ACC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

7. R. J. Barrett

One of 2018’s very best prospects, Barrett is a 6’7 wing who spent his brief collegiate career starring at Duke, playing alongside some significant talent in Durham. There’s a lot to like about what Barrett brought not only to the Blue Devils but to basketball in the ACC and his freshman season was certainly full of upside.

That season saw him average 22.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, monster numbers for any freshman. He put up 33 points on Kentucky in his collegiate debut and would help guide Duke to a 32-win campaign. Barrett had a number of 30-point efforts, helped lead Duke to the ACC Tournament title, and was a major part of their run to the Elite Eight, scoring 21 points in their loss to Michigan State.

Barrett’s dynamic freshman season ended with him named a First Team All-American and the winner of the Jerry West Award, given annually to the nation’s best shooting guard. He was a major contributor on a very talented Duke squad and led the ACC in scoring, finishing 4th in the nation in total points on the season. Barrett was an absolute talent, surrounded with more talent, and has continued his success for the last four years in the NBA.