Ranking the top five candidates for ACC Player of the Year

It is no exaggeration to say that Cooper Flagg is the most-watched player in college basketball this season. However, there is stiff competition atop the ACC Player of the Year race. One of the top storylines for the ACC is the return of RJ Davis, who hopes to defend his crown for North Carolina. Maxime Raynaud joins the ACC with Stanford and looks to assert his will in ACC play. Jaland Lowe and Ian Schieffelin give the race dark horse candidates after strong first months. So, which of them sits as the frontrunner?

ACC Player of the Year prediction

5. RJ Davis – North Carolina (18.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.2 APG)

RJ Davis has increased his rebounding and playmaking from his ACC Player of the Year campaign in 2023-24. However, his 35.1% field-goal percentage falls well below his 42.8% mark from a year ago, and his scoring has taken a slide as well. North Carolina was the best team in the ACC, which significantly helped his argument for awards. With numbers that have dropped on a team that is struggling to stay above .500, Davis will need to have a strong showing in conference play to stay in the conversation.

4. Ian Schieffelin – Clemson (12.6 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)

Schieffelin earns his spot here by being the leading rebounder in the country. He has increased production in all three major statistical categories, but his efficiency has taken a significant blow. At 6-foot-8, he often plays the forward position, which usually translates to some easier baskets. His 41.8% field-goal percentage is well below last season’s mark of 56.4%. He is taking over four more shots per game this season but only scoring two more points per game. If he can improve his efficiency, his rebounding and playmaking will give him a strong argument for ACC Player of the Year.

3. Jaland Lowe – Pittsburgh (16.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.5 APG)

Lowe spent much of last season in the shadows of stars Carlton Carrington and Blake Hinson, but he played a crucial role in their midseason turnaround. In an increased role, he has stuffed the stat sheet for the Panthers, even logging a triple-double against VMI. As a small guard, his efficiency will never be a strong suit, with shots being blocked more often than other players. However, he has seen a significant drop in three-point percentage (35.2% last season to 26.8% this season). He has stepped up with clutch plays that directly led to victories, so it’s hard to argue his efficiency when it matters most. If he can find the range from three, he will certainly give the top contenders a run for the title.

2. Cooper Flagg – Duke (15.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)

Yes, the best freshman in the ACC, and possibly the country, deserves his spot on the list. However, whether it be attention or youth, his play has “only” been worthy of the second spot on the list. Flagg’s impact on the game is often felt in ways that cannot be quantified. Anyone who watches him play knows that his fingerprints are everywhere. Teams continue to give him the three, and he continues to miss. If Flagg can develop a consistent three-point shot, he will win ACC Player of the Year because he will be unguardable. For now, we wait for the full threat of Flagg to be unleashed. Maybe he will show up in conference play, but the world is waiting for the ultimate breakout game for the freshman phenom.

1. Maxime Raynaud – Stanford (22.1 PPG, 11.3, 1.9 APG)

Maxime Raynaud has yet to play against prestigious programs in the ACC like Duke and North Carolina. If he continues this level of play against ACC opponents, Stanford will be difficult to beat, and Raynaud could make a run at the Wooden Award. Flagg affects the game in ways that may not show up on the stat sheet. Raynaud stuffs the stat sheet AND completely affects the way the other team plays. In every instance I’ve watched Raynaud play, the opponent is left wondering how they could stop somebody so big yet so nimble. His size and finishing will translate to better opponents, but how much will he be forced to assist rather than score? Duke, Clemson, Pittsburgh and SMU all have centers that will be able to withstand the size of Raynaud. Raynaud will win the award if two things happen.

1. Stanford continues to have moderate success (not finish in the bottom third)
2. His scoring remains high while his playmaking increases.

No. 2 on this list will likely be the main catalyst for No. 1. For now, however, Raynaud is the clear front-runner for ACC Player of the Year.