As the Season Comes to a Close, Duke and Louisville Lead the ACC Men’s College Basketball Power Rankings
As the 2024-2025 men’s college basketball season nears its conclusion, the race in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has shaped up to be one of the most thrilling and competitive in recent memory. With a mixture of storied programs, rising stars, and veteran leadership, the ACC is primed for an exciting finish. Heading into the final stretch, two programs have emerged as the frontrunners: the Duke Blue Devils and the Louisville Cardinals. Both have been dominant throughout the season, showcasing their power, depth, and determination.
However, the battle for supremacy in the ACC is far from over, with several teams close behind and making their own push towards the top. This article will take a deep dive into the teams leading the ACC power rankings and examine the key factors that have contributed to their success.
Duke Blue Devils: A Perennial Power
Duke, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, has once again solidified its reputation as a juggernaut in college basketball. As the season comes to a close, the Blue Devils are at the top of the ACC standings, with a potent combination of elite talent and well-rounded team play that has made them a tough opponent for any team in the nation.
Key Players
One of the main reasons for Duke’s dominance this season has been the play of freshman phenom, Tyrese Proctor. The 6’5″ guard has been the centerpiece of the Blue Devils’ offense, averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. Proctor’s ability to control the tempo of the game, make plays for others, and score in a variety of ways has made him a matchup nightmare for ACC defenses.
Alongside Proctor, sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski has been a consistent force for Duke. The 7-footer has contributed 14.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, providing a physical presence in the paint and on the glass. Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his post moves in the low block have given Duke an added dimension offensively.
Additionally, the Blue Devils have benefitted from the experience of senior point guard Jeremy Roach, who has provided leadership and stability for the young squad. Roach’s clutch shooting and ability to manage the game in critical moments have been invaluable as the Blue Devils look to make a deep run into March.
Team Strengths
Duke’s success this season has largely been driven by its defense. The Blue Devils rank among the top 10 teams in the nation in points allowed per game, and their length, athleticism, and intensity make them a formidable opponent on that end of the floor. The combination of Filipowski’s shot-blocking, Proctor’s perimeter defense, and Roach’s ability to disrupt ball handlers has allowed Duke to stifle opponents and dominate in transition.
Offensively, Duke has become one of the more balanced teams in the country. Their ability to score both inside and outside has kept defenses on their heels, and their fast-paced transition game allows them to capitalize on turnovers and missed shots. Coach Scheyer has done an excellent job of building a system that maximizes the strengths of his players, and it has paid off with consistent success.
As the regular season wraps up, the Blue Devils are well-positioned for a strong finish. With Proctor continuing to develop into one of the best players in college basketball and a stout defense anchoring their play, Duke is in a prime position to claim another ACC title and make a run at the NCAA Tournament.
Louisville Cardinals: A New Era Under Kenny Payne
While Duke’s dominance is no surprise, Louisville’s rise to the top of the ACC has been one of the most impressive storylines of the season. Under first-year head coach Kenny Payne, the Cardinals have undergone a dramatic transformation. After struggling in recent years, Louisville has emerged as a serious contender in the ACC, with an exciting blend of young talent and veteran leadership.
Key Players
The driving force behind Louisville’s success has been J.J. Traynor, a dynamic forward who has developed into one of the most versatile players in the conference. Traynor, who averages 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, has been a consistent presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to score from all areas of the court, coupled with his strong rebounding and defensive abilities, has made him the centerpiece of Louisville’s attack.
In addition to Traynor, the Cardinals have seen strong performances from guard El Ellis. Ellis has provided scoring and playmaking, averaging 16.1 points and 4.7 assists per game. His ability to create for himself and others has allowed Louisville’s offense to run smoothly, while also providing a clutch presence in tight games.
Team Strengths
Louisville’s success has been built on its ability to execute in both transition and half-court sets. Under Payne, the Cardinals have been one of the most efficient teams in the conference, often finding ways to get good looks from the field while sharing the ball and creating opportunities for their teammates. The team’s chemistry has been impressive, especially for a squad that underwent significant changes in the offseason.
Defensively, Louisville has made great strides under Payne’s tutelage. The Cardinals rank among the top teams in the ACC in defensive efficiency, thanks to their aggressive perimeter defense and ability to protect the rim. Traynor’s rebounding and shot-blocking ability, combined with the perimeter defense of Ellis and others, has made Louisville a tough team to score against.
Perhaps most importantly, Payne has instilled a sense of confidence and unity within the team. Louisville has played with a chip on its shoulder all season long, fueled by the belief that they can compete with the top teams in the conference. This mentality has helped the Cardinals rise to the top of the standings and positions them as a legitimate contender in the ACC Tournament.
Other Contenders: Miami, North Carolina, and Virginia
While Duke and Louisville have separated themselves as the top two teams in the ACC, there are still several other programs that could make a late push for the title. Teams like Miami, North Carolina, and Virginia are all within striking distance, and each has the talent to make a run in the tournament.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami, led by head coach Jim Larrañaga, has been one of the most consistent teams in the ACC this season. The Hurricanes have an explosive offense, led by senior guard Isaiah Wong, who has averaged 18.2 points per game. Miami’s ability to score in transition and shoot from beyond the arc has made them a dangerous opponent for any team. Defensively, however, they have struggled at times, which has been the main factor in their inability to reach the top spot in the standings.
North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina, under the guidance of head coach Hubert Davis, has been an up-and-down team this season. The Tar Heels have a roster full of talented players, including Armando Bacot, who has been one of the top big men in the conference. However, UNC has struggled with consistency, particularly on the offensive end, which has led to some frustrating losses. If they can find a rhythm down the stretch, the Tar Heels could still make a deep run in March.
Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia, under head coach Tony Bennett, has been the embodiment of a balanced, disciplined team. Known for their methodical pace and stingy defense, the Cavaliers have remained a tough out for any team in the ACC. With the leadership of Reece Beekman and the steady play of Jayden Gardner, Virginia has remained in contention for the ACC title. However, their reliance on a slower-paced game can sometimes make them vulnerable against higher-powered offenses like Duke and Louisville.