Wake Forest Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for Demon Deacons

Overall outlook and expectations for Wake Forest

Hunter Sallis returns with ACC Player of the Year aspirations and Cameron Hildreth certainly has a lot more to prove after not being named to an All-ACC squad. They'll have some experience to work with on the interior this season with the arrivals of Biliew, Abass and Spillers.

After finishing fifth place in the ACC this past season, the Demon Deacons are in good shape headed into 2024-25 under head coach Steve Forbes.. The loss of Kevin Miller was fixed in an instant with the addition of Ty-Laur Johnson. It helps, too, that he's got ACC experience already and has proven he can hold his own against other guards.

Efton Reid III is prime to really get going in the frontcourt as well. After proving himself as a starter in the rotation, look for his production to go up in Year 2.

There's room for Marqus Marion to grow as well. Marion will be another key returner to keep an eye on, especially from a break out standpoint. He made 22 appearances in 2023-24, including 10 appearances in conference games in his freshman debut. It's a good sign seeing him return to Winston-Salem given the current recruiting climate.

It wouldn't be a total surprise to see this group surpass 20+ wins once again with some veteran frontcourt experience to go along with Sallis and Hildreth's shooting prowess on the wings.

They'll need to stay out of foul trouble as they'll likely play the bulk of the minutes. If they can do that, look for this team to surprise many and finish in the Top 5 of the standings at the very least.