Imagine a league where the next superstar could emerge from an unexpected corner, sparking debates that echo through college basketball fans everywhere. Is Markus Burton truly poised to claim the ACC's throne, or will a fresh face like Cameron Boozer steal the spotlight? This anonymous poll of ACC players has ignited passions and predictions for the 2025-26 season, and we're diving deep into what it reveals. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a junior from Notre Dame really outshine the hype surrounding high-profile recruits and transfers? Stick around as we unpack the insights from this USA TODAY Network series, and you might just rethink your preseason favorites.
This piece kicks off a five-part series from the USA TODAY Network, shining a light on the unfiltered opinions of ACC basketball players. We gathered these thoughts through anonymous interviews at the ACC Tipoff in Charlotte, just before the 2025-26 season kicks off. The series explores everything from standout players and underrated talents to top coaches, arenas, and even the buzz around NCAA Tournament expansion. It's a behind-the-scenes peek into what the athletes themselves think, making it more authentic than any expert prediction.
First off, let's clarify something for newcomers to college hoops: The ACC Player of the Year award is like the ultimate accolade in this powerhouse conference, recognizing the standout performer who dominates on the court. Over the past five seasons, it's gone to five different teams, showing how competitive and unpredictable the league can be. Take Duke's Cooper Flagg, for example—he snagged the 2025 honor and became the No. 1 NBA Draft pick that year, capping a streak of dominance for the Blue Devils. It marked their first ACC POY since Tre Jones in 2020, highlighting how talent can turn a program around. With veterans returning, a wave of elite freshmen joining the ranks, and stars arriving via the transfer portal, the ACC is bursting with potential this year. It's like a talent bonanza, where every game could produce the next big thing.
In our anonymous poll, we asked 27 players some tough questions, and part one zooms in on who they believe will be the league's best player. The results are eye-opening, blending respect for experience with excitement for newcomers. And this is the part most people miss: These aren't rankings from coaches or analysts—they're from the guys who compete against each other every day, offering raw, insider perspectives that could challenge your assumptions.
Leading the pack with nine votes from his peers, Markus Burton of Notre Dame stands out as the projected top dog for 2025-26. As a 6-foot junior guard and the team's primary scorer, he's not just a player; he's the engine driving the Fighting Irish. If Burton clinches ACC Player of the Year, he'd be Notre Dame's first since they switched from the Big East to the ACC in 2013. To put that in context, their last conference MVP was Ben Hansbrough back in 2011, who averaged an impressive 18.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game as a Big East honoree. Hansbrough's brother, Tyler, also starred at UNC, so family legacy runs deep in these conversations. Despite a knee injury that sidelined Burton for seven games last season, he bounced back strong, scoring 20-plus points in 15 of his final 20 outings. In the season's closing stretch, he averaged 31.5 points on 46.9% shooting, with 50% from three and 84.8% at the line—stats that scream efficiency and clutch performance. He even exploded for 43 points in a quadruple-overtime thriller against Cal, while chipping in 3.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. For beginners, think of him as a versatile guard who can carry a team, much like a Steph Curry type who controls the offense and defense.
Tying for second with five votes each, we have two rising stars: Duke freshman Cameron Boozer and NC State transfer Darrion Williams. Boozer, ranked as the top recruit in Duke coach Jon Scheyer's latest class, brings championship pedigree from his prep days. If he claims ACC POY, Duke would have consecutive winners for the first time since their 2018-20 trio of Marvin Bagley, Zion Williamson, and Tre Jones—talk about a golden era. Standing at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, this forward from Miami can score from anywhere, rebound like a pro, and defend multiple spots. Experts project him as a top-three 2026 NBA Draft pick, and he's the early favorite for ACC Freshman of the Year. For those new to the game, Boozer represents the 'next big thing' archetype, a player whose raw talent could redefine college basketball, much like how Zion Williamson did years ago.
On the other side of the tie, Darrion Williams, a transfer from Texas Tech, is hailed as the portal's top acquisition. At 6-6 and 225 pounds, he's a dynamic force who can dominate in scoring, facilitating, and defense for NC State's Wolfpack. As a junior last season with the Red Raiders, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. During Texas Tech's Elite Eight run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, he upped it to 21 points per night, even dropping 23 in a loss to eventual champ Florida. Williams is the complete package—a player who elevates everyone around him, similar to a Draymond Green on offense, making him a must-watch in Raleigh.
Not far behind, Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr. garnered four votes, positioning him as another contender for league supremacy. Like Boozer and Williams, Brown's pre-season buzz is through the roof. As a 6-foot-5 guard projected as a top-10 2026 NBA Draft pick, he's expected to electrify the Cardinals under coach Pat Kelsey and propel them toward contention, possibly even a title. Brown's scoring prowess could make him one of college basketball's most thrilling players, blending explosiveness with skill. If Louisville steps up as a national threat, Brown will be central to that narrative—he's that talented and impactful.
Rounding out the poll, a few other names earned mentions for the best-player title, including Duke's Isaiah Evans, Syracuse's Naithan George, Syracuse's JJ Starling, and Miami's Tru Washington. These players add layers to the discussion, showing the depth of talent across the conference.
Now, let's stir the pot a bit: Is it fair to bet on freshmen and transfers for such a prestigious award, or should experience like Burton's give him the edge? Some might argue that true greatness in the ACC demands proven track records, while others see this as an era where youth and mobility rule. But here's where it gets really intriguing—could the poll reflect biases among peers, or is it a genuine nod to emerging potential? What do you think: Will established veterans like Burton prevail, or are we witnessing a shift toward the new guard? Share your takes in the comments—do you agree with the players' picks, or do you have a different dark horse in mind? Let's debate!
