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 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (right) reacts with teammates after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Notre Dame won 61-56. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2015-16 record: 24-12 overall, 11-7 in ACC, reached NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

Head coach: Mike Brey

Returning players: V.J. Beachem, Bonzie Colson, Steve Vasturia, Rex Pflueger, Matt Ryan, Matt Farrell, Martinas Geben

Notable newcomers: Four-star PG Temple Gibbs, three-star F John Mooney, G Nikola Djogo, F Elijah Burns (ankle – out for year in 2015-16)

Mike Brey is a coaching genius.

So, let’s see how he will regroup after losing both Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste.

I’m not sure he is ready to tackle this one. Jackson was the head honcho and the floor general for the Irish. His gut and will was what drove them to victory through many games. Now they’re missing a true point guard to run this team.

There is great talent with both guard/forward V.J. Beachem and forward Steve Vasturia still in the fold. Temple Gibbs is even going to be a spark for the team and may end up at the point guard spot. I think the Irish take a step back this year because of how much stronger all the ACC teams seem to be. Maybe I’m wrong because Brey seems to always figure it out.