looks to be rather top-heavy in terms of teams being in the top 25. Currently, in the preseason top 25 rankings, Duke leads the way at #2 followed by #20 Miami and #21 UNC. Lastly, at the #24 spot, Virgina marks the 4^th and final ranked ACC team. While having 4 teams in the top 25 is nothing to scoff at, a couple of the ACC’s usual suspects are missing. Perhaps the usual heavy hitters like Louisville, Notre Dame, and Syracuse will make an ascension into the top 25 as the season progresses.

Sitting at #2, Duke is lead by C Kyle Filipowski who looks to have another explosive season in the paint. Coach Jon Scheyer knows the season he has with him and G Tyrese Proctor. If Duke can figure out how to survive the early tests of November (facing #12 Arizona on 11/10th, #4 Michigan State directly after on 11/14th, and #14th Arkansas on 11/29th), the hopes for their season are going to be high. Having early tests can be seen as an advantage to some as coaches can figure out what they are truly working with. Duke remains the heavy favorite to win the ACC.

Following Duke, Miami and UNC make the rankings at #20 and #21 respectively. The landscape of Miami’s season will depend on the offensive output with Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller having graduated. With veteran coach Jim Larranaga, the Hurricanes have tournament experience and know what it takes to make a deep run.

Alternatively, UNC is looking to return to glory this season behind Head Coach Hubert Davis. With perhaps the most exciting big man in college basketball in C Armando Bacot, the Tarheels can make a deep run into the tournament if he gets hot. Perhaps the Tarheels could make a run in the ACC tournament as well if Bacot can get some further help. In the #24 spot, Viriginia marks the 4^th ACC in the top 25. F Jayden Gardner looks to have another explosive season after averaging 16.1 ppg and 7.5 reb in his college career.

Dark horse contenders for the ACC could include an experienced Clemson team (23-11 last season), a polished NC State team (23-11 last season), or a Pittsburgh Panthers team that found success last year (24-12).

Jacob Previews The ACC

The season tips-of November 6^th and eyes will be glued to the ACC’s performance this year.