ACC Basketball: Previewing the most stacked conference in college basketball

Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams celebrates with his team after defeating Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Carolina won 88-74. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) reacts during the first half of the second round against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Syracuse Orange

2015-16 record: 23-14 overall, 9-9 in ACC, reached NCAA Tournament Final Four

Head coach: Jim Boeheim

Returning players: Tyler Lydon, Tyler Roberson, DaJuan Coleman, Franklin Howard

Notable newcomers: Four-star SF Tyus Battle, four-star PF Matthew Moyer, four-star PF Taurean Thompson, C Paschal Chukwu (Providence transfer), PG John Gillon (Colorado State transfer), SG/SF Andrew White (Nebraska transfer)

The Syracuse Orange are going to be the second biggest surprise in the ACC this season behind Virginia Tech. Once again, not because the talent is missing, but because of how quietly Jim Boeheim has built a monster roster. Usually when your team loses their three leading scorers and most experienced players from the year before, you look at a rebuilding season the following year.

But no, not for Syracuse. The Orange made an unexpected Final Four run after barely squeaking into the tournament last year. They could return to the Final Four this year.

Forward Tyler Lydon is back after having a dominant freshman year. He’s going to be really important to this team’s success.

Boeheim finished with a strong recruiting class, luring three four-star players, including shooting guard Tyus Battle. The biggest off-season pickup was Andrew White though. The graduate transfer from Nebraska will make up for the loss of Malachi Richardson. This team will be one of the top teams in the ACC come March.