NCAA Basketball: Ranking 2023 inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge matchups

NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 2023 inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge matchups

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 18: Head Coach Eric Musselman of the Arkansas Razorbacks yells to his team during a game against the Florida Gators at Bud Walton Arena on February 18, 2023 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gators 84-65. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Clemson sophomore forward PJ Hall Clemson Basketball Vs Wake Forest University Acc /

5. Clemson Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide

As of this writing, there’s still roster movement going on at Alabama. In the past week alone, the Tide lost SEC 6th Man of the Year guard Jahvon Quinerly, while officially bringing in Grant Nelson, a top-tier transfer big man from North Dakota State. He and recent top-30 reclass freshman Jarin Stevenson will help create a new frontcourt after losing the likes of Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney.

The backcourt looks different as well, with CAA Player of the Year guard Aaron Estrada joining former Cal State Fullerton guard, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Mark Sears is the veteran playmaker back to run the offense, while Rylan Griffen is a sophomore breakout candidate to watch. They were the No. 1 team for parts of last season but without Brandon Miller, Alabama is expected to take a step back. The question would be how much.

Clemson is hoping to take a step forward, despite losing leading scorer/rebounder, Hunter Tyson. They do bring back two All-ACC level starters in big man PJ Hall and point guard, Chase Hunter. The Tigers also brought in a few transfers, including most notably, Joe Girard from Syracuse.

This has the chance to be the highest-scoring game of all the matchups in this challenge. And Clemson and Coach Brad Brownell have a ton of pressure on them entering next year and this would be the kind of signature win that’ll propel them into the NCAA Tournament… if they can get the win.

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