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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Louisville Cardinals guard El Ellis Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Louisville enters the 2022-23 season with very few guards

One of the most puzzling offseason moves was the lack of effort from the new Louisville coaching staff, led by new head coach Kenny Payne, in the transfer portal. The situation in the backcourt was clear early on, as Noah Locke and Dre Davis transferred out early on, while the seniors already didn’t have eligibility. That left returning guard El Ellis, a former JUCO star who averaged 8.7 ppg and 1.6 apg last season and did show that he’s capable of running an offense.

The problem is that the Cardinals only added one player from the portal this offseason in Tennessee transfer Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, a former five-star frontcourt prospect. He adds depth inside but there’s literally no depth outside. Just recently, the team did land three-star point guard Fabio Basili, who’ll have to have an impact immediately, whether he’s ready or not.

There’s so little depth, Louisville will have to use four-star freshmen wings, Devin Ree and Kamari Lands, at the two-spot. In fact, look for walk-on and Tennessee State transfer, Hercy Miller, to potentially get minutes. It’s a fascinating situation to see how Louisville, who was a hot mess last season and may actually be even worse this year, navigate this weird-looking roster. They could easily surprise everyone or fall flat, ending the honeymoon phase for Coach Payne.