ACC men’s basketball preseason rankings: Duke, Louisville look loaded. Who else can contend?

Trivia time: When did the ACC last finish as a top-three college basketball conference, according to KenPom’s conference strength metric?

The answer is 2019, when the league had three No. 1 seeds (Virginia, Duke, UNC) and produced its last national champion. Since then, the once-proud conference has slipped into mediocrity, bottoming out last season with just four NCAA Tournament teams — one of which, North Carolina, was the very last team into the field. The total was the ACC’s fewest in over a decade, since 2013.

So, is this the year the league begins bouncing back?

Maybe not fully — there are still a few anchors down the list — but at least half the league should be legitimately competitive, which couldn’t be said last season. Duke and Louisville look like national title contenders, and the tier below them is ripe with teams that should flirt with the Top 25. Predicting today, I’d bet on six teams dancing come March: my top five, and one of Syracuse, Miami or SMU. That’s progress, even if only a little.

Note: For freshmen, the ranking next to their name comes from the recruiting recruiting services consensus index (RSCI), which combines multiple ranking services to come up with a consensus ranking.

National title contenders

1. Duke

Last season: 35-4 (Final Four)

Coach: Jon Scheyer (fourth season)

Top bench players: Dame Sarr (international); Maliq Brown (2.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg); Cayden Boozer (freshman, No. 19); Darren Harris (2 ppg)

Biggest losses: Cooper Flagg (19.5 ppg, 7.5 apg, 4.2 apg); Kon Knueppel (14.4 ppg, 4 rpg); Khaman Maluach (8.6 ppg, 6.6 apg); Tyrese Proctor (12.4 ppg, 3 apg); Sion James (8.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg)

Why they’re here: Scheyer lost his entire starting five to the NBA, but with another No. 1 recruiting class, there’s no reason Duke can’t make it back to the Final Four. This season’s freshman headliner, Cam Boozer, is an entirely different player than Flagg — not that that will stop comparisons between them, especially early — but the 6-foot-9, do-everything forward should similarly be the Blue Devils’ best player from day one. Other than Boozer, fellow newcomers Khamenia and Sarr — both of whom have first-round talent — give Scheyer options on the wing, not to mention, at 6-foot-8, the overwhelming size he’s come to prefer.

But what will determine Duke’s ceiling is how its returners develop. Evans, a former top-20 recruit, turned down a likely first-round draft spot to return for his sophomore season, and now needs to prove he’s more than just one of the nation’s best shooters. Foster and Ngongba — also former five-star recruits, naturally — were bit players last season, but need to emerge as reliable starters. Even if there are growing pains along the way, this is one of the most talented rosters in America, a budding defensive juggernaut and one of the ACC’s real hopes to win it all.

2. Louisville

Last season: 27-8, NCAA Tournament first round

Coach: Pat Kelsey (second season)

Top bench players: Adrian Wooley (18.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg at Kennesaw State); Kasean Pryor (12 ppg, 6.1 rpg); Khani Rooths (3.3 ppg, 3 rpg); Aly Khalifa (5.7 ppg, 4 apg at BYU in 2023-24); Kobe Rodgers (9.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg at Charleston in 2023-24)

Biggest losses: Terrence Edwards (16.7 ppg, 4.1 apg); Chucky Hepburn (16.4 ppg, 5.8 apg); Reyne Smith (13.1 ppg, 2.8 apg); James Scott (7.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg); Noah Waterman (6.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg)

Why they’re here: You could (and I might) argue that Louisville had the best offseason of any team in the country. Not only did Kelsey welcome a future lottery pick at point guard in Brown, but the Cards’ transfer portal haul — Conwell, McKneely and Wooley — is the stuff of message board dreams. All three were top-35 transfers in The Athletic’s rankings, and fit perfectly with Kelsey’s 3s-and-layups offensive philosophy.

As for the frontcourt, Hadley’s return is a huge stabilizer, but what Kelsey gets out of his other bigs will determine if the Cards are true contenders. What does Khalifa, one of the better passing centers in the country at BYU, look like after a year-long layoff? How healthy is Pryor, who was UL’s best player last season prior to his torn ACL? And can Fru — the 22-year-old German with multiple years of pro experience in Europe — run the floor, rebound and offer enough interior D to open things up for the Cards’ guards? I’m cautiously optimistic that that trio will find its footing by March and that Louisville, after a long hiatus, will return to the elite.

Top 25 worthy

3. North Carolina

Last season: 23-14, NCAA Tournament first round

Coach: Hubert Davis (fifth season)

Top bench players: Luka Bogavac (international); Jonathan Powell (8.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg at West Virginia); Derek Dixon (No. 43, freshman); James Brown (1.2 ppg); Zayden High (1.1 rpg in 2023-24)

Biggest losses: RJ Davis (17.2 ppg, 3.6 apg); Ian Jackson (11.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg); Elliot Cadeau (9.4 ppg, 6.2 apg); Ven-Allen Lubin (8.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg); Drake Powell (7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg); Jae’Lyn Withers (6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg)

Why they’re here: Two seasons ago, when UNC was a No. 1 seed and won the ACC regular-season outright, it was because the Tar Heels had a top-10 defense in adjusted efficiency, per KenPom. And while there’s been criticism of Hubert Davis’ offseason roster overhaul, I can’t stop comparing these Tar Heels to that 2024 group. Between Veesaar, Wilson and Stevenson, North Carolina should have one of the best (and biggest) defensive frontcourts in the nation. Then you add in Trimble, Davis’ lone returning rotation player, as a high-end point-of-attack defender, and there’s no reason UNC can’t again be a top-10 defense.

The biggest difference between that No. 1 seed and Davis’ current squad is the lack of a go-to scorer, like RJ Davis, who could singlehandedly win close games. These Tar Heels may not have a single player average 15 points per game, but it’s reasonable that four or five players could average double figures. Trimble, Evans, Veesaar or maybe even Bogavac will have to step up offensively if UNC corrects its dismal Quad-1 record from last season (1-12), but the pieces are there for North Carolina to be a second-weekend tournament team.

4. NC State

Last season: 12-19

Coach: Will Wade (first season)

Top bench players: Quadir Copeland (9.2 ppg, 4.5 apg at McNeese); Paul McNeil (4.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg); Alyn Breed (17.5 ppg, 3 rpg at McNeese); Jerry Deng (7 ppg, 1.9 rpg at Florida State)

Biggest losses: Marcus Hill (11.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg); Dontrez Styles (11.4 ppg, 5 rpg); Jayden Taylor (10.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg); Ben Middlebrooks (7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg); Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (7.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg); Michael O’Connell (6.4 ppg, 3.6 apg)

Why they’re here: Between Wade’s time at LSU and McNeese, Wade has made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances as a head coach — and that streak should continue this season. After all: When was the last time NC State had a player the caliber of Williams, who could contend for All-America honors? The Wolfpack even landing someone like Williams, especially over the likes of Kansas, speaks to the instant turnaround Wade should spark.

Stylistically, NC State has the makings of the same aggressive, switchable defense Wade loves, fueled by the likes of Williams, Arceneaux and Holloman on the perimeter. Wade’s last three teams have all been top-15 in defensive turnover rate, per KenPom. Offensively, Williams will be the centerpiece, while Holloman, Copeland and Lubin provide baseline production alongside him. But the difference between NC State being good and great is whether either of McNeil or Able — the latter of whom has become one of the nation’s most buzz-worthy freshman — can fully break out. If so, there’s no reason the Wolfpack can’t compete for an ACC title.

5. Virginia

Last season: 15-17

Coach: Ryan Odom (first season)

Top bench players: Jacari White (17.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg at North Dakota State); Devin Tillis (13.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg at UC Irvine); Chance Mallory (freshman, No. 57); Ugonna Onysenso (2.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg at Kansas State)

Biggest losses: Isaac McKneely (14.4 ppg, 2.9 apg); Elijah Saunders (10.4 ppg, 5 rpg); Andrew Rohde (9.3 ppg, 4.3 apg); Dai Dai Ames (8.7 ppg, 1.9 apg); Jacob Cofie (7.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg); Blake Buchanan (5.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg)

Why they’re here: For a place like Virginia to not return a single significant contributor from last season says a lot. Its forever calling card was multi-year development. But Odom needed only one offseason to give Virginia a modern-era facelift.

Not only did the Hoos dive deep into international waters, landing multiple likely starters from abroad, but Odom and his staff also secured several instant-impact transfers — especially Thomas, who has All-ACC upside.

How do all the parts coalesce? Thomas, who led the WCC in scoring with 19.9 points per game, has go-to guy potential, while De Ridder and Grunloh form a ready-made frontcourt that offers rim protection and 3-point shooting. Hall’s production slipped somewhat last season, but he should still be a stabilizing ACC floor general. And in Lewis, White and Tillis, Odom has versatile perimeter pieces to mix and match. Odom led all of UMBC, Utah State and VCU to the NCAA Tournament in his second seasons with those programs — and more than has the goods necessary to make the postseason in his first campaign in Charlottesville.

On the bubble

6. Syracuse

Last season: 14-19

Coach: Adrian Autry (third season)

Top bench players: Sadiq White (freshman, No. 30); Kiyan Anthony (freshman, No. 32); Luke Fennell (international); Tyler Betsey (3.3 ppg at Cincinnati); Ibrahim Soure (2.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg at Georgia Tech)

Biggest losses: Eddie Lampkin (11.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg); Jyare Davis (9.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg); Chris Bell (9.3 ppg, 2 rpg); Jaquan Carlos (6.2 ppg, 4.1 apg); Lucas Taylor (6 ppg, 2.4 rpg)

Why they’re here: Calling my shot with this one, and trusting my cautious optimism in one of the most slept-on offseasons of any team in the country. Autry’s 34-31 record through two seasons at his alma mater doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence, but the pieces are there for Cuse to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. Now Autry just has to prove he can coach this group to its potential.

Returning last season’s top two scorers, Starling and Freeman — the latter of whom was trending as a first-round pick, prior to a season-ending right foot injury in January — was a strong start, but the Orange also landed a sneakily good transfer portal haul. George has quietly been one of the ACC’s better point guards the past two seasons, and Kingz was a few missed free throws from being a 50-40-90 guy in his first Division I season. If there’s a weakness, it’s at center, where neither Kyle nor Soure is particularly proven, but the rest of the roster is good enough to mitigate that. What might determine Syracuse’s postseason fate is the readiness of the freshmen: White, Anthony and Fennell.

7. SMU

Last season: 24-11, NIT second round

Coach: Andy Enfield (second season)

Top bench players: Corey Washington (13.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg at Wichita State); Jaden Toombs (freshman, No. 40); Nigel Walls (freshman, No. 71); Jermaine O’Neal Jr. (freshman)

Biggest losses: Chuck Harris (12.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg); Matt Cross (11.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg); Kario Oquendo (11.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg); Yohan Traore (6.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg)

Why they’re here: Enfield’s first SMU squad fell into a predictable pattern of clobbering bad teams, but struggling against good ones. Can this season be different, despite three returning starters, tied for the most in the league? Miller’s proven to be a high-level ACC scorer, but he’s also liable to shoot the Mustangs out of games. Yigitoglu had an impressive freshman season and could develop into one of the league’s better bigs. Pierre — the Conference USA Player of the Year, and a top-30 transfer, per The Athletic — has the scoring juice to be a star, but like Miller, has struggled with inconsistency. Put together, there’s plenty to like about Enfield’s second SMU team, but how much is there to trust?

8. Miami

Last season: 7-24

Coach: Jai Lucas (first season)

Top bench players: Timotej Malovec (international); Salih Altuntas (international); Dante Allen (freshman, No. 60); Marcus Allen (2.6 ppg at Missouri)

Biggest losses: Matthew Cleveland (17.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg); Lynn Kidd (11.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg); Brandon Johnson (8.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg); A.J. Staton-McCray (7.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg); Jalil Bethea (7.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg); Austin Swartz (5.9 ppg)

Why they’re here: Lucas had to leave Duke before the NCAA Tournament: to completely rebuild a Miami roster that sorely needed flipping. And while the Hurricanes won’t be the deepest team in the league, Lucas — formerly Duke’s defensive coordinator, who orchestrated three top-16 finishes with the Blue Devils — did well to land a top-heavy starting five that could be among the ACC’s best defensive sides. The standouts are Udeh, an interior stalwart, and Washington, who posted a top-50 steal rate nationally last season for the Mountain West champs.

Offensively, Donaldson and Reneau have proven to be high-major starters, and those two should carry the bulk of Miami’s scoring load. But outside of Donaldson, uh, where’s the shooting? The Canes’ “spacing” should force them to muck things up — although that might be exactly what Lucas’ first team needs to hang around the bubble.

9. Wake Forest

Last season: 21-11

Coach: Steve Forbes (sixth season)

Top bench players: Myles Colvin (5.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg at Purdue); Omaha Biliew (2.8 ppg); Sebastian Akins (12.7 ppg, 2.7 apg at Denver); Marqus Marion (redshirt); Dimitrije Kovacevic (international)

Biggest losses: Hunter Sallis (18.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg); Cam Hildreth (14.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg); Efton Reid (8.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg); Ty-Laur Johnson (6.1 ppg, 2.7 apg); Davin Cosby (5.6 ppg)

Why they’re here: The Sallis-Hildreth-Reid era is over, somehow without a single NCAA Tournament appearance. That means Wake Forest will look dramatically different, but maybe that’s not the worst thing? The frontcourt — led by Spillers, Biliew and Schwieger — should be stellar, and has the potential to be among the league’s best; Biliew, the former five-star recruit, is particularly intriguing, especially given Forbes’ track record of development. Harris oscillated between the three and four last season, but needs to take a leap as a sophomore to secure the Deacons’ perimeter. And lastly, in Calmese, Mason and Colvin, Forbes has three guards whose sum should be greater than the parts.

There isn’t necessarily a go-to guy here, or even a surefire future NBA player, but that balance may work to Forbes’ benefit. Wake is always going to be frisky so long as he’s around, and perhaps a season without sky-high expectations is what the Deacs need to finally break through.

10. Notre Dame

Last season: 15-18

Coach: Micah Shrewsberry (third season)

Top bench players: Sir Mohammed (3.1 ppg); Matthew MacLellan (14.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg at NAIA Madonna); Ryder Frost (freshman, No. 99); Cole Certa (2.5 ppg); Garrett Sundra (2.3 ppg)

Biggest losses: Tae Davis (15.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg); Matt Allocco (9.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg); J.R. Konieczny (4.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg)

Why they’re here: Between Burton and Haralson, the top-rated recruit in Notre Dame history, Shrewsberry might have two of the 20 best players in the ACC. Burton is legitimately as good a scoring guard as there is in the country, and the 6-foot-7 Haralson is the crown jewel of a sneaky good recruiting class in South Bend. But outside of that duo — and his son, Braeden, who developed into a solid, complementary 3-and-D wing last season — the Fighting Irish have more questions than answers. Njie is a fine but unspectacular big, and his fit next to Towt, ND’s top transfer import is interesting. At the very least, that duo should be dominant on the glass and as screeners for Notre Dame’s perimeter studs. Even if Mohammed and Frost emerge as nightly high-major contributors, which is possible but maybe not probable, Notre Dame looks like a test case of how far three stars can carry a team.

Reliable coaches in rebuilding years

11. Clemson

Last season: 27-7, NCAA Tournament first round

Coach: Brad Brownell (16th season)

Top bench players: RJ Godfrey (6.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg at Georgia); Jake Wahlin (6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg at Utah); Zac Foster (freshman, No. 68); Dallas Thomas (redshirt); Ace Buckner (redshirt)

Biggest losses: Chase Hunter (16.5 ppg, 3 rpg); Ian Schieffelin (12.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg); Jaeden Zackery (11.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg); Viktor Lahkin (11.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg); Chauncey Wiggins (8.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg)

Why they’re here: Brownell is perennially one of the most underrated coaches in the country, but as his career arc shows, even the ACC’s longest-tenured leader has the occasional down year. This looks like one of them, with the core behind consecutive NCAA Tournament teams no longer in town. Davidson, who should be Clemson’s best player, and Welling at least fit the mold of traditional Brownell bigs: stretch forwards who can shoot from 3, protect the rim and generally do a little bit of everything. But the backcourt is much less certain. One of Hunter, Porter and Johnson — or ideally, two of them — will have to emerge for Clemson to make noise.

12. Pittsburgh

Last season: 17-15

Coach: Jeff Capel (eighth season)

Top bench players: Barry Dunning Jr. (15.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg at South Alabama); Roman Siulepa (international); Papa Kante (2.1 ppg); Omari Witherspoon (freshman)

Biggest losses: Jaland Lowe (16.8 ppg, 5.5 apg); Ish Leggett (15.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg); Damian Dunn (9.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg); Zack Austin (9.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg); Guillermo Diaz Graham (6.2 ppg, 5 rpg)

Why they’re here: Like with Clemson, Pitt’s frontcourt should be able to hang with most in the ACC. Corhen was an incredibly efficient scorer last season, and Jackson — who excels as an offensive rebounder, shot blocker and foul-drawer — was highly effective for an excellent Iowa State team. Behind that duo, Kante — a former four-star, top-75 recruit — is similarly great on the glass. But the perimeter is much thinner, especially after Cummings, a potential breakout candidate who shoots it well and takes care of the ball. Minor raises Pitt’s floor, at least, as a competent starting guard, while Dunning and Indrusaitis are more lottery tickets. The spacing seems suspect, if not downright rough. Capel’s frontcourt will have to do a lot of heavy lifting to keep the Panthers competitive.

Trying to avoid the cellar

13. Georgia Tech

Last season: 17-17, NIT first round

Coach: Damon Stoudamire (third season)

Top bench players: Kam Craft (13.6 ppg, 3 rpg at Miami of Ohio); Chas Kelley III (4.4 ppg, 2 apg at Boston College); Peyton Marshall (1 ppg at Missouri); Akai Fleming (freshman, No. 81)

Biggest losses: Lance Terry (14.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg); Naithan George (12.3 ppg, 6.5 apg); Duncan Powell (12.2 ppg, 5.4 apg); Javian McCollum (11.9 ppg, 3.6 apg); Luke O’Brien (6.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg)

Why they’re here: Another excellent frontcourt with backcourt question marks. Ndongo has been one of the most unappreciated, productive bigs in the nation the past two seasons, and in Sylla, he now has an ideal defensive running mate. Those two — plus Reeves, assuming he’s healthy — will be the backbone for Stoudamire’s team, and the trio around which the Yellow Jackets revolve. Mustaf is a better shooter than he showed as a freshman, but can he and Washington carry Tech’s perimeter? That’s a big ask. For that reason, and the overall dearth of impactful depth, it’s hard to be optimistic about GT climbing another rung.

14. California

Last season: 14-19

Coach: Mark Madsen (third season)

Top bench players: Rytis Petraitis (8.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg); DJ Campbell (7.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg); Lee Dort (3.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg); Nolan Dorsey (9.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg at Campbell); Mantas Kocanas (2 ppg at Florida Atlantic)

Biggest losses: Andrej Stojakovic (17.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg); Jeremiah Wilkinson (15.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg); Jovan Blacksher (10.5 ppg, 2.5 apg); Mady Sissoko (8.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg); Joshua Ola-Joseph (7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg)

Why they’re here: Madsen doesn’t have a star, but he does have an entire roster of role players who could seemingly fit together. Ames and Bell aren’t raising anyone’s ceiling at the high-major level, but they’re competent and should give the Golden Bears some framework to operate within. Petraitis, Campbell and Dort can give solid minutes, while Camden and Ilic were both productive at lower levels. Pippen, a former four-star recruit, is the wild card; if he hits, Madsen could have something on his hands.

15. Virginia Tech

Last season: 13-19

Coach: Mike Young (seventh season)

Top bench players: Jailen Bedford (10.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg at UNLV); Tyler Johnson (6.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg); Ben Hammond (5.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg); Christian Gurdak (freshman); Antonio Dorn (international)

Biggest losses: Mylyjael Poteat (9.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg); Jaydon Young (8.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg); Ben Burnham (7.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg); Brandon Rechsteiner (7 ppg, 2.8 apg)

Why they’re here: Learn the name Avdalas now. Not only should the 6-foot-8 Greek be one of the ACC’s top pro prospects  — he would’ve been a second-rounder in the 2025 NBA Draft, had he not withdrawn — but he easily could be one of the top international players in college basketball. How far can he drag the Hokies? Maybe to competitiveness, especially if Lawal and Hansberry play to their potential. There isn’t much depth, nor a ton of backcourt talent, but that aforementioned trio — especially with Young pulling the strings offensively — will make VT worth watching.

16. Florida State

Last season: 17-15

Coach: Luke Loucks (first season)

Top bench players: Martin Somerville (13.6 ppg, 3.7 apg at UMass Lowell); Shahid Muhammed (3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg at UMass); A.J. Swinton (2.8 ppg, 1.4 pg); Alier Maluk (2.7 ppg, 2 rpg); Thomas Bassong (international)

Biggest losses: Jamir Watkins (18.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg); Malique Ewin (14.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg); Daquan Davis (8.8 ppg, 2.5 apg); Taylor Bol Bowen (8 ppg, 5.2 rpg); Jerry Deng (7 ppg, 1.9 rpg); Chandler Jackson (6.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg); Justin Thomas (4.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg)

Why they’re here: Loucks clearly wanted to gain experience, fast, bringing in five senior transfers to counter a talent disadvantage. McCray wasn’t particularly efficient at Jacksonville, but he has a scoring punch on a roster that sorely needs it, and should be the Seminoles’ top option. MaGee can shoot the cover off the ball next to him, and Jones and Wiggins are bigger wings who should be able to hold their own physically against ACC foes. Somerville — the America East Rookie of the Year — is an interesting bench addition with intriguing advanced metrics (46.4 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s), who could be a key piece of FSU’s future if all breaks right. This year isn’t necessarily about winning; it’s about Loucks developing his culture and learning the ins and outs of college hoops.

17. Boston College

Last season: 12-19

Coach: Earl Grant (fifth season)

Top bench players: Aidan Shaw (2.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg at Missouri); Jayden Hastings (4 ppg, 3.1 rpg); Luka Toews (1.6 ppg, 1.3 apg); Akbar Waheed III (freshman)

Biggest losses: Chad Venning (12.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg); Elijah Strong (9.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg); Dion Brown (7.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg); Joshua Beadle (5.9 ppg, 2 apg); Roger McFarlane (5.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg)

Why they’re here: Hand would’ve been handsomely compensated had he transferred, but instead, his return gives Grant a huge building block in Chestnut Hill. The 6-foot-5 guard was one of the most pleasant surprises in the league last season, and would have All-ACC upside if the Eagles’ record weren’t counting against him. Alas: Aside from Hand, the cupboard is relatively empty. Asemota and Shaw are athletic forwards with upside, while Forte is a defensive pest with a knack for getting to the free-throw line. Kapke has some high-major starting experience, too. But make no mistake: BC will be Hand’s show, for better or worse.

18. Stanford

Last season: 21-14, NIT second round

Coach: Kyle Smith (second season)

Top bench players: Kristers Skrinda (international); AJ Rohosy (21.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg at D-III Claremont-Mudd-Scripps); Donavin Young (3.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg); Aidan Camman (2.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg); Evan Stinson (2.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg)

Biggest losses: Maxime Raynaud (20.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg); Oziyah Sellers (13.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg); Jaylen Blakes (13.1 ppg, 4.7 apg)

Why they’re here: Smith’s three best players from last season are gone, and while Skrinda is an interesting stretch-forward who may have pro upside down the road, this roster is simply lacking the necessary high-end talent or depth required to compete in a high-major league. The good news for Stanford fans — if there is any — is that Smith can scheme with the best of them, and in Okpara and Agarwal, he at least has a few familiar faces to rely upon. And maybe Dent-Smith’s scoring prowess translates from the D-II level? Any way you spin it, this looks like a tough upcoming season in Palo Alto.  

(Top photo: Cameron Boozer: Jaylynn Nash / Imagn Images)