The Cream of the ACC: Ranking the Top 10 Point Guards

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has long been regarded as one of the premier college basketball conferences in the United States. Known for its rich tradition, intense rivalries, and production of NBA talent, the ACC has been a breeding ground for some of the greatest point guards the sport has ever seen. In this comprehensive ranking, we will explore the top 10 point guards who have left an indelible mark on ACC basketball history.

Methodology

Compiling this list was no easy task, as the ACC has been home to an abundance of talented floor generals over the decades. To determine the greatest point guards, we considered a multitude of factors, including:

• Individual statistical achievements (points, assists, steals, etc.)
• Impact on team success (conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, etc.)
• All-Conference and All-American selections
• Legacy and influence on the game

Through a rigorous analysis of the data, we have meticulously ranked the top 10 point guards in ACC history, taking into account both their on-court dominance and their lasting impact on the conference.

The Top 10 ACC Point Guards

1. Chris Paul, Wake Forest

Regarded by many as the greatest point guard in ACC history, Chris Paul's legacy at Wake Forest is unparalleled. During his three-year tenure with the Demon Deacons, Paul was a dominant force, leading the team to two NCAA tournament appearances and earning numerous accolades, including ACC Player of the Year (2005) and consensus First-Team All-American (2005, 2006).

Paul's statistical prowess was truly remarkable, as he averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game throughout his college career. His ability to control the tempo of the game, make pinpoint passes, and lock down opposing ball-handlers made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Paul's leadership and clutch performances cemented his status as one of the greatest point guards in ACC history.

2. Jason Williams, Duke

The "White Chocolate" era at Duke University was defined by the electrifying play of Jason Williams. During his three-year stint with the Blue Devils, Williams captivated audiences with his flashy style of play, leading the team to two Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2001.

Williams' numbers were staggering, as he averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, coupled with his tenacious defense, made him a dominant force in the ACC. Williams was a two-time ACC Player of the Year (2001, 2002) and a consensus First-Team All-American (2001, 2002), solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

3. Ty Lawson, North Carolina

Ty Lawson's impact on the North Carolina Tar Heels' dynasty cannot be overstated. As the floor general for the 2009 national championship team, Lawson orchestrated one of the most dominant runs in NCAA history, leading the Tar Heels to a 34-4 record and a national title.

Lawson's lightning-quick speed, exceptional ball-handling skills, and uncanny court vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game during his three-year career, earning ACC Player of the Year (2009) and consensus First-Team All-American (2009) honors. Lawson's ability to control the tempo of the game and make his teammates better cemented his status as one of the greatest point guards in ACC history.

4. Bobby Hurley, Duke

The architect of Duke's back-to-back national championship teams in 1991 and 1992, Bobby Hurley is widely regarded as one of the most influential point guards in college basketball history. Hurley's relentless work ethic, unparalleled passing ability, and tenacious defense made him a cornerstone of the Blue Devils' dynasty.

During his four-year career, Hurley averaged 12.5 points, 7.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, earning two-time ACC Player of the Year (1992, 1993) and consensus First-Team All-American (1992, 1993) honors. His leadership and decision-making skills were instrumental in Duke's success, as he orchestrated one of the most dominant runs in NCAA history. Hurley's impact on the game and his legacy as a true floor general solidify his place among the greatest point guards in ACC history.

5. Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech

Kenny Anderson's tenure at Georgia Tech was a whirlwind of excitement and individual brilliance. As a freshman, he burst onto the scene, averaging 20.6 points, 8.1 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, earning ACC Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-ACC honors.

Over the course of his three-year career, Anderson continued to dazzle, showcasing his exceptional ball-handling skills, court vision, and scoring ability. He was a two-time ACC Player of the Year (1990, 1991) and a consensus First-Team All-American (1991), leading the Yellow Jackets to the NCAA tournament in each of his three seasons. Anderson's impact on the game and his ability to elevate his teammates made him one of the most dominant point guards in ACC history.

6. Deron Williams, Illinois

While Deron Williams spent his college career at the University of Illinois, his impact on the ACC cannot be ignored. As a member of the U.S. national team, Williams faced off against some of the best point guards the ACC had to offer, and his performances were nothing short of spectacular.

Williams' combination of size, strength, and skill made him a unique and formidable point guard. His ability to control the tempo of the game, make pinpoint passes, and knock down clutch shots earned him numerous accolades, including two-time First-Team All-Big Ten (2004, 2005) and consensus First-Team All-American (2005). Williams' dominance on the national stage and his success against ACC competition solidify his place among the greatest point guards in conference history.

7. Jacque Vaughn, Kansas

While Jacque Vaughn spent his college career at the University of Kansas, his impact on the ACC cannot be overlooked. As a member of the U.S. national team, Vaughn faced off against some of the best point guards the ACC had to offer, and his performances were nothing short of remarkable.

Vaughn's exceptional court vision, ball-handling skills, and defensive intensity made him a nightmare for opposing teams. He averaged 12.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game during his four-year career, earning two-time First-Team All-Big 12 (1996, 1997) and consensus First-Team All-American (1997) honors. Vaughn's ability to control the tempo of the game and make his teammates better cemented his status as one of the greatest point guards in college basketball history, with his success against ACC competition further solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

8. Kemba Walker, Connecticut

While Kemba Walker spent his college career at the University of Connecticut, his impact on the ACC cannot be ignored. As a member of the U.S. national team, Walker faced off against some of the best point guards the ACC had to offer, and his performances were nothing short of spectacular.

Walker's combination of scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and clutch performances made him a dominant force in college basketball. During his three-year career, he averaged 16.0 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, earning Big East Player of the Year (2011) and consensus First-Team All-American (2011) honors. Walker's heroic performances in the 2011 NCAA tournament, where he led the Huskies to the national championship, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest point guards in college basketball history, with his success against ACC competition further solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

9. Kyrie Irving, Duke

Kyrie Irving's tenure at Duke University was brief, but his impact on the ACC was undeniable. In his lone season with the Blue Devils, Irving showcased his exceptional talent, leading the team to the NCAA tournament and earning numerous accolades, including ACC Rookie of the Year and consensus First-Team All-American.

Irving's combination of scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive intensity made him a dominant force in the ACC. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Despite the short duration of his college career, Irving's talent and impact on the conference solidify his place among the greatest point guards in ACC history.

Honorable Mentions

While the top 10 point guards in ACC history have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the conference, there are several other talented floor generals who deserve recognition for their contributions to the game.

Some notable honorable mentions include:

• Grayson Allen, Duke
• Ish Smith, Wake Forest
• Nolan Smith, Duke
• Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

These players, among others, have showcased their skills and made significant impacts on the ACC, leaving a lasting legacy on the conference and the sport of college basketball.

Conclusion

The ACC has been a breeding ground for some of the greatest point guards in college basketball history. From the flashy playmaking of Chris Paul to the relentless defense of Bobby Hurley, these floor generals have left an indelible mark on the conference and the sport as a whole.

As the game of basketball continues to evolve, the importance of the point guard position has only grown. The players on this list have not only dominated the ACC but have also gone on to have successful professional careers, further cementing their legacies as all-time greats.

The legacy of these point guards will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans, as the ACC remains a premier destination for the best and brightest talents in the sport.