This year's ACC could be deeper than ever

It should be another banner year in the ACC. Commissioner John Swofford should be smiling as his league is so deep and loaded.

The ACC has a number of legitimate contenders to win the conference crown. You could see eight or nine teams make it to the Big Dance based on returning talent and incoming stars. It will be fun to watch again.

Think about how good this league is. Start with the Dukies, a team that many experts feel will cut down the nets at the Final Four. Grayson Allen will contend for All-Solid Gold status nationally. Amile Jefferson is back from injury and will be a factor. Then there is the outstanding recruiting class withJayson Tatum, Harry Giles, Frank Jackson and Marques Bolden. It will be a special season for the Cameron Crazies.

Roy Williams has a solid group returning to Chapel Hill. Look for big things fromJoel Berry II, Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks, the latter made a wise decision to return to school instead of going pro.

Tony Bennett always gets the most out of his talent, and Virginia will be tough once again. London Perrantes provides leadership and experience from the backcourt. The Cavaliers have several newcomers, including Memphis transfer Austin Nichols, and he should put up big numbers.

Never count out Rick Pitino and Louisvillle despite losing his top scorers from a season ago. Donovan Mitchell,Raymond SpaldingandQuentin Sniderare veterans who will be called upon to stepuptheir game on a consistent basis.

Florida State hasDwayne Bacon and Xavier Rathan-Mayes back in Tallahassee. Leonard Hamilton believes he has an NCAA tournament team.

Syracuse recently added transfer Andrew White from Nebraska, where he averaged almost 17 points per game last season. Tyler Lydon is a player to watch for the Orange as he takes advantage of a big opportunity to score.

Don't forget about the likes of Notre Dame, an improving Virginia Tech team under Buzz Williams, and a Miami team that had a super recruiting class as you see how loaded the ACC is.

For fans of Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech, with new coaches in Kevin Stallings and Josh Pastner, my advice is patience. It will not be easy going against this lineup of talented teams.

The ACC should have another super season ahead.