ACC Basketball: Top 10 returning players to watch for 2024-25 season
As the anticipation builds toward college basketball and with summer practices in full swing, the individual talent is as deep as ever in the ACC. Reigning conference Player-of-the-Year RJ Davis is back for his senior year along with a handful of other impact players around the league electing to return to school and forgo the NBA Draft.
Before we get into the list of 10, it felt necessary to give a shout-out to some talented players who were on the cusp of inclusion: Isaac McKneely (Virginia), Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina), Tyrese Proctor (Duke), Baye Ndongo (Georgia Tech), JJ Starling (Syracuse), Ishmael Leggett (Pitt), and Chuck Harris (SMU).
10. Lynn Kidd - Miami Hurricanes
2023-24 Averages: 13.2 PTS, 6.5 REB, 1.1 AST
After joining his third different ACC team of his career, Kidd will take the floor as a Miami Hurricane this season as Jim Larranaga addressed his team's frontcourt needs with the addition of the 6'10 forward from Virginia Tech out of the transfer portal.
Kidd slots in as a great replacement for Norchad Omier with his strong post presence and inside scoring ability. Kidd showcased very solid footwork in and around the paint where he scores most of his points. It should be really fun to watch Kidd play off of the athletic playmakers on this Miami roster.
9. Chase Hunter - Clemson Tigers
2023-24 Averages: 12.9 PTS, 2.6 REB, 3.2 AST
Hunter provided a huge lift for the Tigers in March, averaging 17.8 PPG in the tournament, scoring 20 or more points twice. Clemson losing PJ Hall and Joe Girard this offseason will surely require Hunter the chance to showcase his offensive ability even further.
Hunter can really score in the paint and around the rim with a passing ability that should prove dangerous alongside Ian Schieffelin for yet another season.