ACC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season

Mar 9, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) controls the ball in front of Duke Blue Devils guard Tyrese Proctor (5) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

8 of 18

11. SMU Mustangs

One of the biggest moves up the conference ladder was SMU, going from the mid-tier of the American Athletic Conference to the ACC. At first glance, the Mustangs should be an easy pick to be in the bottom. However, a lot of moves were made, including hiring USC HC Andy Enfield as the proven high-major veteran to take over.

Another proven guy is Kevin Miller, who averaged 15.6 ppg and 3.5 apg at Wake Forest last season. He’s the lead guard for the Mustangs, along with Chuck Harris who was second on the team with 13.4 ppg and 3.4 apg in AAC play. Kario Oquendo (Oregon) and AJ George (Long Beach State) are two more perimeter players to watch on the roster.

The frontcourt has four transfers, led by Matt Cross. It’s his third ACC team in his college career (Miami and Louisville), coming off producing 15.3 ppg and 8.3 rpg at UMass. Yohan Traore is a former 5-star prospect who did nothing at Auburn but proved to be an effective starter at UC Santa Barbara. Jerrell Colbert and Tibet Gorener will provide depth.

Plenty of raw talent is on the roster, but the program will experience some growing pains. If Traore and Cross work out as a quality frontcourt duo, the Mustangs should have one of the top offenses in the ACC.

Home/ACC Basketball