Some of that is people being honest that few first year coaches really blow expectations out of the water. Based on the amount of time I spend on this stupid site, it seems that most posters fall into a couple of different camps:
1) Most, if not all, of the players are good enough, but they should return to get needed experience and time in Red's system to excel.
2) Most, if not all, of the players are NOT good enough, need talent infusion, stat.
3) Close! Just need a couple of portal guys to improve depth and we're there!
Personally, I'm in camp 2. I don't think they're going to win anything of note with two of the best three (likely returning) starters playing defense on a (very) part time basis. Maliq is fine, Cope is a good enough 6th man, after that, from this year's team, I don't know who else I'm excited to see return. And that is at my pessimistic. Optimistically, I think Cuffe and JJ can improve to be average guards, Bell could be all-ACC if everything clicks - but I won't hold my breath.