Welcome to this summer’s edition of my Way-Too-Early picks for the upcoming 2019-20 ACC basketball season. For the 4th consecutive summer, I’m sharing this long-time annual project of mine with my fellow CavCorner posters. The most valuable things you can get from this material are the roster and statistical information that I have compiled through weeks and hours of internet research on each of the 15 teams. Players’ heights and weights have been compiled from each school’s official website, where provided by those schools. Players that are not currently eligible to play this season are not included in these rosters, and, in most cases, non-scholarship players are not included. I have cross-checked roster information from a number of sources, so hopefully you’ll find this as an accurate resource for the season to come. Still, mistakes get made, especially in these times of multiple transfers, so please feel free to let me know if you see a roster mistake. As is the nature of a “Way Too Early” forecast, things can change between now and the season opener (see Braxton Key last season, Marvin Bagley III the previous year.)
Just like previous years, I’ve divided my picks up into 3 tiers and will present one tier at a time. During this slow sports time of year, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as this college basketball nerd enjoys compiling it.
Tier 3: Ugh! Not ACC Worthy: places 10-15
15. VIRGINIA TECH (last season: 12-6 ACC (5th place), 26-9 overall)
One might be inclined to feel sorry for VA Tech after their coach departed following a record breaking season in which the Hokies achieved new highs for their basketball program. But when you consider that Tech spends less money on basketball than most ACC schools, then the Hokies are pretty much getting what they pay for this season – a spot back in their once customary position at the bottom of the conference. After four consecutive bottom-dwelling ACC finishes from 2012 – 2015, Buzz Williams led the Gobblers to 3-straight 7th place finishes and then a 5th place finish in the conference last season and the program’s first NCAA wins in more than 10 years. But Williams is now gone and he left the cupboard bare in Blacksburg.
Enter Mike Young, the veteran coach from Wofford College, who is coming off his most successful season ever at the Spartanburg, South Carolina school. Young inherits few leftovers from last year’s Hokie roster and has had little time to recruit and build enough of a roster to conduct practices. The top five scorers are gone. Three players have reserve experience, led by point-guard Wabissa Bede, a stocky play maker who is more of a facilitator than scorer. Undersized but very athletic forward Isaiah Wilkins is back with a returnee-leading 4.7 ppg and will be joined in the frontcourt by junior veteran P. J. Horne, another undersized forward.
Young does have a couple of newcomers upon which to build a foundation for the future. Landers Nolley, II, a Williams recruit who was a top-100 recruit but was ineligible last season, is now eligible to play. Jalen Cone is a top 100 high school player who reclassified from 2020 to 2019 and he should see plenty of playing time. Cone was a prolific scorer at the high school level and the Hokies desperately need a player who will look for his shot.
Young will be looking to create some sort of positive vibe in Cassell Coliseum this winter. Any win will be huge for the Hokies this season but will likely go un-witnessed by most Hokie students, who will be sitting at home watching their favorite ACC basketball team – UNC.
Returning players: Isaiah Wilkins, 6’4”, 180 lbs., So., F, 4.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 40.7% 3-pt.; Wabissa Bede, 6’1”, 195 lbs., Jr., G, 3.8 ppg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 35.4% 3-pt.; P.J. Horne, 6’5”, 215 lbs., Jr., F, 3.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg; Jonathan Kabongo, 6’2”, 180 lbs., So., G, 1.5 ppg; Landers Nolley, II, 6’7”, 205 lbs., RS Fr., F, ineligible last season.
New players: Jalen Cone, 6’0”, 165 lbs., CG, (Rivals #79) (reclassified to 2019 from 2020); Branden Johnson, 6’8”, 205 lbs, F (grad transfer from Alabama State); John Ojiako, 6’10” (reclassified to 2019 from 2020); Tyrece Radford, 6’2”, 195 lbs., G, (redshirted last season); Hunter Cattoor, 6’3”, CG.
Departing players: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 6’5”, 210 lbs., SG, (declared for draft), 16.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.9 spg, 37.4% 3-pt.; Chris Clarke, 6’6”, 210 lbs., F, transfer, kicked off team last season; Kerry Blackshear, Jr., 6’10”, 260 lbs., F/C, transfer, 14.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 33.3% 3-pt.; Justin Robinson, 6’2”, 190 lbs., PG, 13.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.6 spg, 41.8% 3-pt., Ahmed Hill, 6’5”, 205 lbs., G, 13.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 39.1% 3-pt., Ty Outlaw, 6’6”, 220 lbs., G/F, 8.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 45.4% 3-pt.
14. PITTSBURGH (last season: 3-15 ACC (tied for 14th), 14-19 0verall)
Jeff Capel starts his second season as Panther head coach after tying for last place with Notre Dame last season. He has some young returnees who he hopes will take the freshman-to-sophomore leap and bring his team closer to a post-season bid this year. Xavier Johnson, Trey McGowens, and Au’Diese Toney received valuable experience in their freshmen years and give Pitt and chance to be more competitive this season. Still, the Panthers are several ACC-caliber players away from moving up into the middle of the pack this year. The good news is that there are a few other teams at the bottom of the conference that will give Pitt opportunities to improve on last season’s 3-win total.
Returning players: Kene Chukwuka, 6’9”, 225 lbs., F/C, Sr., 3.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg; Terrell Brown, 6’10”, 235 lbs., F/C, Jr., 5.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg; Samson George, 6’7”, 220 lbs., F, Jr., 1.2 ppg; Xavier Johnson, 6’3”, 200 lbs., G, So., 15.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.3 spg, 35.2% 3-pt., 4.0 TOpg; Trey McGowens, 6’3”, 190 lbs, G, So., 11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 spg, 32.7% 3-pt.; Au’Diese Toney, 6’6”, 210 lbs., G/F, So., 7.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg; Curtis Aiken, Jr., 6’1”, 200 lbs., G, RS-Fr.
New players: Karin Coulibaly, 6’8”, 215 lbs., F/C; Gerald Drumgoole,6’5”, 200 lbs. G/F (Rivals #136);, Eric Hamilton, 6’9”, 250 lbs., F, grad transfer from UNC Greensboro; Justin Champagnie, 6’6”, 200 lbs. G/F.
Departing players: Sidy N’Dir, 6’3”, 185 lbs., 5.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg; Jared Wilson-Frame, 6’5”, 220 lbs., G/F, 12.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 39.5% 3-pt.; Malik Ellison, 6’6”, 213 lbs., G, 5.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, transferred to Hartford; Khameron Davis, 6’4”, 195 lbs., G, , 2.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 31.6% 3-pt., (transferred); Peace Ilegomah, 6’9”, 235 lbs., C, (transferred mid-season); Shamiel Stevenson, 6’6”, 230 lbs., F (transferred mid-season.)
13. BOSTON COLLEGE (last season: 5-13 ACC (tied for 11th), 14-17 overall)
Is this coach Jim Christian’s last season at Chestnut Hill? That may seem like a harsh way to start Boston College’s pre-season preview, but the reality is that it is the biggest question looming for the Eagles this season as there appears to be no bright prospects for the near future. Athletic director Martin Jahmoud, who inherited Christian’s hire from the previous regime, may feel compelled to move the program in another direction.
B.C. loses 2 of its top 4 scorers with star guard Ky Bowman declaring for the draft and high-scoring guard Jordan Chatman using up his eligibility. The Eagles do return 2 solid players in senior forward Nik Popovic and sophomore guard Wynston Tabbs, but they will need a few other players to step up their games significantly in order to compete for the middle-of-the-pack in the ACC this season. One hopeful is USC transfer Derryck Thornton. The former highly rated Duke recruit hasn’t found his stride at the collegiate level and the graduate transfer is hoping his third stop is the charm. Three-point shooting looms as a major weakness for B.C. this season with Tabbs and fellow sophomore Chris Herren, Jr. returning as the leading 3-point shooters at 32.1%. B.C. has size with Popovic, Reyes, and Kraljevic up front and sophomore Jarius Hamilton on the wing, but not much athleticism or scoring power in that size. None of B.C.’s incoming freshman are highly rated. It’s hard to see B.C. finishing anywhere other than near the bottom of the league this year… again.
Returning Players: Jared Hamilton, G, 6’4”, 205 lbs. Sr., 6.0 ppg; Johncarlos Reyes, F/C, 6’10” 215 lbs., Sr., 1.9 ppg, 1.0 rpg; Nik Popovic, F, 6’11”, 255 lbs., Sr., 14.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg; Luka Kraljevic, F, 6’10”, 230 lbs., Jr., 1.1 ppg, 1.2 rpg; Steffon Mitchell, F, 6’8”, 220 lbs., Jr., 4.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.2 bpg; Jarius Hamilton, F, 6’8”, 235 lbs., So., 5.6 ppg; Chris Herren, Jr., G, 6’3”, 175 lbs., So., 4.2 ppg, 32.1% 3pt FG (walk-on); Wynston Tabbs, G, 6’2”, 195 lbs., So., 13.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 32.1% 3pt FG; Avery Wilson, G, 6’3”, 215 lbs., So.;
New Players: Jay Heath, Jr., 6’3”, 180 lbs., SG; Julian Rishwain, 6’5”, 165 lbs., SG; Kamari Williams, 6’7”, 175 lbs., SF; Calvin Felder, 6’7”, 225 lbs., SF; Derryck Thornton, 6’3”, 185 lbs. PG (transfer from USC, previously at Duke, 7.7 ppg, 4.3 apg.)
Departing Players: Ky Bowman, G, (declared for draft) , 19.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.0 apg; Jordan Chatman, G, 6’5”, 200 lbs., 13.2 ppg;, Vin Baker, Jr., 6’7”, 185 lbs., F, 1.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg (transfer); Avery Wilson, 6’3”, 215 lbs., G (transfer).
12. CLEMSON (last season: 9-9 ACC (tied for 8th), 20-14 overall)
Clemson was perhaps last season’s biggest disappointment in the ACC. Ranked in the top-15 nationally in pre-season polls and returning the core of a good team, the Tigers limped to a .500 season in-conference, missed the NCAA tournament, and failed to keep the momentum going from a successful 2017-18 season. The Tigers won one game in the NIT tournament before getting eliminated in the second round by Wichita State.
Forward Aamir Simms, a former Blue Ridge (VA) School product from Fluvanna County, Virginia, moves into the “go-to” role with the Tigers this year with the departure of 4 of the top-5 leading scorers. Perhaps the biggest question mark for Clemson is who will replace departing guards Marcquise Reed’s and Shelton Mitchell’s combined 30.4 ppg and 6.1 apg. Freshman point guard Al-Amir Dawes may be pushed into a significant role early. He is likely to be paired with returning junior Clyde Trapp and/or sophomore John Newman, III to form a very inexperienced backcourt. Clemson will likely look to pound the ball inside to Simms or transfer Jonathan Baehre. Three transfers give the Tigers some much needed depth but little star power.
Coach Brad Brownell cooled his hot seat by putting the Tigers in the top-4 of the ACC in 2017-18 and bringing them back to the NCAA tournament, but last season’s disappointment will make some ask if he’s in the hot chair again. So long as Clemson keeps winning football championships, the Tiger faithful seem to be okay with mediocrity in basketball and Brownell, one of the classiest coaches in the ACC, is probably safe for now. Even in disappointment last season, the Tigers won 20 games and made the NIT. However, the chance to replicate last season’s performance this year looks slim.
Returning Players: Jonathan Baehre, F, 6’10”, 214 lbs., Jr.(transfer eligible this season); Aamir Simms, F, 6’8”, 248 lbs., Jr., 8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg; Clyde Trapp, G, 6’4”, 196 lbs., Jr., 6.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Trey Jemison, C, 7’0”, 254 lbs., So.; John Newman, III, G, 6’5”, 197 lbs., So., 2.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg; Hunter Tyson, F, 6’8”, 204 lbs., So.;
New Players: Al-Amir Dawes, 6’2”, 175 lbs., PG, (Rivals #146); Chase Hunter, 6’3”, 180 lbs., SG, (Rivals #105); Alex Hemenway, 6’3”, 170 lbs., SG; Curran Scott, 6’4”, 208 lbs., G, grad transfer from Tulsa; Kavon Moore, 6’8”, 215 lbs., G/F; Parker Fox, 6’6”, 200 lbs., G, transfer from Texas Tech; Tevin Mack, 6’6”, 225 lbs. transfer from Alabama.
Departing Players: Javan White, F, 6’10”, 230 lbs., 2.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg; Shelton Mitchell, G, 6’3”, 195 lbs., 11.0 ppg, 3.0 apg; Marcquise Reed, G, 6’3”, 193 lbs., 19.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.1 spg; David Skara, F, 6’8”, 213 lbs., 7.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg; Elijah Thomas, F, 6’9”, 237 lbs., 13.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.2 bpg; Anthony Oliver, II, G, 6’5”, 180 lbs. (transfer to ODU);, Malik Williams, F, 6’8”, 226 lbs., (transfer.)
11. WAKE FOREST (last season: 4-14 ACC (13th place), 11-20 overall)
How much more patience will Wake’s athletic administration show with Danny Manning’s lack of success in Winston Salem? Like Jim Christian at B.C., Danny Manning will be in hot-seat conversations as we enter the 2019-20 ACC season. Manning does return an experienced roster this season, led by senior PG Brandon Childress. Manning is hoping to get more consistency from 5 other players who have seen significant court time: Mucius, Wright, Jr., Johnson, Brown and Saar. Defense has always been a problem with Manning’s Wake teams. If the Demon Deacons can show improvement on both sides of the floor, there’s a chance that they have enough talent to sniff at a post-season bid. Smart money says that Wake stays near the conference cellar.
Returning players: Brandon Childress, 6’0”, 190 lbs., PG, Sr., 14.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.5 spg, 36.8% 3-pt.; Isaiah Mucius, 6’8”, 190 lbs., F, So., 6.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg; Sharone Wright, Jr., 6’5”, 180 lbs., G, So., 7.1 ppg, 31.7% 3-pt.; Torry Johnson, 6’3”, 170 lbs., G, Sr., 5.9 ppg, 34.1% 3-pt.; Michael Wynn, 6’6”, 200 lbs., G, So., 1.9 ppg; Chaundee Brown, 6’5”, 215 lbs, G, Jr., 11.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg 3-pt., 32.3%; Olivier Saar, 7’0”, 235 lbs., C, Jr., 6.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg; Sunday Okeke, 6’8”, 245 lbs., F, Jr., 1.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg.
New players: Ishmael Massoud, 6’8”, 200 lbs., SF (Rivals #129); Ody Oguama, 6’9”, 190 lbs., F/C; Jahcobi Neath, SG, 6’3”, 170 lbs., G; Tariq Ingraham”, 6’8”, 230 lbs., F; Grant Van Beveren, 6’6”, 190 lbs., F.
Departing players: Jaylen Hoard, 6’8”, 210 lbs., PF, 13.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, (declared for draft); Ikenna Smart, 6’10”, 240 lbs., F, 2.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg; Melo Eggleston, 6’8”, 200 lbs., G/F, transfer.
Just like previous years, I’ve divided my picks up into 3 tiers and will present one tier at a time. During this slow sports time of year, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as this college basketball nerd enjoys compiling it.
Tier 3: Ugh! Not ACC Worthy: places 10-15
15. VIRGINIA TECH (last season: 12-6 ACC (5th place), 26-9 overall)
One might be inclined to feel sorry for VA Tech after their coach departed following a record breaking season in which the Hokies achieved new highs for their basketball program. But when you consider that Tech spends less money on basketball than most ACC schools, then the Hokies are pretty much getting what they pay for this season – a spot back in their once customary position at the bottom of the conference. After four consecutive bottom-dwelling ACC finishes from 2012 – 2015, Buzz Williams led the Gobblers to 3-straight 7th place finishes and then a 5th place finish in the conference last season and the program’s first NCAA wins in more than 10 years. But Williams is now gone and he left the cupboard bare in Blacksburg.
Enter Mike Young, the veteran coach from Wofford College, who is coming off his most successful season ever at the Spartanburg, South Carolina school. Young inherits few leftovers from last year’s Hokie roster and has had little time to recruit and build enough of a roster to conduct practices. The top five scorers are gone. Three players have reserve experience, led by point-guard Wabissa Bede, a stocky play maker who is more of a facilitator than scorer. Undersized but very athletic forward Isaiah Wilkins is back with a returnee-leading 4.7 ppg and will be joined in the frontcourt by junior veteran P. J. Horne, another undersized forward.
Young does have a couple of newcomers upon which to build a foundation for the future. Landers Nolley, II, a Williams recruit who was a top-100 recruit but was ineligible last season, is now eligible to play. Jalen Cone is a top 100 high school player who reclassified from 2020 to 2019 and he should see plenty of playing time. Cone was a prolific scorer at the high school level and the Hokies desperately need a player who will look for his shot.
Young will be looking to create some sort of positive vibe in Cassell Coliseum this winter. Any win will be huge for the Hokies this season but will likely go un-witnessed by most Hokie students, who will be sitting at home watching their favorite ACC basketball team – UNC.
Returning players: Isaiah Wilkins, 6’4”, 180 lbs., So., F, 4.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 40.7% 3-pt.; Wabissa Bede, 6’1”, 195 lbs., Jr., G, 3.8 ppg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 35.4% 3-pt.; P.J. Horne, 6’5”, 215 lbs., Jr., F, 3.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg; Jonathan Kabongo, 6’2”, 180 lbs., So., G, 1.5 ppg; Landers Nolley, II, 6’7”, 205 lbs., RS Fr., F, ineligible last season.
New players: Jalen Cone, 6’0”, 165 lbs., CG, (Rivals #79) (reclassified to 2019 from 2020); Branden Johnson, 6’8”, 205 lbs, F (grad transfer from Alabama State); John Ojiako, 6’10” (reclassified to 2019 from 2020); Tyrece Radford, 6’2”, 195 lbs., G, (redshirted last season); Hunter Cattoor, 6’3”, CG.
Departing players: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 6’5”, 210 lbs., SG, (declared for draft), 16.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.9 spg, 37.4% 3-pt.; Chris Clarke, 6’6”, 210 lbs., F, transfer, kicked off team last season; Kerry Blackshear, Jr., 6’10”, 260 lbs., F/C, transfer, 14.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 33.3% 3-pt.; Justin Robinson, 6’2”, 190 lbs., PG, 13.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.6 spg, 41.8% 3-pt., Ahmed Hill, 6’5”, 205 lbs., G, 13.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 39.1% 3-pt., Ty Outlaw, 6’6”, 220 lbs., G/F, 8.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 45.4% 3-pt.
14. PITTSBURGH (last season: 3-15 ACC (tied for 14th), 14-19 0verall)
Jeff Capel starts his second season as Panther head coach after tying for last place with Notre Dame last season. He has some young returnees who he hopes will take the freshman-to-sophomore leap and bring his team closer to a post-season bid this year. Xavier Johnson, Trey McGowens, and Au’Diese Toney received valuable experience in their freshmen years and give Pitt and chance to be more competitive this season. Still, the Panthers are several ACC-caliber players away from moving up into the middle of the pack this year. The good news is that there are a few other teams at the bottom of the conference that will give Pitt opportunities to improve on last season’s 3-win total.
Returning players: Kene Chukwuka, 6’9”, 225 lbs., F/C, Sr., 3.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg; Terrell Brown, 6’10”, 235 lbs., F/C, Jr., 5.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg; Samson George, 6’7”, 220 lbs., F, Jr., 1.2 ppg; Xavier Johnson, 6’3”, 200 lbs., G, So., 15.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.3 spg, 35.2% 3-pt., 4.0 TOpg; Trey McGowens, 6’3”, 190 lbs, G, So., 11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 spg, 32.7% 3-pt.; Au’Diese Toney, 6’6”, 210 lbs., G/F, So., 7.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg; Curtis Aiken, Jr., 6’1”, 200 lbs., G, RS-Fr.
New players: Karin Coulibaly, 6’8”, 215 lbs., F/C; Gerald Drumgoole,6’5”, 200 lbs. G/F (Rivals #136);, Eric Hamilton, 6’9”, 250 lbs., F, grad transfer from UNC Greensboro; Justin Champagnie, 6’6”, 200 lbs. G/F.
Departing players: Sidy N’Dir, 6’3”, 185 lbs., 5.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg; Jared Wilson-Frame, 6’5”, 220 lbs., G/F, 12.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 39.5% 3-pt.; Malik Ellison, 6’6”, 213 lbs., G, 5.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, transferred to Hartford; Khameron Davis, 6’4”, 195 lbs., G, , 2.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 31.6% 3-pt., (transferred); Peace Ilegomah, 6’9”, 235 lbs., C, (transferred mid-season); Shamiel Stevenson, 6’6”, 230 lbs., F (transferred mid-season.)
13. BOSTON COLLEGE (last season: 5-13 ACC (tied for 11th), 14-17 overall)
Is this coach Jim Christian’s last season at Chestnut Hill? That may seem like a harsh way to start Boston College’s pre-season preview, but the reality is that it is the biggest question looming for the Eagles this season as there appears to be no bright prospects for the near future. Athletic director Martin Jahmoud, who inherited Christian’s hire from the previous regime, may feel compelled to move the program in another direction.
B.C. loses 2 of its top 4 scorers with star guard Ky Bowman declaring for the draft and high-scoring guard Jordan Chatman using up his eligibility. The Eagles do return 2 solid players in senior forward Nik Popovic and sophomore guard Wynston Tabbs, but they will need a few other players to step up their games significantly in order to compete for the middle-of-the-pack in the ACC this season. One hopeful is USC transfer Derryck Thornton. The former highly rated Duke recruit hasn’t found his stride at the collegiate level and the graduate transfer is hoping his third stop is the charm. Three-point shooting looms as a major weakness for B.C. this season with Tabbs and fellow sophomore Chris Herren, Jr. returning as the leading 3-point shooters at 32.1%. B.C. has size with Popovic, Reyes, and Kraljevic up front and sophomore Jarius Hamilton on the wing, but not much athleticism or scoring power in that size. None of B.C.’s incoming freshman are highly rated. It’s hard to see B.C. finishing anywhere other than near the bottom of the league this year… again.
Returning Players: Jared Hamilton, G, 6’4”, 205 lbs. Sr., 6.0 ppg; Johncarlos Reyes, F/C, 6’10” 215 lbs., Sr., 1.9 ppg, 1.0 rpg; Nik Popovic, F, 6’11”, 255 lbs., Sr., 14.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg; Luka Kraljevic, F, 6’10”, 230 lbs., Jr., 1.1 ppg, 1.2 rpg; Steffon Mitchell, F, 6’8”, 220 lbs., Jr., 4.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.2 bpg; Jarius Hamilton, F, 6’8”, 235 lbs., So., 5.6 ppg; Chris Herren, Jr., G, 6’3”, 175 lbs., So., 4.2 ppg, 32.1% 3pt FG (walk-on); Wynston Tabbs, G, 6’2”, 195 lbs., So., 13.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 32.1% 3pt FG; Avery Wilson, G, 6’3”, 215 lbs., So.;
New Players: Jay Heath, Jr., 6’3”, 180 lbs., SG; Julian Rishwain, 6’5”, 165 lbs., SG; Kamari Williams, 6’7”, 175 lbs., SF; Calvin Felder, 6’7”, 225 lbs., SF; Derryck Thornton, 6’3”, 185 lbs. PG (transfer from USC, previously at Duke, 7.7 ppg, 4.3 apg.)
Departing Players: Ky Bowman, G, (declared for draft) , 19.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.0 apg; Jordan Chatman, G, 6’5”, 200 lbs., 13.2 ppg;, Vin Baker, Jr., 6’7”, 185 lbs., F, 1.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg (transfer); Avery Wilson, 6’3”, 215 lbs., G (transfer).
12. CLEMSON (last season: 9-9 ACC (tied for 8th), 20-14 overall)
Clemson was perhaps last season’s biggest disappointment in the ACC. Ranked in the top-15 nationally in pre-season polls and returning the core of a good team, the Tigers limped to a .500 season in-conference, missed the NCAA tournament, and failed to keep the momentum going from a successful 2017-18 season. The Tigers won one game in the NIT tournament before getting eliminated in the second round by Wichita State.
Forward Aamir Simms, a former Blue Ridge (VA) School product from Fluvanna County, Virginia, moves into the “go-to” role with the Tigers this year with the departure of 4 of the top-5 leading scorers. Perhaps the biggest question mark for Clemson is who will replace departing guards Marcquise Reed’s and Shelton Mitchell’s combined 30.4 ppg and 6.1 apg. Freshman point guard Al-Amir Dawes may be pushed into a significant role early. He is likely to be paired with returning junior Clyde Trapp and/or sophomore John Newman, III to form a very inexperienced backcourt. Clemson will likely look to pound the ball inside to Simms or transfer Jonathan Baehre. Three transfers give the Tigers some much needed depth but little star power.
Coach Brad Brownell cooled his hot seat by putting the Tigers in the top-4 of the ACC in 2017-18 and bringing them back to the NCAA tournament, but last season’s disappointment will make some ask if he’s in the hot chair again. So long as Clemson keeps winning football championships, the Tiger faithful seem to be okay with mediocrity in basketball and Brownell, one of the classiest coaches in the ACC, is probably safe for now. Even in disappointment last season, the Tigers won 20 games and made the NIT. However, the chance to replicate last season’s performance this year looks slim.
Returning Players: Jonathan Baehre, F, 6’10”, 214 lbs., Jr.(transfer eligible this season); Aamir Simms, F, 6’8”, 248 lbs., Jr., 8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg; Clyde Trapp, G, 6’4”, 196 lbs., Jr., 6.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Trey Jemison, C, 7’0”, 254 lbs., So.; John Newman, III, G, 6’5”, 197 lbs., So., 2.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg; Hunter Tyson, F, 6’8”, 204 lbs., So.;
New Players: Al-Amir Dawes, 6’2”, 175 lbs., PG, (Rivals #146); Chase Hunter, 6’3”, 180 lbs., SG, (Rivals #105); Alex Hemenway, 6’3”, 170 lbs., SG; Curran Scott, 6’4”, 208 lbs., G, grad transfer from Tulsa; Kavon Moore, 6’8”, 215 lbs., G/F; Parker Fox, 6’6”, 200 lbs., G, transfer from Texas Tech; Tevin Mack, 6’6”, 225 lbs. transfer from Alabama.
Departing Players: Javan White, F, 6’10”, 230 lbs., 2.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg; Shelton Mitchell, G, 6’3”, 195 lbs., 11.0 ppg, 3.0 apg; Marcquise Reed, G, 6’3”, 193 lbs., 19.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.1 spg; David Skara, F, 6’8”, 213 lbs., 7.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg; Elijah Thomas, F, 6’9”, 237 lbs., 13.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.2 bpg; Anthony Oliver, II, G, 6’5”, 180 lbs. (transfer to ODU);, Malik Williams, F, 6’8”, 226 lbs., (transfer.)
11. WAKE FOREST (last season: 4-14 ACC (13th place), 11-20 overall)
How much more patience will Wake’s athletic administration show with Danny Manning’s lack of success in Winston Salem? Like Jim Christian at B.C., Danny Manning will be in hot-seat conversations as we enter the 2019-20 ACC season. Manning does return an experienced roster this season, led by senior PG Brandon Childress. Manning is hoping to get more consistency from 5 other players who have seen significant court time: Mucius, Wright, Jr., Johnson, Brown and Saar. Defense has always been a problem with Manning’s Wake teams. If the Demon Deacons can show improvement on both sides of the floor, there’s a chance that they have enough talent to sniff at a post-season bid. Smart money says that Wake stays near the conference cellar.
Returning players: Brandon Childress, 6’0”, 190 lbs., PG, Sr., 14.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.5 spg, 36.8% 3-pt.; Isaiah Mucius, 6’8”, 190 lbs., F, So., 6.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg; Sharone Wright, Jr., 6’5”, 180 lbs., G, So., 7.1 ppg, 31.7% 3-pt.; Torry Johnson, 6’3”, 170 lbs., G, Sr., 5.9 ppg, 34.1% 3-pt.; Michael Wynn, 6’6”, 200 lbs., G, So., 1.9 ppg; Chaundee Brown, 6’5”, 215 lbs, G, Jr., 11.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg 3-pt., 32.3%; Olivier Saar, 7’0”, 235 lbs., C, Jr., 6.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg; Sunday Okeke, 6’8”, 245 lbs., F, Jr., 1.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg.
New players: Ishmael Massoud, 6’8”, 200 lbs., SF (Rivals #129); Ody Oguama, 6’9”, 190 lbs., F/C; Jahcobi Neath, SG, 6’3”, 170 lbs., G; Tariq Ingraham”, 6’8”, 230 lbs., F; Grant Van Beveren, 6’6”, 190 lbs., F.
Departing players: Jaylen Hoard, 6’8”, 210 lbs., PF, 13.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, (declared for draft); Ikenna Smart, 6’10”, 240 lbs., F, 2.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg; Melo Eggleston, 6’8”, 200 lbs., G/F, transfer.
