Duke Crowned Preseason Favorite for 2024-25 ACC Men's Basketball Championship!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a thrilling announcement that has college basketball fans buzzing, Duke University has been voted the preseason favorite to clinch the 2024-25 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Basketball Championship. This marks the ninth time in the last 12 seasons that the Blue Devils have topped the ACC preseason rankings, a testament to their enduring prowess on the court.

As excitement builds for the upcoming season, Duke, currently ranked No. 7 in the nation according to the preseason Associated Press poll, received a resounding 42 out of 54 first-place votes, totaling 956 points. Close on their heels, rival North Carolina, with its No. 9 national ranking, garnered 11 first-place votes and 924 total points, finishing second. Wake Forest, having secured one first-place vote, ranks third with 800 points, representing their highest preseason ranking since 2009.

The preseason honors didn’t stop there—North Carolina’s RJ Davis has been named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, while Duke’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg is celebrated as the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year. This recognition highlights the competitive landscape of the ACC, featuring these exceptional talents ready to make their mark.

Duke’s impressive lineup is augmented by last season's NCAA Elite Eight appearance from Clemson, placing fourth in the preseason predictions with 765 points. Virginia comes in fifth with 743 points, while Miami and Pitt are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, reflecting the depth of competition within the ACC. Last season’s reigning champions, NC State, ranked eighth, building on the momentum from their first Final Four appearance since 1983.

This year’s All-ACC team features elite players, notably RJ Davis, who not only led the ACC in scoring last season with an average of 21.2 points per game but also set the single-season record for 3-pointers at UNC. His accolades from the previous season include being a First-Team All-American and securing the prestigious Jerry West Award. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg, a five-star recruit and the top-rated player in the 2024 class, has made waves as a versatile player expected to contribute significantly to Duke's success.

As the countdown begins to the 72nd season of ACC men's basketball, slated to start on November 4, there is palpable excitement in the air. League play kicks off on December 7, and teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating season.

The ACC continues to demonstrate its dominance in collegiate basketball. Last year, four teams made it to the NCAA Sweet 16 and three advanced to the Elite Eight, with NC State notably reaching the Final Four. The conference has seen tremendous success, leading all others in NCAA Tournament victories and Final Four appearances since 2015.

2024 ACC Preseason Poll Results:

1. Duke (42 first-place votes) - 956 points 2. North Carolina (11 first-place votes) - 924 points 3. Wake Forest (1 first-place vote) - 800 points 4. Clemson - 765 points 5. Virginia - 743 points 6. Miami - 659 points 7. Pitt - 636 points 8. NC State - 550 points 9. Louisville - 518 points 10. Notre Dame - 462 points 11. Syracuse - 454 points 12. Georgia Tech - 433 points 13. SMU - 344 points 14. Virginia Tech - 252 points 15. Florida State - 251 points 16. California - 206 points 17. Stanford - 165 points 18. Boston College - 116 points

With a mix of returning stars and promising newcomers, the 2024-25 ACC season is poised to be one for the history books. Keep your eyes peeled—the action is set to unfold soon!