ACC Basketball: Biggest needs for each team's 2021 recruiting class

ACC Basketball: Biggest needs for each team’s 2021 recruiting class

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Aamir Simms #25 of the Clemson Tigers reacts following a play against the Miami Hurricanes during their game in the second round of the 2020 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 05: Kameron McGusty #23 of the Miami Hurricanes (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Louisville Cardinals

Biggest needs: Power forward and center

Between top JUCO guard El Ellis and four-wing small forward Michael James, the Cardinals already have taken care of the perimeter needs in the 2021 class. But after losing top-40 power forward prospect Bryce Hopkins this offseason, they still need to find some frontcourt players. Top-50 forward Alex Fudge will likely have them among his top-10 options later this week.

Replacing Malik Williams will also be important since there are no other centers on the roster. Five-star recruit Efton Reid is on the table, as well as four-star center Roosevelt Wheeler. Louisville has had plenty of depth inside for the past couple of years and should have no problem finding more to round out an already impressive class of commits.

Miami Hurricanes

Biggest needs: Small forward and center

The Hurricanes may have already found their replacement for star point guard Chris Lykes with top-100 commit Bensley Joseph. They can now focus more on the frontcourt, considering that Rodney Miller Jr., Sam Waardenburg, and Nysier Brooks all seniors for the upcoming season. Jonas Aidoo and top-30 big man Franck Kepnang is in the picture, although the team could easily find another grad transfer to plug in as well.

Small forward is another potential position of need, especially if Stony Brook senior transfer Elijah Olaniyi gets a waiver to play this upcoming season. Top-30 freshman wing Earl Timberlake Jr. may not be long for college as well, so finding a wing capable of playing minutes early should be a priority as well. 6’6 wing Jusaun Holt is someone who Miami is targeted and could be a good asset to have.