ACC Basketball: 10 storylines/questions heading into 2024-25

4) The Blue Devils' 2024 recruiting class gives shades of the 2018 recruiting class

Back in 2018, the arrival of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish changed things for the Duke Blue Devils. In their 2024 recruiting class, while there's no Zion in it, Cooper Flagg carries similar weight given the hype surrounding him and a few other prospects in the class.

Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Malauch and Patrick Ngbonga II are all names who can contribute right away for the Duke Blue Devils. Flagg is easily the leading name given the fanfare he already comes in with. He's been considered the top pick in this year's NBA Draft by some pundits in the space and with good reason given his versatility and energy on the hardwood.

Knueppel, Harris, and Evans are a trio of names who should grow on fans over the next few months, and at the very least, all three should play key roles as reserves off the bench, given what they can do. Knueppel was the 2023-24 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 25.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 59.4% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range. He's one of a few new potential sharpshooters to know for the Blue Devils' 2025 recruiting class.

Evans is a walking bucket who gives shades of Brandon Ingram and Cam Reddish when he really gets going, but with efficiency. It will be interesting to see how his first season goes in Durham.

Add to the mix the additions of Maliq Brown (Syracuse), Sion James (Tulane), Mason Gillis (Purdue) and Cameron Sheffield (Rice) then it's easy to explain why this team could be picked to finish high in the ACC standings in 2024-25.