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

By Tristan Freeman

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)
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 Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
ACC Basketball Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

2020-21 season record: 10-17 (4-15)

For those who gave up on Miami once Chris Lykes got hurt, you missed out on some impressive performances from sophomore guard Isaiah Wong. The All-ACC guard averaged a team-leading 17.1 ppg on 43% shooting, including a career-high 30 points against Louisville. He had to put up big numbers due to the injuries to Lykes, top-50 freshman Earl Timberlake, and a good portion of the frontcourt.

And Wong may have to do it again, as those players, along with starting forward Matt Cross, all transferred out this offseason. The good news is, for now, senior guard Kameron McGusty is likely to return after averaging 13.3 ppg last season while also dealing with injuries. Both Harland Beverly and Anthony Walker will be back as well, along with Sam Waardenburg, who missed all of last season with an injury as well.

To provide some backcourt relief for Wong, Miami added DePaul transfer, Charlie Moore. The 5’11 guard led the Blue Demons with 14.4 ppg and 4.2 apg and will be coming into his 6th year in college. George Mason transfer Jordan Miller put up 15.8 ppg and 6.1 rpg last season and at 6’6 will likely play some undersized power forward for the team next season.

The Hurricanes will have some good backcourt depth to work with but the frontcourt is a major concern. In fact, it may be the worst in the ACC next season. Unless the overall defense improves, this team may be in store for some disappointing results unless Wong gets some consistent help somewhere.