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

By Tristan Freeman

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)
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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South Carolina Head Coach Lamont Paris hugs South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson (5) and South Carolina forward Gregory “GG” Jackson II Volssc0225 1592
South Carolina Head Coach Lamont Paris hugs South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson (5) and South Carolina forward Gregory “GG” Jackson II Volssc0225 1592 /

14. Notre Dame Irish at South Carolina Gamecocks

Using last season’s league records, this is easily the worst matchup of teams. And there’s a really good chance that neither roster got better. That’s especially true for the Irish, who lost not only head coach Mike Brey but essentially the entire roster from last season that included a bunch of seniors and guards Cormac Ryan/JJ Starling, who transferred to UNC and Syracuse respectively.

Replacing Brey is Micah Shrewsberry, who led Penn State to the NCAA Tournament last season. His roster to this point looks more towards a long-term rebuilding process, rather than one that can win next year. Among the top contributors includes Northwestern guard Julian Roper II and Seton Hall forward Tae Davis, who were role players at their previous stops.

Lamont Paris is in his second year at South Carolina, looking to move in the right direction after an underwhelming first year. They lost several key players as well, including leading scoring freshman, GG Jackson. A case can be made though that the team will benefit. Among the newcomers includes starting PG Ta’lon Cooper from Minnesota, and BJ Mack, a 16 ppg transfer forward from Wofford.

There might not be a top 30 player on either team in their respective conferences. This will be an important game for both rebuilding programs to get a power conference victory. It’s just not going to be seen by anyone without a rooting interest in this game.

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