Sports Illustrated ACC Basketball Preview & Predictions Posted Oct 23, 2017 5. North Carolina: The reigning champs are likely in line for a step back in 2017-18, but they still have the pieces to compete. UNC’s strength will clearly be in its backcourt and on the wing, where Final Four Most Outstanding Player Joel Berry II returns for what could be a monster senior season and three-point sharpshooter Cameron Johnson arrives from Pitt. (Sports Illustrated)