The definitive ranking of the top 20 college basketball players in ACC history highlights legendary talents, their impact on the conference, and their unforgettable performances throughout their careers.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has long been one of the most storied and competitive conferences in college basketball. Over the decades, the ACC has produced a rich tapestry of talent, with players who have become household names both in college basketball and at the professional level. The ACC has boasted national champions, NBA stars, and countless unforgettable performances that have etched themselves into the annals of basketball history.

With such a deep pool of talent, narrowing down the top 20 players in ACC history is no easy task. These rankings are based on a combination of factors, including individual accomplishments, impact on the conference, influence on their teams, and overall legacy. From historic scoring feats to unparalleled leadership, each player on this list left a significant mark on the conference.

20. Chris Paul (Wake Forest)

Years Active: 2003–2005
Career Stats: 15.9 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 SPG

Chris Paul is often considered one of the best point guards to ever play in college basketball. At Wake Forest, he had an immediate impact, leading the Demon Deacons to the 2005 ACC Tournament Championship and earning All-American honors. Known for his court vision, leadership, and basketball IQ, Paul was a force on both ends of the floor, and his incredible passing skills set the foundation for what would become a future NBA Hall of Fame career.

19. Tim Duncan (Wake Forest)

Years Active: 1993–1997
Career Stats: 20.8 PPG, 14.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG

Though he only played for four years at Wake Forest, Tim Duncan transformed the Demon Deacons’ program, leading them to national prominence. As one of the best big men in college basketball, Duncan was a two-time ACC Player of the Year and earned consensus All-American honors. His impact on both the offensive and defensive ends was unmatched, as he dominated the post and was a formidable shot-blocker. Duncan’s 1997 ACC Player of the Year award cemented his status as a college legend and paved the way for his Hall of Fame NBA career.

18. Joe Smith (Maryland)

Years Active: 1993–1995
Career Stats: 19.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 BPG

Joe Smith was a powerhouse during his time at Maryland, leading the Terrapins to the 1995 Final Four and earning ACC Player of the Year honors. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism made him nearly impossible to stop in the paint. Smith was also a significant presence on the glass, finishing with over 1,000 career rebounds in just two seasons. Smith was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, a testament to his exceptional talent during his time at Maryland.

17. Alonzo Mourning (Georgetown)

Years Active: 1989–1992
Career Stats: 18.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.5 BPG

A towering presence in the paint, Alonzo Mourning is one of the greatest defensive players in college basketball history. Mourning was a dominant force at Georgetown, leading the Hoyas to a Final Four appearance and earning Big East Player of the Year honors. His ability to block shots and alter the game defensively made him one of the most feared players in college basketball. Though he went on to a remarkable NBA career, his college days as a two-time All-American were memorable for his tenacious defense and rebounding.

16. David Thompson (NC State)

Years Active: 1972–1975
Career Stats: 26.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG

David Thompson was a scoring machine and one of the most electrifying players in college basketball history. As a member of the NC State Wolfpack, Thompson led his team to a national championship in 1974 and won ACC Player of the Year honors three times. Known for his acrobatic dunks and athleticism, Thompson is often credited with helping to elevate the popularity of college basketball during the 1970s. His impact on the game was so profound that he was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

15. Grant Hill (Duke)

Years Active: 1990–1994
Career Stats: 14.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.3 APG

Grant Hill helped define the Duke Blue Devils’ success in the 1990s, contributing to the program’s national prominence. Hill played a pivotal role in Duke’s back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. Known for his versatility, Hill excelled at scoring, rebounding, and distributing the basketball. As a two-time NCAA champion, Hill is considered one of the greatest all-around players in ACC history and one of the best players in college basketball during the 1990s.

14. Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse)

Years Active: 2002–2003
Career Stats: 22.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.2 APG

Though he only spent one season at Syracuse, Carmelo Anthony left a lasting legacy. In his lone year, he led the Orange to an NCAA Championship and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. His scoring ability, basketball IQ, and clutch performances during the tournament made him a standout. While Anthony’s college career was brief, it was a historic run that cemented his place in ACC history.

13. Nate McMillan (NC State)

Years Active: 1982–1986
Career Stats: 14.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.5 APG

Known for his leadership and all-around game, Nate McMillan was a key figure in NC State’s success during the 1980s. McMillan was an exceptional all-around player, excelling in scoring, passing, and rebounding. He was instrumental in helping NC State reach the NCAA Tournament and earned All-ACC honors throughout his career. After college, McMillan went on to have a successful NBA career, where he continued to be known for his all-around game.

12. Chris Webber (Michigan)

Years Active: 1993–1997
Career Stats: 22.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.3 APG

Although Chris Webber is mostly known for his time at Michigan and the Fab Five, his college career still places him among the elite players in ACC history. Webber’s ability to dominate in both the post and on the perimeter made him one of the most difficult players to guard during his time in college basketball. His individual and team achievements made him a force, both on the ACC and national stage.

11. Elton Brand (Duke)

Years Active: 1997–1999
Career Stats: 17.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG

As one of the most dominant big men in college basketball during the late 1990s, Elton Brand helped Duke return to the national championship game. Brand was a key part of the 1999 Duke team that made it to the NCAA Championship Game, and his exceptional scoring and rebounding were pivotal in the team’s success. A two-time All-American, Brand was an immovable force in the paint, both offensively and defensively.

10. Michael Jordan (North Carolina)

Years Active: 1981–1984
Career Stats: 17.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG

Often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan’s college career at North Carolina laid the foundation for his legendary NBA career. Jordan led the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA Championship as a freshman, hitting the game-winning shot in the final against Georgetown. His time at UNC showcased his scoring ability, competitiveness, and leadership, all of which would translate into an iconic professional career.

9. Ralph Sampson (Virginia)

Years Active: 1980–1983
Career Stats: 19.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.4 BPG

Ralph Sampson was one of the most dominant forces in college basketball during his time at Virginia. A three-time NCAA Player of the Year and first overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft, Sampson was the epitome of a dominating center. Known for his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Sampson led the Cavaliers to a Final Four and was the face of college basketball during the early 1980s.

8. Larry Bird (Indiana State)

Years Active: 1974–1978
Career Stats: 24.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 5.0 APG

Though Bird is best known for his time with the Boston Celtics, his collegiate career was extraordinary in its own right. Leading Indiana State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, Bird showcased his scoring and playmaking ability and became a national sensation. He was an elite scorer, passer, and rebound