Busting Brackets
Fansided

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)
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)
6 of 15
New University of Mississippi basketball coach Chris Beard. Tcl Ole Miss Beard
New University of Mississippi basketball coach Chris Beard. Tcl Ole Miss Beard

10. NC State Wolfpack at Ole Miss Rebels

There might not be a game that features more transfers combined than these two teams, who each went through a complete turnover. Ole Miss changed its sidelines as well, replacing Kermit Davis with former Texas HC, Chris Beard. Off-the-court issues aside, he’s been successful at each of his previous stops so it may become “when” and not “if”, he turns the Rebels into a postseason threat.

His current roster features some compelling pieces, though there are some eligibility questions. Transfer centers Moussa Cisse and Jamarion Sharp are two of the best interior defenders in all of NCAA Basketball, though Cisse needs a waiver. Former Georgetown wing Brandon Murray needs a waiver as well, while Allen Flanigan and Matthew Murrell are a quality wing duo.

NC State has just as many guards coming in to replace Jarkel Joiner and Terqavion Smith. DJ Horne, Jayden Taylor, and Kam Woods were all double-digit scorers at their previous spots, while Kansas transfer and former five-star prospect, MJ Rice, is a breakout candidate to watch.

The matchup inside between D.J. Burns of NC State and either Cisse or Sharp of Ole Miss will be very fun to watch. But ultimately, it’ll come down to whichever new group of guards turn out to be the real deal next season.