The ACC is one of the best conferences in basketball year in and year out, with the reigning national champion Virginia residing in the conference, along with perennial powers Duke and North Carolina. However, early on it is looking like the league will be down next season, with very few teams improving after lots of talented seniors graduate and underclassmen declaring for the draft. With all that being said, here is one question every team will have in the offseason and the situations to monitor leading up to next year.
Boston College: Are there more hidden gems?
Boston College: Are there more hidden gems?
The Eagles look to be in a really tough spot. Just a year ago, they went 19-16, went to the NIT, and had a dynamic backcourt duo of Jerome Robinson and Ky Bowman. Robinson left a year early for the NBA, and they struggled to a 14-17 record this year, winning just 5 ACC games. Bowman looks set to leave a year early as well, and now head coach Jim Christian will have to find a way to replace another high scoring guard. He will be hoping to find another diamond in the rough, as both Bowman and Robinson were three star recruits in the low 300s coming out of high school, the type of recruit that has littered the past few recruiting class for Christian. Wynston Tabbs fits that bill precisely, scoring 13.9 points a game as a freshman after being ranked 287 in the country, and big man Nik Popovic will return with his 14.5 points and 7.2 points a game. However, after those two, there's a lot of question marks. They will have to hope wing Jarius Hamilton lives up to his recruiting ranking this season. He was the 75th ranked recruit in the nation last season, the highest rated to ever commit to BC per 247Sports, and he only averaged 5.7 points a game as a freshman. With fans calling for Christian's head, he will need at least one breakout player to propel this team to success.
Clemson: How does the team respond to losing the seniors?
The Tigers had a very successful two year run under Brad Brownell, winning 45 games and making a Sweet Sixteen. Unfortunately for Brownell and Tiger fans, four of their five leading scorers are graduating, so it looks like there is a rebuild coming. Marcquise Reed, Elijah Thomas, Shelton Mitchell, and David Skara are all leaving, and things could be tough in South Carolina. Their leading returning scorer is wing Aamir Sims, who averaged 8.1 points a game. They will hope John Newman and Clyde Trapp can have breakout seasons in the backcourt, an area where the recruiting class can perhaps help. They have four star guard Al-Amir Dawes coming in, as well as top 150 recruit Chase Hunter joining the backcourt. However, the front court isn't as lucky, with no incoming recruits and just two returners. Brownell is a good coach, but this next season will be tough unless he can get the best out of every one of his players. If they struggle on the hardwood next year, at least Clemson fans have a pretty decent football team to fall back on.
The Tigers had a very successful two year run under Brad Brownell, winning 45 games and making a Sweet Sixteen. Unfortunately for Brownell and Tiger fans, four of their five leading scorers are graduating, so it looks like there is a rebuild coming. Marcquise Reed, Elijah Thomas, Shelton Mitchell, and David Skara are all leaving, and things could be tough in South Carolina. Their leading returning scorer is wing Aamir Sims, who averaged 8.1 points a game. They will hope John Newman and Clyde Trapp can have breakout seasons in the backcourt, an area where the recruiting class can perhaps help. They have four star guard Al-Amir Dawes coming in, as well as top 150 recruit Chase Hunter joining the backcourt. However, the front court isn't as lucky, with no incoming recruits and just two returners. Brownell is a good coach, but this next season will be tough unless he can get the best out of every one of his players. If they struggle on the hardwood next year, at least Clemson fans have a pretty decent football team to fall back on.
Duke: How will the pieces fit together?
The Blue Devils were one of the best teams in the country this past season with a transcendent talent in Zion Williamson. However, their biggest problem this season was their shooting, which hurt his ability to drive into the lane with a lack of floor spacing. The same problem occurred with RJ Barrett, who also thrives at attacking the rim. So the biggest question heading into next year has to be how this newest freshman class fits together. The initial prognosis looks better, with Boogie Ellis, Wendell Moore, and Vernon Carey looking like the compliment each other fairly well. Starting with Ellis, he is a talented scorer who has improved his shooting from deep, but he is most known for his quick twitch athleticism and ability to finish at the rim with his athleticism. Moore is another super athlete and he is exciting to watch in the open court, where he is excellent around the rim and has displayed some good passing instincts. As for Carey, he is a big man who has great size and strength, and he is very good in the post, where he has a variety of moves. He has also shown some touch from three point range, making him a matchup nightmare. Add in Tre Jones, a defensive minded, pass first point guard, Alex O Connell, a shooter off the bench, and Javin DeLaurier and Marques Bolden, big men who are good defensively. Add in the possibility of Matthew Hurt, a stretch four with good rebounding skills, also joining the recruiting class, and Duke looks like they will have a cohesive unit.
The Blue Devils were one of the best teams in the country this past season with a transcendent talent in Zion Williamson. However, their biggest problem this season was their shooting, which hurt his ability to drive into the lane with a lack of floor spacing. The same problem occurred with RJ Barrett, who also thrives at attacking the rim. So the biggest question heading into next year has to be how this newest freshman class fits together. The initial prognosis looks better, with Boogie Ellis, Wendell Moore, and Vernon Carey looking like the compliment each other fairly well. Starting with Ellis, he is a talented scorer who has improved his shooting from deep, but he is most known for his quick twitch athleticism and ability to finish at the rim with his athleticism. Moore is another super athlete and he is exciting to watch in the open court, where he is excellent around the rim and has displayed some good passing instincts. As for Carey, he is a big man who has great size and strength, and he is very good in the post, where he has a variety of moves. He has also shown some touch from three point range, making him a matchup nightmare. Add in Tre Jones, a defensive minded, pass first point guard, Alex O Connell, a shooter off the bench, and Javin DeLaurier and Marques Bolden, big men who are good defensively. Add in the possibility of Matthew Hurt, a stretch four with good rebounding skills, also joining the recruiting class, and Duke looks like they will have a cohesive unit.
Florida State: Can they continue their success?
The last three seasons have been very kind to the Seminoles. They have made three straight tournaments, breaking a four year tournament drought, and recently, they have produced NBA players like Malik Beasley, Jonathon Isaac, and Dwayne Bacon. After a Sweet Sixteen run this season, the question now has to be posed: Are the Noles now a perennial basketball powerhouse? Well, it looks like they will continue that success, at least next year. Despite losing five seniors, most of them starters, they look poised to keep on keeping on. They have a nice looking core for next season of Trent Forest, MJ Walker, and Mfiondu Kabengele. Forest and Walker started nearly every game last season, while Kabengele received maddening minutes usage, basically splitting time at center with Christ Koumadje, despite showing off obvious skill as one of the best players in the ACC. Those three will be supplemented by a bunch of long, athletic players who fit what Leonard Hamilton likes in a player to a tee. Devin Vassell, Anthony Polite, and Raiquan Gray are all very talented wing players returning from last season's team, and with the Seminoles also adding the third best recruiting class in the ACC, along with Rice transfer Malik Osborne, they are set up well for the future. They have two four star prospects in wing Patrick Williams and 7 foot center Balsa Koprivica, along with two more long term pieces. They also already have a commitment from four star point guard Naseem Khaalid for the 2020 class, so the program looks set up for long-term success.
The last three seasons have been very kind to the Seminoles. They have made three straight tournaments, breaking a four year tournament drought, and recently, they have produced NBA players like Malik Beasley, Jonathon Isaac, and Dwayne Bacon. After a Sweet Sixteen run this season, the question now has to be posed: Are the Noles now a perennial basketball powerhouse? Well, it looks like they will continue that success, at least next year. Despite losing five seniors, most of them starters, they look poised to keep on keeping on. They have a nice looking core for next season of Trent Forest, MJ Walker, and Mfiondu Kabengele. Forest and Walker started nearly every game last season, while Kabengele received maddening minutes usage, basically splitting time at center with Christ Koumadje, despite showing off obvious skill as one of the best players in the ACC. Those three will be supplemented by a bunch of long, athletic players who fit what Leonard Hamilton likes in a player to a tee. Devin Vassell, Anthony Polite, and Raiquan Gray are all very talented wing players returning from last season's team, and with the Seminoles also adding the third best recruiting class in the ACC, along with Rice transfer Malik Osborne, they are set up well for the future. They have two four star prospects in wing Patrick Williams and 7 foot center Balsa Koprivica, along with two more long term pieces. They also already have a commitment from four star point guard Naseem Khaalid for the 2020 class, so the program looks set up for long-term success.
Georgia Tech: Can Josh Pastner bring in some complimentary pieces?
As things currently stand, the Yellow Jackets have a decent core in place for next season. They return their three leading scorers in point guard Jose Alvarado, center James Bank, and shooting guard Michael DeVoe. They also have some solid role players returning, like Curtis Haywood, Khalid Moore, and Moses Wright. The real question is whether they can add another player or two to supplement their big three and turn them into a legit tournament contender. Pastner already has one incoming impact player in the form of USC transfer Jordan Usher. The wing player was a borderline top 100 recruit coming out of high school, and after not finding minutes in Southern California, he transferred back closer to home, and will be eligible at mid-season. Pastner will now have to look into adding an impact grad transfer power forward to round out the starting rotation. That would give the Yellow Jackets a solid 8 man rotation, and would place them in tournament contention. A guy like Daniel Utomi, a stretch four from Akron, could work, as could Keith Stone from Florida, who operates more in the post and on the glass. They could also use a bench scorer, which could come from the recruiting trail. They have a weak class right now, but are involved with top 100 wing Tristian Enaruna, and Alyn Breed, a shooting guard out of McEachern in Atlanta, could fit the bill for what they need. Pastner has some work to do right now, and it will be interesting to see if this can turn into a tournament team.
As things currently stand, the Yellow Jackets have a decent core in place for next season. They return their three leading scorers in point guard Jose Alvarado, center James Bank, and shooting guard Michael DeVoe. They also have some solid role players returning, like Curtis Haywood, Khalid Moore, and Moses Wright. The real question is whether they can add another player or two to supplement their big three and turn them into a legit tournament contender. Pastner already has one incoming impact player in the form of USC transfer Jordan Usher. The wing player was a borderline top 100 recruit coming out of high school, and after not finding minutes in Southern California, he transferred back closer to home, and will be eligible at mid-season. Pastner will now have to look into adding an impact grad transfer power forward to round out the starting rotation. That would give the Yellow Jackets a solid 8 man rotation, and would place them in tournament contention. A guy like Daniel Utomi, a stretch four from Akron, could work, as could Keith Stone from Florida, who operates more in the post and on the glass. They could also use a bench scorer, which could come from the recruiting trail. They have a weak class right now, but are involved with top 100 wing Tristian Enaruna, and Alyn Breed, a shooting guard out of McEachern in Atlanta, could fit the bill for what they need. Pastner has some work to do right now, and it will be interesting to see if this can turn into a tournament team.
Louisville: How will the minutes be distributed?
The Cardinals certainly won't have a talent problem next year. Not only does most of the roster return from their tournament berth in the first season under Chris Mack, but they also welcome the best recruiting class in the ACC and eighth best in the country. The biggest challenge for Chris Mack will be figuring out how to properly distribute minutes in order to get the best product on the floor and keep everyone happy. At point guard, expect Darius Perry and incoming recruit David Johnson to share minutes. This is the biggest area of need right now for Louisville, and I would expect Mack to once again look at grad transfers to fill this hole. At the two, he has returning sharpshooter Ryan McMahon along with top 100 recruit Josh Nickelberry, and the possibility of playing Johnson off ball. Small forward will be where a real minutes crunch starts, as returning double digit scorer Dwayne Sutton may lose his job to McDonald's All-American Samuel Williamson, who impressed evaluators throughout that event. There is also form top recruit VJ King, who has yet to capitalize on his talent in Louisville, but could find it this season. They could see minutes at the four in smaller lineups, although expect Jordan Nwora, the leading scorer and rebounder on last season's team, to get most of the minutes there if he return for his senior season. At center, Stephen Enoch and Malik Williams both proved their ability last season, but will face competition from top 50 recruit Aidan Igiehon. Mack is a great coach on the court, and I trust that he will figure out his rotation on it, but he will have to balance egos off of it to get the most out of this team.
The Cardinals certainly won't have a talent problem next year. Not only does most of the roster return from their tournament berth in the first season under Chris Mack, but they also welcome the best recruiting class in the ACC and eighth best in the country. The biggest challenge for Chris Mack will be figuring out how to properly distribute minutes in order to get the best product on the floor and keep everyone happy. At point guard, expect Darius Perry and incoming recruit David Johnson to share minutes. This is the biggest area of need right now for Louisville, and I would expect Mack to once again look at grad transfers to fill this hole. At the two, he has returning sharpshooter Ryan McMahon along with top 100 recruit Josh Nickelberry, and the possibility of playing Johnson off ball. Small forward will be where a real minutes crunch starts, as returning double digit scorer Dwayne Sutton may lose his job to McDonald's All-American Samuel Williamson, who impressed evaluators throughout that event. There is also form top recruit VJ King, who has yet to capitalize on his talent in Louisville, but could find it this season. They could see minutes at the four in smaller lineups, although expect Jordan Nwora, the leading scorer and rebounder on last season's team, to get most of the minutes there if he return for his senior season. At center, Stephen Enoch and Malik Williams both proved their ability last season, but will face competition from top 50 recruit Aidan Igiehon. Mack is a great coach on the court, and I trust that he will figure out his rotation on it, but he will have to balance egos off of it to get the most out of this team.
Miami: Will this year be better?
The Hurricanes have had a good amount of success under Jim Larranaga, making four tournaments in eight years, including three straight prior to last season. Unfortunately, they were hit hard by key players leaving along with the unexpected suspension of center Dewan Hernandez. They will lose more production this year, with starters Zach Johnson, Anthony Lawrence, and Ebuka Izundu all graduating, and Anthony Mack transferring out of the program. The cupboard isn't completely bare in Miami, with dynamic point guard Chris Lykes returning alongside backcourt mate Dejan Vasiljevic. Also returning are big men Sam Waardenburg and Deng Gak, and the Hurricanes also add three potential impact players in Oklahoma transfer wing Kameron McGusty, top 100 guard Isaiah Wong, and three star forward Anthony Walker. If they can grab a grad transfer, like they did with Johnson, along with possibly another recruit, they have been rumored as a destination for a few available players, and they can hopefully improve on last season's 14-18 mark.
The Hurricanes have had a good amount of success under Jim Larranaga, making four tournaments in eight years, including three straight prior to last season. Unfortunately, they were hit hard by key players leaving along with the unexpected suspension of center Dewan Hernandez. They will lose more production this year, with starters Zach Johnson, Anthony Lawrence, and Ebuka Izundu all graduating, and Anthony Mack transferring out of the program. The cupboard isn't completely bare in Miami, with dynamic point guard Chris Lykes returning alongside backcourt mate Dejan Vasiljevic. Also returning are big men Sam Waardenburg and Deng Gak, and the Hurricanes also add three potential impact players in Oklahoma transfer wing Kameron McGusty, top 100 guard Isaiah Wong, and three star forward Anthony Walker. If they can grab a grad transfer, like they did with Johnson, along with possibly another recruit, they have been rumored as a destination for a few available players, and they can hopefully improve on last season's 14-18 mark.
North Carolina: What does the recruiting class look like?
The Tar Heels are lowkey in a really bad spot heading into next year. Assuming Coby White follows Nassir Little and leaves for the NBA Draft, they will be without their five of their six leaders in minutes per game, with just Garrison Brooks returning. Luckily, they will have a star studded recruiting class to replace all of their losses, right? Well, as of now, no. They currently have two commitments for the 2019 class with five star big man Armando Brooks committing to the Heels along with top 200 point guard Jeremiah Francis. They would be relying heavily on Seventh Woods, Brandon Robinson, Leaky Black, and Sterling Manley if the season started today. Luckily, they have time to piece together their roster. They have been involved with Little Rock grad transfer Rayjon Tucker, but the most obvious route for reinforcements is the recruiting trail. They are the current favorite to land Cole Anthony, a McDonald's All-American along with Bacot and the fourth overall player in the country along with being the best point guard in the class. They are also recruiting Matthew Hurt and Precious Achiuwa, two more All-Americans, and adding two of those three would drastically improve the outlook in Chapel Hill for next season.
The Tar Heels are lowkey in a really bad spot heading into next year. Assuming Coby White follows Nassir Little and leaves for the NBA Draft, they will be without their five of their six leaders in minutes per game, with just Garrison Brooks returning. Luckily, they will have a star studded recruiting class to replace all of their losses, right? Well, as of now, no. They currently have two commitments for the 2019 class with five star big man Armando Brooks committing to the Heels along with top 200 point guard Jeremiah Francis. They would be relying heavily on Seventh Woods, Brandon Robinson, Leaky Black, and Sterling Manley if the season started today. Luckily, they have time to piece together their roster. They have been involved with Little Rock grad transfer Rayjon Tucker, but the most obvious route for reinforcements is the recruiting trail. They are the current favorite to land Cole Anthony, a McDonald's All-American along with Bacot and the fourth overall player in the country along with being the best point guard in the class. They are also recruiting Matthew Hurt and Precious Achiuwa, two more All-Americans, and adding two of those three would drastically improve the outlook in Chapel Hill for next season.
North Carolina State: Can they keep getting transfers?
North Carolina State has experienced a renaissance under Kevin Keatts. While previous coach Mark Gottfried could certainly recruit by dropping backs, just ask Dennis Smith Jr, he struggled on the court, and Keatts has appealed to the Wolfpack fans by playing an up-tempo style, and also bringing in some solid recruits. He has also been incredible at getting transfers, with Devon Daniels, CJ Bryce, Blake Harris, DJ Funderburk, and Sacha Killeya-Jones all committing to play for Keatts after starting their careers elsewhere, as did grad transfers Eric Lockett and Wyatt Walker. There are some questions about Killeya-Jones' eligibility for next season, but the fact that he brought in seven transfers in noteworthy, and with leading scorer Torin Dorn graduating and Bryce and point guard Markell Johnson doing so after this season, he will have to continually bring in transfers. He's already off to a good start, getting Thomas Allen from Nebraska, but I wouldn't be surprised if one or two more transfer make their way to Raleigh this offseason, especially with rumors that recruit Jalen Lecque will head straight to the NBA.
North Carolina State has experienced a renaissance under Kevin Keatts. While previous coach Mark Gottfried could certainly recruit by dropping backs, just ask Dennis Smith Jr, he struggled on the court, and Keatts has appealed to the Wolfpack fans by playing an up-tempo style, and also bringing in some solid recruits. He has also been incredible at getting transfers, with Devon Daniels, CJ Bryce, Blake Harris, DJ Funderburk, and Sacha Killeya-Jones all committing to play for Keatts after starting their careers elsewhere, as did grad transfers Eric Lockett and Wyatt Walker. There are some questions about Killeya-Jones' eligibility for next season, but the fact that he brought in seven transfers in noteworthy, and with leading scorer Torin Dorn graduating and Bryce and point guard Markell Johnson doing so after this season, he will have to continually bring in transfers. He's already off to a good start, getting Thomas Allen from Nebraska, but I wouldn't be surprised if one or two more transfer make their way to Raleigh this offseason, especially with rumors that recruit Jalen Lecque will head straight to the NBA.
Notre Dame: How big of a step will they take?
The Fighting Irish went through a rebuilding year last season after losing Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson. They really struggled going 14-19, mostly from playing a rotation made up almost exclusively of freshmen. The recruiting class they brought in last season was very highly regarded, ranking fifteenth in the country, and featured four top 100 players. Those players got thrown straight into the fire last season, and the hope in South Bend is that the experience they gained will pay dividends this year as they look to take a step forward and back onto the tournament bubble. They return seniors TJ Gibbs and John Mooney, their two leading scorers last season, along with Rex Pflueger, who missed the year due to injury and UConn transfer center Juwan Durham. Alongside them is the vaunted sophomore quartet, with Prentiss Hubb, Dane Goodwin, Robby Carmody, and Nate Laszewski all looking to emerge as ACC stars. Their development in their sophomore year will be the deciding factor in how good the Fighting Irish are next season, as one or more will need to emerge as a budding star and aid the seniors if they hope to compete.
The Fighting Irish went through a rebuilding year last season after losing Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson. They really struggled going 14-19, mostly from playing a rotation made up almost exclusively of freshmen. The recruiting class they brought in last season was very highly regarded, ranking fifteenth in the country, and featured four top 100 players. Those players got thrown straight into the fire last season, and the hope in South Bend is that the experience they gained will pay dividends this year as they look to take a step forward and back onto the tournament bubble. They return seniors TJ Gibbs and John Mooney, their two leading scorers last season, along with Rex Pflueger, who missed the year due to injury and UConn transfer center Juwan Durham. Alongside them is the vaunted sophomore quartet, with Prentiss Hubb, Dane Goodwin, Robby Carmody, and Nate Laszewski all looking to emerge as ACC stars. Their development in their sophomore year will be the deciding factor in how good the Fighting Irish are next season, as one or more will need to emerge as a budding star and aid the seniors if they hope to compete.
Pittsburgh: Will the young core be able to compete?
Similar to Notre Dame, the Panthers have an extremely young team, and the key for them will be the production they get out of players in year two. Jeff Capel took over last season, and he's been very good on the recruiting trail, bringing in freshman studs Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowans in the backcourt along with wing Au'Diese Toney, and those three all had good freshmen seasons and will look to build on that in their second season. Capel also has commitments from top 150 wings Justin Champagnie and Gerard Drumgoole along with big man Karim Coulibaly, so there will be more young talent entering the program. The big question, as with Notre Dame, is will they be able to compete in the ACC? The answer to that likely lies in the player development staff, as well as Capel's ability as a coach. He's a proven recruiter, but his on court coaching ability has always been doubted, so he will need to prove he can coach this year to get the most out of the team. They are also interested in bringing in a grad transfer to help compliment this core, so look for them to be involved with plenty of names, especially in the front court.
Similar to Notre Dame, the Panthers have an extremely young team, and the key for them will be the production they get out of players in year two. Jeff Capel took over last season, and he's been very good on the recruiting trail, bringing in freshman studs Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowans in the backcourt along with wing Au'Diese Toney, and those three all had good freshmen seasons and will look to build on that in their second season. Capel also has commitments from top 150 wings Justin Champagnie and Gerard Drumgoole along with big man Karim Coulibaly, so there will be more young talent entering the program. The big question, as with Notre Dame, is will they be able to compete in the ACC? The answer to that likely lies in the player development staff, as well as Capel's ability as a coach. He's a proven recruiter, but his on court coaching ability has always been doubted, so he will need to prove he can coach this year to get the most out of the team. They are also interested in bringing in a grad transfer to help compliment this core, so look for them to be involved with plenty of names, especially in the front court.
Syracuse: What will Oshae Brissett do?
Syracuse is pretty set heading into next year. They lose Frank Howard, Tyus Battle, and Pascal Chukwu, key pieces no doubt, but they look as if they have replacements on the roster as well as in their highly regarded recruiting class. However, Oshae Brissett has announced he will test the NBA Draft waters. The Canadian forward has averaged 13.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in his two years at Syracuse, but he seemingly regressed last season, seeing both of those numbers drop from his freshman season, as well as becoming less efficient. At his best, he is a massive offensive threat, with the ability to shoot from deep, attack off the bounce and finish at the rim, as well as play in the post, and although he hasn't played man to man in college, he has the requisite length and athleticism to be good on that end. He has a tendency to be too passive and settle on the offensive end, which is what caused his struggles this year. Still, he could very easily impress a team during workouts and choose to head into the draft, leaving the Orange thin in the front court. Brissett is the biggest offensive threat among the forwards, and there is a steep drop off after him, and he figures to be a centerpiece of the offensive alongside Elijah Hughes next year. Without him, Syracuse will rely on seldom used sophomore Robert Braswell and freshman Quincy Guerrier to fill his role, and it remains to be seen if they are up to the task. His future is a major story to monitor during draft season.
Syracuse is pretty set heading into next year. They lose Frank Howard, Tyus Battle, and Pascal Chukwu, key pieces no doubt, but they look as if they have replacements on the roster as well as in their highly regarded recruiting class. However, Oshae Brissett has announced he will test the NBA Draft waters. The Canadian forward has averaged 13.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in his two years at Syracuse, but he seemingly regressed last season, seeing both of those numbers drop from his freshman season, as well as becoming less efficient. At his best, he is a massive offensive threat, with the ability to shoot from deep, attack off the bounce and finish at the rim, as well as play in the post, and although he hasn't played man to man in college, he has the requisite length and athleticism to be good on that end. He has a tendency to be too passive and settle on the offensive end, which is what caused his struggles this year. Still, he could very easily impress a team during workouts and choose to head into the draft, leaving the Orange thin in the front court. Brissett is the biggest offensive threat among the forwards, and there is a steep drop off after him, and he figures to be a centerpiece of the offensive alongside Elijah Hughes next year. Without him, Syracuse will rely on seldom used sophomore Robert Braswell and freshman Quincy Guerrier to fill his role, and it remains to be seen if they are up to the task. His future is a major story to monitor during draft season.
Virginia: Where do they go from here?
The Cavaliers obviously won the National Championship this season after losing to UMBC last year, and they are looking like they will be in for another great year. There are draft decision to be made around De'Andre Hunter (almost certainly gone), Kyle Guy (probably staying), and Ty Jerome (50/50). However, Tony Bennett is a great coach, and I think he will be successful no matter who is on the roster. My biggest question is what now? They came into the season looking to avenge their first round loss, and they did. They reached the pinnacle of their sport, and I wonder if they would come out a bit flat next season. They have talent, and they look good on paper, but Bennett will have to find a way to motivate his players and avoid a national title hangover.
The Cavaliers obviously won the National Championship this season after losing to UMBC last year, and they are looking like they will be in for another great year. There are draft decision to be made around De'Andre Hunter (almost certainly gone), Kyle Guy (probably staying), and Ty Jerome (50/50). However, Tony Bennett is a great coach, and I think he will be successful no matter who is on the roster. My biggest question is what now? They came into the season looking to avenge their first round loss, and they did. They reached the pinnacle of their sport, and I wonder if they would come out a bit flat next season. They have talent, and they look good on paper, but Bennett will have to find a way to motivate his players and avoid a national title hangover.
Virginia Tech: How quickly can the program rebuild?
The Hokies have been successful under Buzz Williams, appearing in three straight NCAA Tournaments, and making a Sweet 16 run this year. This upcoming year was always going to be tough, with Justin Robinson, Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw graduating and Nickeil Alexander-Walker playing his way into being a first round pick, but things got much worse when Buzz Williams took the job at Texas A&M. Not only did their talented coach leave, but recruit Anthony Harris decommitted, and presumed starting point guard Wabissa Bede and wings Chris Clarke and Landers Nolley announced they would transfer. Right now, just four players who played for the Hokies last season will be on the roster for new head coach Mike Young, and it wouldn't be shocking to see star center Kerry Blackshear attempt to transfer out as well. I think Young is a good coach, especially offensively, but it could be a few years before the Hokies are back to the heights they have seen the past few years.
The Hokies have been successful under Buzz Williams, appearing in three straight NCAA Tournaments, and making a Sweet 16 run this year. This upcoming year was always going to be tough, with Justin Robinson, Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw graduating and Nickeil Alexander-Walker playing his way into being a first round pick, but things got much worse when Buzz Williams took the job at Texas A&M. Not only did their talented coach leave, but recruit Anthony Harris decommitted, and presumed starting point guard Wabissa Bede and wings Chris Clarke and Landers Nolley announced they would transfer. Right now, just four players who played for the Hokies last season will be on the roster for new head coach Mike Young, and it wouldn't be shocking to see star center Kerry Blackshear attempt to transfer out as well. I think Young is a good coach, especially offensively, but it could be a few years before the Hokies are back to the heights they have seen the past few years.
Wake Forest: Can Danny Manning make it through the season?
In his five years at Wake Forest, Danny Manning has made one NCAA Tournament, been over .500 once, and never finished above .500 in ACC play. I thought he should have been fired after last season, when he went 11-20 and won 3 games in the league, but he's back. They have pretty much everyone back, which could be a good or bad thing. On one hand, that means a lot of player development and for Top 100 prospects last year Jaylen Hoard and Isaiah Mucius. On the other, this will be pretty much the exact same roster as the one that was worst in the ACC last year. He will need to develop players if he hopes to save his job. If he has a disappointing non-conference performance, I wouldn't be shocked if he's out before the year is over with guys like Wes Miller and Levelle Moton having success in North Carolina.
In his five years at Wake Forest, Danny Manning has made one NCAA Tournament, been over .500 once, and never finished above .500 in ACC play. I thought he should have been fired after last season, when he went 11-20 and won 3 games in the league, but he's back. They have pretty much everyone back, which could be a good or bad thing. On one hand, that means a lot of player development and for Top 100 prospects last year Jaylen Hoard and Isaiah Mucius. On the other, this will be pretty much the exact same roster as the one that was worst in the ACC last year. He will need to develop players if he hopes to save his job. If he has a disappointing non-conference performance, I wouldn't be shocked if he's out before the year is over with guys like Wes Miller and Levelle Moton having success in North Carolina.
Comments
Post a Comment