ACC Basketball Season Preview: Duke Takes the Lead
As the excitement builds for the upcoming college basketball season, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has officially announced its preseason teams, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating campaign. With just one week to go until the season tips off, fans are eager to see how the teams stack up against one another, especially with the Duke Blue Devils emerging as the preseason favorites.
Duke Blue Devils: The Team to Beat
The Duke Blue Devils have been named the preseason favorite to win the ACC regular season championship, receiving an impressive 42 out of 54 first-place votes. Ranked #9 in the nation, Duke is poised to make a significant impact this season. The team will be led by the highly touted freshman Copper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 guard/forward from Newport, Maine. Flagg, who is regarded as the top-rated prospect by both 247 Sports and ESPN, had a stellar final year at Montverde Academy in Florida, averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. His contributions were pivotal in leading Montverde to a perfect 33-0 record and a national championship. This marks the ninth time in the last twelve seasons that Duke has been favored to win the ACC, a testament to their consistent excellence in college basketball.
North Carolina Tar Heels: A Strong Contender
Following closely behind Duke are the North Carolina Tar Heels, who secured 11 first-place votes in the preseason poll. The Tar Heels will rely heavily on the talents of RJ Davis, who has been named the Preseason Player of the Year. Davis, the recipient of the Jerry West Award in 2024 for the best shooting guard in the nation, had an outstanding season last year, hitting 113 three-pointers and averaging 21.2 points per game. His impressive stats include being the all-time leader in free throw percentage at 85.8% and ranking second in three-pointers made with 274. With only Phil Ford ahead of him in total points scored in Tar Heel history, Davis is set to make a significant impact this season.
Wake Forest: Rising to the Challenge
Wake Forest has been picked to finish third in the preseason rankings, receiving one first-place vote. This marks the Demon Deacons’ highest preseason ranking since 2009, when they were tied for second. Wake Forest will be led by Hunter Sallis, a first-team All-Conference selection who earned the ACC Rookie of the Year title last season. His performance will be crucial as the team looks to build on its recent successes and challenge for the top spots in the conference.
Clemson Tigers: Building on Last Season’s Success
The Clemson Tigers, fresh off an Elite Eight appearance in the previous spring, are projected to finish fourth in the preseason rankings. They will be led by Chase Hunter, a second-team All-ACC selection, who is expected to play a vital role in the Tigers’ quest for another deep postseason run. With a solid foundation and experience from last season, Clemson aims to continue its upward trajectory in the ACC.
Virginia and Other Contenders
Virginia finds itself in fifth place in the preseason rankings, but the team is facing uncertainty following the sudden retirement of head coach Tony Bennett. This change could have significant implications for the program as it navigates the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Miami and Pittsburgh are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, while last year’s champions, NC State, who made their first Final Four appearance since 1983, are projected to finish eighth. Louisville rounds out the top nine, with Notre Dame, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, SMU, Virginia Tech, Florida State, California, Stanford, and Boston College following in the rankings.
Upcoming Action
As the anticipation builds, all 18 teams in the ACC will be in action next Monday night for non-league games, providing fans with a first glimpse of the season ahead. Conference play is set to commence on Saturday, December 7, where the competition will intensify, and teams will vie for supremacy in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball.
With the season just around the corner, the stage is set for an exciting year in ACC basketball, and fans can expect thrilling matchups, standout performances, and the relentless pursuit of glory.