NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 16 matchups for 2024 ACC/SEC Challenge
2. Auburn at Duke
It doesn’t matter who is around, Duke is going to be a main event draw, especially having its annual No. 1 recruiting class. This group includes Cooper Flagg, one of the most hyped incoming freshmen in NCAA Basketball, maybe since former Duke star, Zion Williamson. Tyrese Proctor is back and joined by a few incoming transfers, including guard Sion James (Tulane), as well as forwards Mason Gillis (Purdue) and Maliq Brown (Syracuse) to boost the frontcourt.
The Blue Devils will take on one of the top frontcourts in NCAA Basketball next season in Auburn, led by star center, Johni Broome. There’s plenty of experience up and down the roster for the Tigers, with 10 seniors overall. Even with the transfers, this will be one of the bigger contrasts in terms of youth vs experience, though Duke having homecourt could be the equalizer needed to give them the win.
1. Alabama at UNC
There’s no question what the No. 1 game was going to be once the matchups were released. Alabama won 89-87 over the Heels in the Sweet 16 upset victory, with the two star guards combining for 34 points in the thriller. Both are back, as ACC POY RJ Davis (UNC) and Mark Sears (Alabama) should be preseason All-Americans to watch next season.
Joining Davis at UNC is Belmont transfer Cade Tyson, along with former Vandy/ND forward, Ven-Allen Lubin. 5-star freshman wings Ian Jackson and Drake Powell should have a big impact as well, though how they replace star center Armando Bacot is a question to watch.
Alabama also had to replace some pieces, including guards Aaron Estrada and Rylan Griffen. However, Coach Nate Oats was able to land some big pieces to replace them, including guards Houston Mallette and Chris Youngblood, along with star shot-blocking center, Cliff Omoruyi.
Updated WTE top-25 power rankings for 2024-25. Updated WTE top-25 power rankings for 2024-25. dark. Next
The pickup of Omoruyi late may have pushed the Crimson Tide to the No. 1 preseason spot for next season. But UNC may be in the top-10 range thanks to Davis being back. With last season’s result being a factor as well, this is easily the top matchup to watch in the ACC/SEC Challenge next season.