ACC Basketball: 10 biggest storylines to watch for 2022-23 season

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 27: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts in the first half of their Sweet Sixteen game against the Houston Cougars in the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 27, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Kevin Keatts North Carolina State Wolfpack (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

7. Coaches that are potentially on the hot seat

Despite how down the ACC was overall and there being several coaches that could’ve been in danger, no one surprisingly lost their job last offseason. The only coaching change that occurred was Kenny Payne taking over for Louisville after they parted ways with Chris Mack mid-season. Yet that just means that there are several coaches that could get canned if they don’t meet expectations this season.

Clemson Tigers – Brad Brownell

After over a decade as head coach, the Tigers have felt stagnant under Coach Brownell and with a fairly low ceiling. And despite having five double-digit scorers on the roster last season, the team finished just a game over .500 and no postseason appearance. With Clemson’s best player (PJ Hall) currently hurt, it’s hard to see how they’ll get better.

NC State Wolfpack – Kevin Keatts

After a good start with the program a few years ago, Coach Keatts has lost all momentum. And after finishing last in the standings despite having two players averaging over 16 ppg. As a whole, the Wolfpack were awful defensively and if there isn’t a big improvement in that and in the standings, Keatts won’t survive another year.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Josh Pastner

The NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 is probably the lone reason why Georgia Tech hasn’t moved on. But whatever good feelings that year had gone away after finishing 14th in the standings. And with the two best players and lone double-digit scorers (Mike Devoe, and Jordan Usher) both gone, Georgia Tech could be in for another bad year and Coach Pastner likely is on the hottest of seats.

Syracuse Orange – Jim Boeheim (forced retirement?)

Syracuse would never fire the man who made the program what it is today. But the program isn’t what it was a decade ago, which feels like the last time they weren’t on the bubble. With both of his sons have gone pro, there’s nothing stopping Coach Boeheim from calling it a career if the Orange aren’t in the NCAAT discussion. And there’s nothing stopping the university from asking him to step aside if the results aren’t good either.

Pittsburgh Panthers – Jeff Capel

It’s been four years since Coach Capel took over for the program and to this point, hasn’t won more than six games in ACC Basketball play. There’s been some bad luck with injuries and suspensions but the excuses have run out from the fan base. If the team isn’t at least in the mix for a postseason bid, it could be the last year for Capel at Pitt.

However, there may be a newcomer that could change the fortunes for the Panthers this season.