My All-ACC Team predictions!

Who is eligible for LSU and who’s not? Nobody knows! Will Wade’s first off season in Baton Rouge has been an interesting one to say the least. My whole predicted starting lineup may or may not be eligible. Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark are both over from UCLA as a potentially eligible backcourt duo. Dent did claim he was retiring, but ended up coming back to college. He’s one of the best passers in college basketball and is extremely good at getting inside to the rim. The outside shot isn’t up to par, but there is so much more to Dent’s game that overly outweighs this. Clark has a great frame that goes well with his toughness. He does have the outside shot though that will be big to pair next to Dent. Saliou Niang has a high motor that makes him extremely active on the glass. He is an effective cutter that just needs to polish up his touch around the rim. RJ Luis is, somehow, back after playing in the G-League. Luis won Big East Player of the Year in 2025 for St. John’s. He is a three-level scorer and versatile defender. If he is playing for LSU this season, the Tigers have one of the best players in the nation. Brice Dessert has a 7’4 wingspan that is a beast protecting the rim and finishing around it. He plays strong with a high motor. Mo Dioubate actually is definitely set to play. He is explosive and serves as an extremely versatile defender. Marcio Santos is another possibly eligible guy that stretches the floor at a great clip. He is also very strong to work the post, but needs to improve his rebounding. Divine Ugochukwu comes over from Michigan State. He shot the ball well for the Spartans and can be a secondary playmaker. Abdi Bashir is here to shoot the ball. He absolutely lights it up from deep and has good height. Michael Ruzic has good size and versatility. He can score from all 3-levels, but just has to polish it up from the outside. The upside is definitely there and a year as a backup will serve him well. If these guys are eligible, LSU has a dangerous squad! If not, I don’t know how Will Wade is going to put together a squad. This team has great toughness and should be a great on defense. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: RJ Luis 💪 Biggest Strength: Defense ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Who’s Eligible?!?! 🔑 X-Factor: Saliou Niang 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Likely Tournament Team

Texas Tech had a very promising season in a heartbreaking way with JT Toppin missing the end of the season with a torn ACL. Grant McCasland stacked right back up though (maybe) with a terrifying squad. It’s pretty much impossible to replace Christian Anderson, but the guy with this take is a 20 ppg scorer from Hofstra. Cruz Davis is the reigning CAA Player of the Year and is just a stud at point guard. He scores extremely well at all 3 levels, while also dishing the ball at a high level. I’m so excited to see him work with Toppin when Toppin returns. Next to the 20 ppg scorer is another one in Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. He hit 41% from deep on high volume and won’t have to run the offense on his own. He can act as a secondary playmaker, but can serve off-ball as a pure scorer. His physicality makes him effective on defense as well. This could end up being one of the most fun backcourt duos in the nation. The next 3 guys all may or may not be eligible. The situation changes every day. Donovan Atwell is yet another 40%+ 3-point shooter in this starting lineup. He’s one of the best shooters in the conference and having him back would be huge. Darrion Williams makes his return to Texas Tech after a disappointing NC State season. Besides his exceptional shooting, Williams is a disruptor on the defensive end and passes the ball extremely well. Getting him back as a secondary scorer is such a great situation to be in. Jamichael Stillwell provides elite rebounding and also contributes inside scoring. This paint presence is important in this offense, as Williams isn’t really a back-em-down scorer. If needed, Stillwell can step out, but that shouldn’t be the case with this squad. JT Toppin is still recovering from a torn ACL and his return is going to be simply massive. He is one of the best players in the entire nation. He’s a great athlete who averaged a 22 point double-double last season. His length helps him out on defense as a shot blocker. Damarion Dennis is in the backcourt as well as a scoring guard. He fills up the net at an efficient rate, which will be big from a depth perspective. DaKari Spear is a top-30 freshman coming in who will play the backup floor general role. Another freshman is Bassala Bagayoko from Mali. He is dangerous on the glass and can also pass well for his size. Bagayoko is still a bit raw, but I love the upside. Marial Akuentok is a big, powerful guy that is looking for more time as a sophomore. He is great on defense with his high motor. Akuentok may be more limited to a lob catcher. Josiah Moseley has great size on the wing and uses his length to protect the rim. If these guys are eligible, Texas Tech is one of the best teams in the nation once Toppin is fully back integrated. If not, things can get dicey for the first part of the season. It is just crazy that we still don’t know who’s playing and who’s not. Regardless, this starting lineup has 4 guys who shot 40%+ from deep last year. That is insanity. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: JT Toppin 💪 Biggest Strength: Shooting ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Paint Scoring 🔑 X-Factor: Bassala Bagayoko 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Likely Tournament Team

Randy Bennett moves up to high major ball after a long and extremely successful ride at St. Mary’s. Getting this program back to tournament form is his next task. Joel Foxwell had a very good freshman season at Portland from Australia. He a high-level passer that can also hurt you himself. Emmanuel Innocenti is a defensive stud. He doesn’t too all that much on offense, but he is more than reliable to stick on the other team’s best offensive player. Dillan Shaw follows Bennett from St. Mary’s. He brings a good shot and glass toughness. Just like Innocenti, he’s good on the defense end, which should definitely be a strength of this squad. Paulius Murauskas was the prized pick from the portal. He plays inside-out and is great in all facets of the game. Murasuskas’s next step would likely be more outside shooting consistency, but, regardless, he will be one of the best players in the Big 12. Ben Defty is a 7-footer from Boston U. He is extremely skilled around the rim who moves very well for his size. The rim protection is a nice touch as well. Bryce Ford returns as a scoring guard. His 3-point shooting took a bit of a step back last year, which should bounce back. He’ll see a lot of time. Marcus Vaughns redshirted at LSU and is now a Sun Devil. He is a good passer and has the length to be a disrupter on the defensive end. JRob Croy is a freshman coming in as a combo guard/wing. He’s a sniper from deep and also has success in getting in the paint when needed. Vijay Wallace didn’t get to play last season due to an injury in a preseason game. This year, he seems ready to go. Wallace plays very tough on both ends of the court. He creates many turnovers and can even serve as a secondary playmaker. Jonathan Griman reels in rebounds and will see time off the bench. Hopefully this translates from Cal Baptist. Randy Bennett is an excellent coach that should outperform whatever the initial consensus is on the this squad. Arizona State has the size to compete in the Big 12, but we will see how these mid major guys translate to this high level basketball. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: Paulius Murauskas 💪 Biggest Strength: Size ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Shooting 🔑 X-Factor: Dillan Shaw 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Bubble Contender

Alan Huss takes over for Greg McDermott after an incredible career and is looking to get the Blue Jays back to their winning ways. Even though he was a promotion within the program, the retention was good for Huss. Brody Robinson may or may not be eligible at the PG spot. He is an excellent PG that would be a huge boost for Creighton. Robinson can both score and pass at a high level. Him being eligible would move USF transfer Wes Enis off ball. He is a monster scoring threat that dominates from outside. Enis can do it off the bounce, but it would be beneficial working next to Robinson. This guard duo is slept on in the Big East. Austin Swartz returns as a high level scorer. He got comfortable last season and became a big scoring contributor for Creighton. Jasen Green is very strong and puts this to use on the glass. He saw a jump in his scoring numbers last season and also impacts the game as a rim protector. Green is a great physical piece to have. Fredrick King’s eligibility is also in the air, as he looks to return back to Creighton. He found the change of environment he needed and was a double-double threat at Murray State. King was also both First Team All-MVC and All-Defensive Team. Huss is hoping King will be eligible to suit up. BJ Davis will be the first backcourt guy off the bench if Robinson is eligible. He’s an on-ball pest and can get downhill. This is paired with a reliable outside shot. Jackson McAndrew is another returner who could be a top breakout candidate. He is a great outside shooter that only appeared in 4 games last year with a foot injury. McAndrew could be in the starting lineup by March. Isaac Traudt follows suit of this team with his shooting. He has great size, which makes him hard to stop. Off the bench, Traudt will be a real weapon. Hudson Greer is looking to build on his solid freshman season. He works well off ball as a shooter and cutter. Oswin Erhunmwunse comes over from Nigeria as a paint beast. He is a stellar rebounder and is a very effective rim protector. If King is out, Creighton will still be fine at the 5, but this would just be an incredible pairing to have. If the eligibility cases go their way, Creighton could be very good. If not, they will still be good, just maybe on the bubble. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: Brody Robinson 💪 Biggest Strength: Guard Play ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Roster Uncertainty 🔑 X-Factor: Jackson McAndrew 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Likely Tournament Team

Porter Moser found his squad on the wrong side of the bubble last year and the expanded field should help him out. A heavy transfer class with some key returners create some excitement for Oklahoma. Xzayvier Brown is back for the Sooners, which is huge. He is exceptional at creating shots for both himself and others. Brown’s 3 level scoring ability should make him one of the better PGs in the SEC. BJ Edwards’s eligibility is up in the air and may not be looking so hot right now. If he does return, he should find himself at the 2. Like Brown, Edwards is another 3 level scorer who can dish the rock. What sets Edwards apart is his defense. He causes havoc and closes it out with rebounds. This motor and physicality would be big for Oklahoma if Edwards is eligible. If not, Pop Isaacs is waiting. He’s a superb sharpshooter that would pair well on offense with Brown. Isaacs hunts buckets. Derrion Reid is back for his junior season. He’s a high motor guy that brings the physicality on a nightly basis. His versatility on defense is valuable and he sets the tone. Khani Rooths cuts well off the ball and attacks the rim. His outside shot is still a work in progress. Duke Brennan is eligible, for now at least. If he is able to play, that was a monster get for Moser. He’s is a walking double-double. Brennan will be one of the best rebounders in the country if he ends up suiting for the Sooners. If he’s ineligible, it may be Kai Rogers. He has good length to make an impact on the defensive end. Rogers is also a solid rebounder. Tyler Hendricks will make an impact off the bench. He is a great 3-point shooter that can provide a spark. He also rebounds well for his size. Dayton Forsythe returns and can thrive as a secondary playmaker. His minutes increased as the season went on and will look to continue this into this season. Gage Mayfield is a freshman with great measurables. His 7-foot wingspan is hard to ignore on the defensive end. This and his athleticism helps make Mayfield a good rim protector. If Edwards and Brennan are eligible, I think Oklahoma will make the tournament field. They have a very solid squad that has tons of experience. If Brennan is not eligible, the center spot may be lacking. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: Xzayvier Brown 💪 Biggest Strength: Guard Play ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Frontcourt Depth 🔑 X-Factor: Tyler Hendricks 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Bubble Contender

Chris Beard was unable to follow up his Sweet 16 appearance in 2025 with another successful year. He brought in an influx of newcomers to give it another go. Budd Clark (Seton Hall) was a great pickup to get for the point. He is an excellent playmaker that can also get into the lane. Despite his size, on defense, Clark is an absolute pest. He ends up with many steals. Ilias Kamardine was a huge name to get back. He can create off the dribble as a tough shot maker. Kamardine can handle the ball and be a secondary playmaker. Both backcourt starters can run the offense. Ben Henshall is a wing that can score at all 3 levels. He should find himself with a lot of open spot up shots that he can knock down. Roman Siulepa is a physical, downhill driver from Pitt with a great frame. His outside shot struggled, but I could see him taking a sophomore leap. Siulepa is a very talented player. Santiago Trouet from Arizona State may find himself at center, even though he’s more of a 4. Regardless, he was a double-double threat that gets his work done inside. Patton Pinkins will fight for a starting spot against Henshall and could very well get it. He is a stud off-ball scorer that can also do it off the bounce. Pinkins could be a problem with a sophomore year bump. Zach Day will also be in the backcourt for his sophomore year. Yohance Connor is coming in as a freshman and will simply be a dawg. He plays so aggressive on both ends of the court and he has a lot of makings of a useful glue guy. Dasear Haskins is a tough wing that will give good production off the bench. His rebounding and defense will be needed. It will be important that Stefan Cicic pans out with the problem of not having a true 5. He earned more time late in the season and definitely showed out. Cicic was consistently had double digit point totals. We will see if he can stay productive in high major ball. I like the backcourt creation. Kamardine should have a lot of room to shine with Clark setting him up. Shooting and the center spot are a problem though. There’s a lot of unproven shooters and Trouet is a 4. Cicic being legit would do wonders. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: Ilias Kamardine 💪 Biggest Strength: Playmaking ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Center 🔑 X-Factor: Patton Pinkins 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Outside Looking In

Steve Lutz is still looking to find the tournament as head coach of Oklahoma State. He has a talented team this season to possibly breakthrough. Kanye Clary had a good showing last season for the Pokes and it was his best passing display yet. He’s proven himself to be a great playmaker, while also having the scoring ability himself. Luka Bogavac had a roller coaster year with the Tar Heels, but he did end well. He is a good off-ball shooter that can be real dangerous. Bogavac also serves as a secondary playmaker when needed. Jordan Burks broke out at UCF and is hoping to keep that up. He is an athletic wing who has really polished his outside shot. Burks is versatile and will contribute on the glass. Latrell Allmond could be coming into a big role in his freshman season. He can create for himself off the bounce and is a tough dude. Allmond uses his strength on both ends of the floor to impact the game. Julius Halaifonua is a 7-footer who can play inside-out. He is especially good in the post and around the rim. When Parsa Fallah returns from a torn ACL (if eligible), he should be in the starting lineup. He is a great interior scorer. Jacob Walker became a big time scorer for Sam Houston State as the season progressed. He can get a little 3 happy, but does a lot of work inside. He’s shaping up to be the first guard off the bench. Anthony Felesi is a great cutter and finishes well around the rim. When he gets inside, Felisi can make a nice kick out pass to an open shooter on the perimeter. Andrija Grbovic shot it well in his first season at Arizona State over from Montenegro. At his height, it is very effective. Jalen Montonati has good size and pairs it with legit shot-making ability. Look for him to get time on the wing. Big man Ben Ahmed will control the paint off the bench. He’s shown his ability to do the dirty work and muck up the glass. Kashie Natt’s eligibility is up in the air. If he can play, he will definitely be in the rotation. Natt is a beast on the defensive end coupled with being one of the best rebounders at 6’3 you’ll see. This should be Oklahoma State’s best chance to make the tournament in a little bit. The two guys being eligible would go a long way. They had some really good gets in the portal. If Bogavac breaks out, look out for the Pokes. March Mindset Outlook: ⭐️ Best Player: Jordan Burks 💪 Biggest Strength: Shooting ⚠️ Biggest Weakness: Defense 🔑 X-Factor: Luka Bogavac 🎯 Tournament Outlook: Bubble Contender (In with Fallah and Natt eligibility)