I won't go as far as 2nd, but I really don't see a reason we can't finish 3rd.
Hate to see it, but Duke will be tops next year. Ingram is very likely gone, but even if Allen joins him and Thornton transfers, they're still loaded. Giles-Tatum-Jackson are in the same company as freshmen as Okafor-Winslow-T. Jones. Jefferson, M. Jones & Kennard return. Unfortunately they won't lose often, and will be a major threat to win it all once those freshmen get 20 games or so under their belts.
UNC is the likely #2...maybe we sneak past them if both Jackson & Hicks go pro, but it's not a given either will. If both return, they're probably a preseason top 5 nationally with Jackson, Berry, Hicks, Pinson, Meeks returning with a very good recruiting class.
After that, I think it's open and we have as good a chance as anyone. Miami loses a lot, but also has a very good recruiting class....they could be tough. Syracuse loses their backcourt, but also has a good class coming in...will be interesting to see if Richardson stays. Notre Dame just loses too much, especially since Jackson declared.
FSU & NCSU are talented but just don't seem to ever have the chemistry/coaching. Don't think VTech will be as good or better than us, but could see them making some noise (assuming Buzz stays).
Hate to see it, but Duke will be tops next year. Ingram is very likely gone, but even if Allen joins him and Thornton transfers, they're still loaded. Giles-Tatum-Jackson are in the same company as freshmen as Okafor-Winslow-T. Jones. Jefferson, M. Jones & Kennard return. Unfortunately they won't lose often, and will be a major threat to win it all once those freshmen get 20 games or so under their belts.
UNC is the likely #2...maybe we sneak past them if both Jackson & Hicks go pro, but it's not a given either will. If both return, they're probably a preseason top 5 nationally with Jackson, Berry, Hicks, Pinson, Meeks returning with a very good recruiting class.
After that, I think it's open and we have as good a chance as anyone. Miami loses a lot, but also has a very good recruiting class....they could be tough. Syracuse loses their backcourt, but also has a good class coming in...will be interesting to see if Richardson stays. Notre Dame just loses too much, especially since Jackson declared.
FSU & NCSU are talented but just don't seem to ever have the chemistry/coaching. Don't think VTech will be as good or better than us, but could see them making some noise (assuming Buzz stays).
