The NCAA’s Andy Katz has analyzed the impact on college basketball following withdrawal by players from the NBA Draft. His Power 36 includes a number of ACC teams and some that need further consideration as time goes on. And, as Katz points out, things still aren’t settled in college basketball, what with the Transfer Portal still purring along. Things can and probably will look quite a bit different by the time we hit November and opening play across the NCAA.
For now, let’s look at the ACC and how they are ranked in his latest Power 36. We’ll start right at the top and work our way through the list. If, by chance, you thought we’d be starting with Duke then let’s just say, don’t get your hopes up. The conference is loaded….again. The nice thing about being in that position this year is there are rosters full of players who have lots of playing time and are familiar with one another.
Who is at No. 1? Look no further than Chapel Hill and the Tar Heels. The only change from last year’s roster? Brady Manek is no longer there. But, North Carolina returns almost the entirety of their key players and after making a deep run last season don’t think this team isn’t ready to take home a big trophy.
The ACC+1 Football Preview Begins With Georgia Tech, Followed By North Carolina
College Basketball
Who are the Top 5 college basketball teams in the Power 36?
- North Carolina
- Gonzaga – Drew Timme returns
- Kentucky – Oscar Tshiebwe returns
- UCLA – Jaime Jaquez, Jr and Tyger Campbell return
- Kansas – Jalen Wilson and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar
That list contains a lot of offensive firepower and sticky defense.
Next on the ACC list is Duke at No. 10. The Blue Devils are without Coach K and are full of hot recruits. Will the old magic continue?
Miami moves up in the latest rankings from No. 25 to No. 16. Why? Isaiah Wong and Nijel Pack lead what will be a tough Canes attack that should have them competing for the top tier of the conference.
Virginia moves up a few notches and deploy the core of last year’s team. With the extra year under their belts the defense should be clicking. The big question will be offense. Can this roster break through that invisible wall that has held them back from being consistent when it comes to scoring?
That puts a wrap on the Power 36 for college basketball teams in the ACC teams there’s this intriguing area that includes teams that are ‘under consideration’. These are the teams that Katz believes we should be keeping an eye on in the ACC.
- Florida State
- Notre Dame
