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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Head coach Steve Forbes of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons talks with Cameron Hildreth #2 and Damari Monsanto (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

8. Florida Gators at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The connection between these programs is Tyree Appleby, a former Florida guard that broke out as an All-ACC scoring guard at Wake last season, leading them in both scoring and passing. He’s gone, with the Demons having a trio of options hoping to replace his production.

Kevin “Boopie” Miller averaged 13.8 ppg and 4.7 apg in 34 games at Central Michigan, while Gonzaga transfer Hunter Sallis is a former five-star prospect. Cameron Hildreth and Andrew Carr are returning double-digit contributors. The ceiling for this team likely depends on what both Sallis and another former Gonzaga player (Efton Reid if he’s eligible) do but there’s some talent on this roster.

The same goes for the Gators, who added plenty both inside and out. On the perimeter is UC-Riverside transfer Zyon Pullin, along with former Iona guard, Walter Clayton. Both ball-handlers averaged over 16 ppg at their previous stops. Inside, 7’1 center Micah Handlogten was a great defender as a freshman at Marshall, while Seton Hall transfer Tyrese Samuel is another double-digit talent.

This is an option where we have two projected mid-tier teams in their respective conferences, which should make for an evenly-matched battle. And that’s why it’s a good spot to place this matchup right in the middle of this power ranking.

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