Busting Brackets
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ACC Basketball: Early grades for each teams 2023 offseason moves

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 16, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on during the first half against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on during the first half against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Girard NCAA Basketball
Syracuse Orange guard Joe Girard III Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Duke Blue Devils – Grade: A+

Duke hasn’t landed a single transfer this offseason but they didn’t have to, thanks to several important NBA Draft decisions. Leading scorer and rebounder Kyle Filipowski is back for his freshman campaign, while former five-star prospects, Mark Mitchell and Tyrese Proctor, are also back as projected starters. That gives the team a lineup featuring non-seniors and legit national breakout candidates for next season.

Even after losing incoming freshman Mackenzie Mgbako, the Blue Devils still have four more 5-star incoming recruits and a preseason top-3 roster for next season. Despite not having Dariq Whitehead and Dereck Lively anymore, Duke can’t complain about what has happened to them so far.

3. Clemson Tigers – Grade: A

Everything has gone well for Clemson, who has only really lost backups Ben Middelbrooks and Chauncey Gipson. They knew they were going to lose leading scorer Hunter Tyson and Brevin Galloway but have added the likes of Jack Clark from NC State and Joe Girard from Syracuse to fill those positions.

Jake Heidbreder averaged over 15 ppg at Air Force and adds another shooting boost, while Bas Leyte will back up P.J. Hall at the five-spot. They may not have gotten better defensively but it’s hard to see another ACC Basketball with a more potent offense than Clemson.