Epic slam dunks, clutch three-pointers, and breathtaking runs have all been witnessed in the ACC through its exceptional athletes. Some players have risen above the rest, leaving a mark that transcends generations. These are the remarkable players who have secured their spots among the greatest in ACC history.
David Thompson (NC State, 1972–1975)
Known as “Skywalker,” he led NC State to an undefeated regular season in 1973 and a national championship in 1974, ending UCLA’s seven-year title run. A three-time consensus All-American, Thompson was the ACC Player of the Year during the years 1973, 1974, and 1975.
Michael Jordan (North Carolina, 1981–1984)
Michael Jordan made a name for himself at the University of North Carolina by hitting the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship. Jordan was named the ACC Player of the Year in 1984 and was a two-time consensus All-American.
Christian Laettner (Duke, 1988–1992)
Duke’s basketball history is incomplete without Christian Laettner. An excellent athlete, Laettner finished his college career with 2,460 points and 1,149 rebounds and was a two-time ACC Player of the Year (1991, 1992). In 1991, he was the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Tim Duncan (Wake Forest, 1993–1997)
Nicknamed “The Big Fundamental,” Tim Duncan was a two-time ACC Player of the Year during the years 1996 and 1997. Named the 1997 consensus National Player of the Year, he averaged 16.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per college game.
Ralph Sampson (Virginia, 1979–1983)
Standing 7-foot-4, Ralph Sampson was a towering presence in college basketball. A three-time National Player of the Year (1981–1983) and two-time ACC Player of the Year (1981, 1983), he led Virginia to the 1981 NCAA Final Four appearance and the 1980 NIT Championship.
Len Bias (Maryland, 1982–1986)
Len Bias was an electrifying forward at Maryland, where he became a two-time ACC Player of the Year (1985, 1986) and a consensus All-American. He was an excellent scorer who led Maryland to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and finished with 2,149 points.
Grant Hill (Duke, 1990–1994)
The Blue Devils won two consecutive national championships in 1991 and 1992 thanks to Grant Hill’s basketball prowess. His achievements include 1,900 points, 700 rebounds, 400 assists, 200 steals, and 100 blocked shots. Additionally, Grant was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 1992.
Phil Ford (North Carolina, 1974–1978)
One of the greatest point guards in ACC history, Phil Ford was thrice awarded the All-American and two-time ACC Player of the Year (1976, 1978). Crowned the 1978 National Player of the Year, the athlete led North Carolina to the 1977 NCAA Championship.
Chris Paul (Wake Forest, 2003–2005)
In 2004, Chris Paul earned the ACC Rookie of the Year honor for his impact at Wake Forest. A great defensive basketballer, Chris averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game at the end of his two-year college career.
JJ Redick (Duke, 2002–2006)
JJ Redick set the ACC record for 2,769 points and 457 three-pointers. His other achievements include the ACC Player of the Year award (2005, 2006) and the 2006 Naismith College Player of the Year award. He also led Duke to four NCAA Tournament appearances.
Sam Perkins (North Carolina, 1980–1984)
If there was one player who dominated the North Carolina Tar Heels, it was Sam Perkins. Alongside Michael Jordan, the athlete played a vital role in the team’s 1982 national championship. Perkins was a three-time All-American and the 1984 ACC Player of the Year.
Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina, 2005–2009)
Also known as “Psycho T,” Tyler Hansbrough is one of the most decorated players in ACC history. He was a four-time first-team All-ACC selection, the 2008 ACC Player and National Player of the Year, and is ACC’s all-time top scorer with 2,872 points.
Shane Battier (Duke, 1997–2001)
Shane Battier led the Blue Devils to their 2001 national championship. His achievements include a 2001 consensus National Player of the Year and a three-time All-American. This legend was also a three-time ABC Defensive Player of the Year and the 2001 ACC Player of the Year.
James Worthy (North Carolina, 1979–1982)
North Carolina made a wise choice in James Worthy, who helped them win the 1982 national championship. Worthy was the 1982 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and a two-time All-American. As a college athlete, he averaged 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds.
Johnny Dawkins (Duke, 1982–1986)
A two-time All-American, Dawkins was the ACC Player of the Year in 1986 and led Duke to the NCAA Championship game that same year. As the team’s all-time leading scorer, Johnny was drafted 10th out of all in the 1986 NBA Draft and became a successful coach.
15 All-Time Greatest Players in ACC History