ACC Basketball: Ranking of top 25 players entering 2023-24 season

6. Blake Hinson – Pittsburgh

It’s been an uneasy road for Hinson, with previous stops at Ole Miss and Iowa State, but he found his footing last season with the Panthers and was a major part of their bounce back season. After missing the last two seasons due to medical issues, Hinson averaged 15.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, leading Pittsburgh to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years. He also made 38% of his 3-pointers, much better figures than earlier in his career.

Hinson lost weight in the offseason and has upped his game on the defensive end, hoping to be more than just a scorer for the Panthers. There’s certainly the possibility that he could transform into one of the best total players in the league and will be the leading force if the Panthers have another productive season. Can he continue to make shots and be a leader for this program?

5. Norchad Omier – Miami FL

Even after he was named Sun Belt Player of the Year at Arkansas State in 2022, Omier made an excellent decision to transfer up, landing with the Hurricanes last year. He filled the void in the middle of the paint, averaging 13.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, helping take Miami to their first Final Four in program history. After averaging a double-double last season; the third straight year doing so, he’s back as a senior for a second season in Miami.

There’s a lot to like about Omier’s game, especially his elite rebounding ability and scoring touch around the rim. He doesn’t have the size of the typical center or dominant big man, but he has the talent to cause havoc down low. He had little issue transitioning from Sun Belt to the SEC and should be even better as a senior with a full year under his belt. Don’t be shocked to see him emerge as one of the nation’s most dominant forwards.