ACC Basketball: Louisville, Wake Forest rise in updated way-too-early ranking for 2024-25

10. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Last season was definitely a mix in Coach Damon Stoudamire’s first season with the Yellow Jackets. They proved they can beat anyone in the ACC but also lose to anyone as well, which explains the 7-13 record. Among the key pieces gone are leading scorer Miles Kelly, as well as Kyle Sturdivant, and forwards Tafara Gapare and Tyzhaun Claude.

Who are back is the rising sophomore duo of Baye Ndongo (12.4 ppg and 8.2 rpg) and guard Naithan George (9.8 ppg and 4.7 apg). Both are breakout candidates to watch for next season, especially Ndongo, who had some big individual performances against quality opposing frontcourts.

The question will be how the supporting cast will work. The big transfer pickup was Javian McCollum, a 6’1 guard from Oklahoma who led the team with 13.3 ppg. Kowacie Reeves is back after nearly averaging double figures, while Luke O’Brien is a sharpshooter from Colorado. Lance Terry returns after missing all of last season as well. Plus, four-star Jaeden Mustaf has high potential as a prospect.

The frontcourt outside of Ndongo is unproven, with Georgetown transfer Ryan Mutombo and Sacramento State transfer forward Duncan Powell being the other options. Ultimately, as long as Ndongo has a big year, it might not matter.