Duke Remains Great, but the Rest of the ACC Needs a Basketball Reckoning
Duke University has long been synonymous with basketball excellence. Under the legendary leadership of Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils built a powerhouse program that has dominated the college basketball scene for decades. Even with Krzyzewski’s retirement, Duke’s success continues, driven by a rich tradition, elite recruiting, and consistent performance in the NCAA tournament. However, while Duke remains a staple in college basketball, the rest of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) finds itself at a crossroads. The once-formidable league needs a reckoning to restore its place among the nation’s elite.
The ACC was once the gold standard in college basketball, home to prestigious programs like North Carolina, Syracuse, Louisville, and Virginia, to name just a few. The league routinely produced multiple Final Four teams, with several schools capturing national championships. But in recent years, the dominance that the ACC once had over college hoops has faded. Duke remains a perennial contender, but the conference as a whole is no longer the powerhouse it once was.
One major issue is the inconsistent performance of other ACC programs. North Carolina, the second most decorated program in NCAA history, has seen its fortunes rise and fall in recent years. Despite their storied legacy, the Tar Heels have failed to maintain the same level of dominance they enjoyed in the 2000s and early 2010s. They’ve faced early exits in the tournament and seen their recruiting efforts outpaced by other programs. While still a respected name, North Carolina is no longer the same juggernaut it once was.
Syracuse and Louisville, both of which joined the ACC in the past decade, have struggled to find their footing in the new conference. Syracuse, under head coach Jim Boeheim, has been a tough out in the NCAA tournament, but they haven’t consistently challenged for titles. Louisville, despite a rich basketball tradition, has faced significant turmoil, including NCAA violations and coaching changes, which has kept the program from returning to national prominence.
Virginia, the 2019 national champions, has been the conference’s most consistent program in recent years, but they’ve had their share of struggles as well, particularly with scoring. While Tony Bennett’s defense-first approach has delivered success, Virginia’s offensive limitations have hindered their potential to contend on a more consistent basis.
The lack of depth and consistency in the ACC is evident in how the league has performed in the NCAA tournament. While Duke has continued to thrive, many other teams have struggled to make deep runs. In fact, during the 2020s, the ACC has had far fewer teams reach the Sweet 16 compared to other power conferences like the Big Ten or SEC. The league has seen a drop in both competitive balance and overall talent level, making it harder for any team to challenge Duke for conference supremacy.
So, what’s needed for the ACC to regain its place among the college basketball elite? A comprehensive reset. Programs need to invest in their coaching staffs, facilities, and recruiting networks. The ACC must also foster better competition within the league, raising the standard across the board. Teams like North Carolina, Syracuse, and Louisville must return to the elite levels of play they once enjoyed to provide the necessary challenge for Duke. Only with greater competition can the ACC truly reclaim its former glory. Until then, Duke will continue to sit comfortably at the top, while the rest of the conference watches from below.
