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 16: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the Florida State Seminoles during 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) /

1. Duke Blue Devils (32-6)

Coach K will have yet another extremely talented roster this year, as he has the third-best recruiting class coming in. The freshmen class boasts three five-stars and one four-star–all of whom play a different position. Last year’s assist leader, Tre Jones, should be able to help guide this young team this year, especially early in the season. This is significant because of the potential of having four freshmen on the court at one time. Joey Baker, who only played in four games last season, will be stepping into a larger role this year and will likely be the team’s go-to shooter. The sophomore guard has had a great off-season thus far. Just how good can this team be? We will have a good idea after their opening night matchup with third-ranked Kansas.

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