9. ACC Preseason Power Rankings – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
This season is an important one for Mike Brey, who hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament in each of the past four years. The Fighting Irish looked like they were turning things around in the middle of the season when they won four out of five in mid-February but an ill-timed four-game skid pushed Notre Dame squarely off the bubble.
Five of Notre Dame’s top six scorers are back from a year ago, offering hope that the trio of Prentiss Hubb, Nate Laszewski and Dane Goodwin can carry the Fighting Irish right into the bubble conversation. A good start in non-conference play will be critical for the Fighting Irish to build some momentum heading into ACC play.
8. ACC Preseason Power Rankings – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Josh Pastner got a big monkey off his back last season when Georgia Tech stunningly won the ACC Tournament to punch their first ticket to March Madness since 2010. Unfortunately for the Yellow Jackets, star Moses Wright tested positive for COVID-19 in the NCAA Tournament bubble, sidelining him in a tough loss to Loyola-Chicago.
Both Wright and Jose Alvarado are gone, making it difficult for Georgia Tech to replace their production with a largely new roster. Pastner will have his work cut out for him to get back to the dance once again.
7. ACC Preseason Power Rankings – Syracuse Orange
The biggest shock from last year’s collection of ACC teams to reach the tournament was Syracuse, which controversially snuck right into the field of 68 at the last minute despite a questionable resume. The Orange did have a magical run to the Sweet 16 on the back of Buddy Boeheim, who is back for another go-round under his father, head coach Jim Boeheim.
There was a lot of turnover on Syracuse’s roster, however, as Quincy Gerrier, Alan Griffin and Kadary Richmond all left the program. The presence of Boeheim is still significant, however, and he should be able to help shoot the Orange right into the bubble conversation once again.