The ACC proved that it was the best conference in college basketball last season by its fantastic showing in the 2016 NCAA tournament. Heading into 2016-17, it should remain that way, as there are seven or eight teams that could definitely be ranked in the preseason top 25. Here are the way-too-early power rankings for ACC basketball in 2016-17.
![ACC Basketball: Way-Too-Early 2016-17 Top 5 Power Rankings](/ncaa-basketball/files/2016/04/MAIN-6-320x180.jpg)
5. Syracuse Orange
![Syracuse Orange](/ncaa-basketball/files/2016/04/SYRACUSE.jpg)
5. Syracuse Orange
Syracuse has several players (at least) throwing their names into the NBA Draft, but recruits, returning players and the coaching of Jim Boeheim should put this team at the top of the ACC next season.
4. Virginia Cavaliers
![Virginia Cavaliers](/ncaa-basketball/files/2016/04/VIRGINIA.jpg)
4. Virginia Cavaliers
A disappointing loss to Syracuse cut their NCAA tournament run short, but the Cavaliers will return as one of the top teams in the country.
3. Louisville Cardinals
![Louisville Cardinals](/ncaa-basketball/files/2016/04/LOUISVILLE.jpg)
3. Louisville Cardinals
The postseason ban should be over, and this squad has the potential to be a top five team.
2. North Carolina Tar Heels
![North Carolina Tar Heels](/ncaa-basketball/files/2016/04/UNC.jpg)
2. North Carolina Tar Heels
Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige are gone, but the talent remains for the runner-up to the 2016 national title.
1. Duke Blue Devils
![Duke Blue Devils](/ncaa-basketball/files/2016/04/DUKE.jpg)
1. Duke Blue Devils
Duke boasts the top recruiting class in the country and some of the top returners in Grayson Allen and Amile Jefferson. This is the No. 1 team in the country heading into 2016-17.
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