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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ACC Basketball North Carolina Tar Heels Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. North Carolina is the face of the ACC this season

Last season was all about the Coach K farewell tour and the chance for Duke to win one more national title. And it almost happened, until rival UNC was able to beat them in the Final Four, a month after beating them at their place in Coach K’s final home game. Now, thanks to what happened in the NCAA Tournament, plus the offseason moves, the Tar Heels have all of the attention.

North Carolina returns four starters from the team that was a minute away from winning it all, led by star big man Armando Bacot and the guard dup of Caleb Love and RJ Davis. Leaky Black is one of the best defenders in the country, while Northwestern transfer Pete Nance replaces Brady Manek at the power forward spot. And with a bench that features a bunch of talented former top-100 prospects, this roster warrants a top-3 preseason ranking and could easily be No. 1.

The Tar Heels had the benefit of flying under the radar while they found their identity in Hubert Davis’ first year as head coach. They won’t have that luxury this time around as the preseason favorite in the ACC. And with no Coach K around, look for UNC to be the team that gets all of the attention this season. They better be ready for everyone’s best shots because if not, they’ll take some beatings in league play.