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

2. Armando Bacot – North Carolina

Back for a fifth and final chance at North Carolina, Bacot really emerged during a junior season where the Tar Heels advanced to the national championship game, though he and this whole program took a step back last season. Still, a step back for him was still an elite performance, averaging 15.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, albeit lower figures than that aforementioned junior season.

Bacot does his damage down low, with no outside shot, but that’s not a problem. He’s emerged as an elite rebounding presence, plays decent defense, and has an important role with the Tar Heels. He’s hoping to shake off the cobwebs from last season’s struggles and continue his reign as the ACC’s top rebounder. Can this be another special year for Bacot and the Tar Heels or will they fail to live up to that potential?

1. Kyle Filipowski – Duke

Despite a fantastic freshman season, which began as one of the nation’s elite prospects, Filipowski returns for his sophomore year with the Blue Devils. This 5-star frontcourt weapon averaged 15.1 points and 9.0 rebounds last year, emerging as the young prospect with the most impressive figures for a Duke team loaded with young talent.

Things will be a little different in his sophomore season, with some of the names around him quite different, but a lot remains the same. He was ACC Rookie of the Year and Tournament MVP, becoming the face of the Blue Devils as a result of his strong interior play and talent on the boards. If he actually takes another big step forward as a sophomore, then he could be a potential favorite for some of those national awards.