Is Markus Burton poised to redefine ACC basketball dominance? The shocking results from an insider poll of players might just change your mind about the league's future stars.
Imagine the thrill of college basketball's elite conference, where every season brings new heroes and heated debates. But here's the twist: what if the players themselves are predicting the next big thing? Welcome to our deep dive into an exclusive anonymous poll conducted by the USA TODAY Network, kicking off a five-part series that uncovers the unfiltered opinions of ACC basketball athletes ahead of the 2025-26 season. We're talking about their picks for the best players, underrated talents, standout coaches, iconic arenas, and even thoughts on NCAA Tournament expansion. Get ready to peek behind the curtain of college hoops like never before!
Editor's Insight: This piece marks the launch of our fascinating five-part series, spotlighting insights from an anonymous poll of ACC basketball players at the ACC Tipoff event in Charlotte. The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY Network is your guide, exploring top performers, hidden gems, top-tier coaches, legendary venues, and the buzz around expanding the NCAA Tournament.
The ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Year award has been a rotating honor, claimed by players from five different schools over the past five years. Take Duke's superstar Cooper Flagg, for instance—he snagged the 2025 ACC Player of the Year title before soaring to the top of the 2025 NBA Draft as the No. 1 overall pick. That victory gave the Blue Devils their first such accolade since Tre Jones in 2020. And this is the part most people miss: Flagg's journey highlights how the ACC is a launchpad for NBA greatness, blending raw talent with strategic development.
But here's where it gets exciting— the league is gearing up for 2025-26 with a powerhouse lineup. Key veterans returning, a fresh wave of highly touted freshmen, and elite additions through the transfer portal mean the ACC is bursting with potential. It's like a melting pot of basketball brilliance, promising games that could rival any in college sports history.
During candid chats with The Fayetteville Observer and USA TODAY Network, these ACC players participated in an anonymous survey, weighing in on various topics. In this first installment, we're zeroing in on their predictions for who will emerge as the conference's top player this season.
Let's break down all 27 responses and spotlight the standout names—presented in a beginner-friendly way so even casual fans can follow along.
Markus Burton: Notre Dame's Scoring Sensation Leading the Pack
Topping the poll with nine votes from his fellow ACC peers, Notre Dame's Markus Burton stands out as the projected leader for the 2025-26 season. If this 6-foot junior guard claims the ACC Player of the Year, he'd mark Notre Dame's first since the Fighting Irish transitioned from the Big East to the ACC back in 2013. To put that in perspective, Notre Dame hasn't seen a conference player of the year since Ben Hansbrough—brother of former UNC standout Tyler Hansbrough—earned Big East Player of the Year honors in 2011, averaging an impressive 18.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Despite a knee injury sidelining him for seven games last season, Burton bounced back spectacularly, scoring 20 or more points in 15 of his final 20 contests. In the regular season's closing stretch, he dazzled with an average of 31.5 points, shooting 46.9% overall, 50% from three-point range, and a stellar 84.8% from the free-throw line. His highlight? A 43-point explosion in a quadruple-overtime victory against Cal, all while chipping in 3.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. For newcomers to basketball analysis, think of Burton as the high-volume scorer who can carry a team on his back—much like a modern-day Steph Curry in college form.
Cameron Boozer: Duke's Rising Freshman Phenom
Duke's freshman sensation, Cameron Boozer, secured five votes as a contender for ACC supremacy. Should he win Player of the Year, it would continue Duke's streak, marking back-to-back wins for the first time since their three-year run from 2018-20 with stars like Marvin Bagley, Zion Williamson, and Tre Jones.
This 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward from Miami, Florida, is eyeing a top-three spot in the 2026 NBA Draft. As a prep standout who racked up championships, Boozer is versatile—he excels at scoring from any spot, dominating rebounds, and defending multiple positions. At the minimum, he's the prime candidate for ACC Freshman of the Year. Imagine a player who combines size and skill like a young Kevin Durant; that's the hype around Boozer.
Darrion Williams: NC State's Transfer Portal Gem
Tying Boozer with five votes, NC State's Darrion Williams, a transfer from Texas Tech, is hailed as a potential ACC transfer star. Often dubbed the top portal addition this season, the 6-6, 225-pound Williams brings multifaceted skills to Will Wade's Wolfpack.
In his junior year at Texas Tech, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. During the Red Raiders' Elite Eight run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, he upped his production to 21 points per game, including a 23-point game against eventual champion Florida. As a well-rounded talent, Williams promises excitement in Raleigh. For those new to transfers, this is like adding a proven veteran mid-season—someone who instantly boosts team chemistry and performance.
Mikel Brown Jr.: Louisville's Electric Freshman Catalyst
Rounding out the multi-vote contenders, Louisville's freshman Mikel Brown Jr. garnered four votes for league excellence. Much like Boozer and Williams, he's generated buzz before even stepping onto the ACC court. Poised as a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, this 6-foot-5 guard could propel the Cardinals toward championship contention under Coach Pat Kelsey.
Brown is positioned to be one of college basketball's most dynamic scorers, electrifying crowds with his offensive flair. If Louisville evolves into a serious ACC and national contender, Brown will likely be the driving force. Consider him a spark plug like a young Kyrie Irving—pure energy on the floor.
Other Notables: Duke and Beyond in the Best Player Race
Here's a glimpse at the additional names that earned mentions in this category, showcasing the depth of talent across the conference:
- Isaiah Evans from Duke
- Naithan George of Syracuse
- JJ Starling with Syracuse
- Tru Washington at Miami
And this is the part that sparks debate: While Burton leads the pack in peer votes, is there a bias toward familiarity? Some might argue that players vote for those they know best, potentially overlooking breakout stars. But here's where it gets controversial—could a freshman like Boozer or Brown upend the expectations, proving the veterans wrong? Or is the ACC poised for a transfer revolution with players like Williams rewriting the narrative?
Brooks Holton of the Louisville Courier Journal lent his expertise to this article. Rodd Baxley, covering North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network, keeps you updated on ACC action. Follow his insights on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Have questions about UNC? Reach out at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
What do you think? Does the poll accurately predict ACC greatness, or is there a hidden gem we're missing? Do you side with the players' picks, or do you have a counterpoint—like favoring experience over hype? Share your opinions in the comments and let's debate the future of ACC basketball!
