ACC Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

12. Virginia Cavaliers

2023-24 season record: 23-11 (13-7 ACC)

Even though they became the center of everyone’s ire in the postseason, Coach Tony Bennett and the Cavaliers did hear its name on Selection Sunday to make the Big Dance. Now, they have to rebuild a bit, losing a few key players. The big losses were leading scorer/passer Reece Beekman (14.3 ppg and 6.2 apg), as well as defensive standout Ryan Dunn, who has gone to the NBA Draft.

Among the other roster departures are seniors Jacob Groves and Jordan Minor, as well as Dante Harris, who transferred out. His absence is important as Virginia doesn’t have a proven ball-handler. Right now, redshirt freshman Christian Bliss would be the starter.

There are positives for UVA, led by the return of starting guard, Isaac McKneeley. He was second on the team with 12.6 ppg and shot 45% from three-point range. Starter Andrew Rohde (4.3 ppg) could have a good second year with the program, while Taine Murray and big man Blake Buchanan are guys who’ll have bigger roles.

Virginia has yet to land a transfer from the portal and will need a couple of specific pieces. Who they’ll get will determine how much of a step back they might take in the ACC