CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference is bracing for a completely reshaped season as a record number of returning all-conference players depart, creating a thrilling, and largely unknown, landscape for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
A staggering 17 of the 25 players from last year’s all-ACC teams – including two-time AP First Team All-Americans – are gone through graduation, transfers, or professional opportunities. This represents a 68% turnover rate, significantly higher than the 30% and 40% losses seen in the previous two years.
Leading the way among returning first-team all-conference players is Notre Dame’s two-time AP First Team All-American Hannah Hidalgo, joined by Virginia sophomore guard Kymora Johnson and Duke’s Toby Fournier. Duke forward Alyssa Ustby and N.C. State guard Zoe Brooks are also returning.
Brooks, a junior guard, is stepping into a larger leadership role with James and Rivers now in the WNBA. Johnson, averaging 16.6 points over two seasons, acknowledged the heightened expectations as a sophomore. Fournier, a skilled forward, provided a strong freshman season with 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds.
The ACC is actively retooling with a surge in incoming talent. The league boasts 27 recruits ranked in ESPN’s Top 100, second only to the SEC’s 28. Notably, Duke has Emilee Skinner, North Carolina has Nyla Brooks, and California boasts Aliyahna Morris. Stanford’s incoming class, ranked No. 3 nationally, includes McDonald’s All-Americans Hailee Swain, Lara Somfai, and Alexandra Eschmeyer. Key transfers include N.C. State’s Khamil Pierre (20.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG from Vanderbilt), Louisville’s Laura Ziegler (double-double scorer from Saint Joseph’s), and Syracuse’s Laila Phelia (proven scorer from Michigan).
Despite the disruption, coaches remain optimistic. “We’ve proven that in our winning percentage as a group and what we’ve done in the past,” said Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack. “Now with the unknown, 11 of our top 15 players are out of the conference, it leaves us with the same mindset that we’re going to still be successful.”
With so much uncertainty, the race for the ACC spotlight is wide open, and exciting new stars are poised to emerge.
Fuente: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/acc-looks-wide-open-race-214335016.html