ACC Basketball: Duke, FSU leads early power rankings for 2021-22

ACC Basketball: Duke, FSU leads early power rankings for 2021-22 season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 06: Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils cuts down the net after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Duke defeated Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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ACC Basketball Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Daivien Williamson Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

448. . . . Demon Deacons . 14. team

2020-21 season record: 6-16 (3-15)

It’s hard to judge Coach Steve Forbes last season with the Demon Deacons, as the team suffered plenty of injuries and had no rhythm entering league play, where they were just led to the slaughter.

But there were some good things found out from those who were able to play. East Tennessee State transfer guard Davien Williamson made the successful transition, leading the team with 12.9 ppg and 46% shooting from the field. Junior forward Isaiah Mucius took a leap with more minutes given, averaging 10.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg. And former top-100 point guard recruit Carter Whitt joined the team midway and led the Demon Deacons with 2.7 apg and started 10 games.

Just about every other rotation player has departed but there have been some solid additions from the transfer portal. Former Colorado center Dallas Walton and Ole Miss forward Khadim Sy joins Mucius in the frontcourt, along with combo forward Jake LaRavia (12.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg) from Indiana State. In the backcourt, 6’5 guard Alondes Williams comes over from Oklahoma, along with four-star freshman guard Robert McCray.

What hurts Wake Forest is that arguably their best offseason addition is hurt right now. Damari Monsanto averaged 11.8 ppg and 7.3 rpg last season at ETSU and was set to be a versatile piece for the rotation. But an offseason Achilles injury likely will have him out for all of next season, a big blow to the team.

Mucius and Williamson aren’t enough to get Wake Forest out of the basement so the team will need these transfer additions to have a big impact. Otherwise, the rebuilding effort will take longer than expected.