1.) Dwayne Bacon
Which do you suppose is better, Dwayne Bacon's efficiency of how he plays the game of basketball, or his name? I'll let you decide. The sophomore guard out of Lakeland, FL has shown he likes to score- and excels at doing so. He has scored 100 points through his first 5 ACC games, which puts him at an average 20 points per conference game. In a crucial test for the Seminoles, Bacon put up 29 points against one of the nation's best defensive teams in Virginia, including the game-winning bucket.
2.) Justin Jackson
The junior out of Tomball, TX has been ballin' out this year. He is making a solid campaign to be an early favorite for ACC Player of the Year. Jackson has led his Carolina Tar Heels to a 5-1 record in conference. In those 6 games, Jackson is flirting with an average of 20 points per game. In the past 4 games, he has shot the three ball with efficiency, knocking down almost %50 trifectas. Jackson is a vital part of Carolina's early success brings an intimidating presence along against his opponents.
3.) Bonzie Colson
Bonzie, what a name. Short for Bonzilla (kidding) (actually might stand for that but highly doubtful). The Bonz has improved his game from last season. He went from being a decent big man on Notre Dame to one of the best big men in the ACC. His Notre Dame Fighting Irish has fought their way to an undefeated 5-0 record to start off conference play. They are currently on a 7 game winning streak. During the 5 game ACC win streak, however, he has managed to record a double-double in 4 of them. Bonzie is averaging a double-double, at 15.8 PPG and 10.9 RPG. His 10.9 rebounds per game are first among all ACC players.
4.) Luke Kennard
Despite Duke's 2-3 ACC record, Luke Kennard has had the hot hand from the start. In a losing effort against Virginia Tech, Kennard exploded for 34 points. Since then, he has retained the hot hand, averaging slightly under 20 points per ACC game. With a hot hand comes accuracy. K3nnard has shot 58% in his first 5 ACC games. Talk about players who have stepped up from a season ago. People feared Kennard would lose playing time with all the new hot recruits coming into Duke, but Kennard did not let that affect him. He has easily been Duke's most valuable player this season.
5.) Dennis Smith Jr
NC State and their fans were overjoyed to land Dennis Smith Jr, one of the nation's top basketball recruits a year ago, and knew what to expect from him. The skilled guard leads the ACC in assists and is averaging 21 points in ACC play. In a game vs Virginia Tech, the true freshman recorded his first triple-double, scoring 27 pts and tallying 11 rebounds and assists. Smith looks for turn NC State's 1-4 conference record around, and with his prolific scoring and ability to dish the ball to his teammates to score, he should not have too much of a problem in doing so. Just like big time Wolfpack supporter and popular rap artists J Cole, Smith, too, is from Fayetteville, NC.
Honorable Mentions
Jamel Artis
The senior from Baltimore, MD, is currently the top scorer in the ACC. Artis put on a clinic about a week ago vs #14 Louisville, dropping 43 points in a, (somehow), losing effort. He is shooting 58% from the 3 line. He and fellow teammate and senior Michael Young look to turn around their slow 1-4 ACC start.
Chris Clarke
The sophomore from the 757 has had a quietly impressive start to conference play. He is 2nd in the ACC in field goal percentage. His pinpoint accuracy has contributed greatly to Virginia Tech's 13-4 overall record. Clarke is also a quality rebounder and has flirted with a double-double twice in ACC play.
Source: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/conferences/statistics/_/id/2/acc-conference
