The Elite 8: Ranking the Top Basketball Teams in North Carolina

By Zack Smith | Nov 1, 2019

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 16: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils cuts down a piece of the net after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 73-63 in the championship game of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 14: Markell Johnson #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers during their game in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. N.C. State Wolfpack (24-12)

Kevin Keatts is indeed a winner. Through just two seasons in Raleigh, Keatts has a 45–24 (.652) record and has already made one NCAA Tournament. With the bulk of the roster returning, State could be looking at its best season since the arrival of Keatts. In his final season with the Wolfpack, Markell Johnson could make a strong push for ACC Player of the Year. Also, expect Dereon Seabron to make a big impact as a freshman this season. Watch out for the Wolfpack, as I think they’re a dark-horse Sweet Sixteen contender.

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