ACC Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2023-24 season

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Leaky Black #1, Armando Bacot #5, R.J. Davis #4 and Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walk away from the camera during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers on February 25, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 71-63. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /

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ACC Basketball Assistant coach Adrian Autry of the Syracuse Orange (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

12. Syracuse

For the first time in 47 years, someone other than Jim Boeheim will roam Syracuse’s sideline. Adrian “Red” Autry is taking over for a retiring Jim Boeheim after spending the last seven seasons as associate head coach.

Autry has already landed one of the top players in the portal in J.J. Starling, a former five-star recruit who decided to transfer from Notre Dame after Mike Brey’s decision to retire. Starling averaged 11.2 points in 29.6 minutes as a freshman but should see a boost in production with increased usage at Syracuse.

Syracuse was poised to have one of the best backcourts in college basketball next season, but Joe Girard III hit the portal not long after Starling committed. Girard averaged 16.4 points per game last season.

Ultimately, the decision of All-ACC center Jesse Edwards will be the most impactful offseason move for Syracuse. Edwards averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 boards, and 2.7 blocks last season. He was Syracuse’s most prolific and important player. Edwards has one more year of eligibility, which he could use at Syracuse or somewhere else. He could also go pro. His departure would leave a void in the middle that would leave Autry portaling for size.