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College basketball returns with big expectations for UNC and Duke

Jon Scheyer, Duke's new first-year head coach. Photo: Lance King/Getty Images The college basketball season begins Monday, with nearly every team in the state playing that night. Why it matters: The Triangle is sure to attract national attention this season thanks to UNC's No. 1 ranking and the start of a new era at Duke. Here are four of the most interesting story lines we will be watching:

Duke' s new era

Jon Scheyer, welcome to the spotlight. Legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, who took the Duke job in 1980 — seven U.S. presidents ago — retired after last season and leaves a very long shadow over the program. Scheyer hopes for a similar start to his career as his neighbor in Chapel Hill, Hubert Davis, who reached the championship game last year — and defeated Duke in the Final Four — in his first season after replacing Roy Williams at UNC.Pressure to win will be there from the start: Scheyer starts the year with the nation's No. 1 recruiting class. Coach K isn't going away entirely. He plans to keep an office on campus, though he's indicated he during games. Be smart: Scheyer's two most touted recruits, Dariq Whitehead and Dereck Lively, are .Armando Bacot, UNC's star center, against Johnson C. Smith University in preseason. Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images.

Will UNC retain late season magic

Expectations could not be higher for UNC after Davis took last year's squad to the championship game in his first season. Most of that team returns, including star big man Armando Bacot. It’ll be hard to find a more experienced and talented lineup in the nation. Be smart: One key difference this year: the loss of graduate senior Brady Manek. Manke's hot three-point shooting helped propel the team to the Final Four. The Tar Heels are hoping Northwestern transfer can fill his role, so watch his progress gelling into the team. N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts. Photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

Can Kevin Keatts get things right

This could be a make or break year for N.C. State coach Keatts' tenure in Raleigh.The Wolfpack hasn't made the NCAA Tournament , and fans and alums are hungry. Additionally, two of Keatts' most lauded recruits — and — decommitted in the offseason. Be smart: N.C. State sophomore guard Terquavion Smith is the player to watch on this roster. He has NBA talent and the Wolfpack will need his scoring. LeVelle Moton talks with two N.C. Central basketball players. Photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

NCCU' s experienced squad

LeVelle Moton might be the most underrated coach in the Triangle. He’s taken N.C. Central to the NCAA Tournament four times, including a three-year run from 2017-2019. The Eagles are expected to in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this year, with their top scorer returning and the addition of a 7-foot-1 center. Be smart: Moton has been and he notably pulled out of the running for a chance to coach . Another tournament appearance could bring a high-profile offer his way. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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