The Best ACC Basketball Teams

Ranker NCAA Basketball
Updated February 1, 2025 15 items
Ranked By
1.1K votes
219 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the ACC schools with the historically best basketball team.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) boasts a rich history of exceptional college basketball programs. Over the years, several teams have emerged as powerhouses in the world of college hoops, making the ACC one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division I Men's Basketball. Fans are treated to nail-biting games and intense rivalries, as the best ACC basketball teams vie for conference supremacy and national recognition.

A myriad of factors contribute to the esteemed status achieved by top-tier ACC basketball teams – ranging from skilled athletes to prominent coaching figures with remarkable accomplishments. These elite programs not only excel on the court but also contribute immensely to their respective institutions and fanbases. The legacy of excellence among top ACC teams is unmistakable, with each team showcasing its distinct prowess in various aspects of college basketball.

For instance, the North Carolina Tar Heels have long been synonymous with greatness in NCAA basketball. Led by coaches Dean Smith and Roy Williams along with numerous talented players such as Michael Jordan and James Worthy, they've consistently been a force to be reckoned with in both regular season play and March Madness. Similarly, under Coach Mike Krzyzewski's guidance, the Duke Blue Devils have established themselves as perennial contenders with a remarkable list of accomplishments that include multiple national championships. Not to be outdone, the Virginia Cavaliers' recent surge under Coach Tony Bennett has garnered attention by capturing their first-ever national title in 2019. These distinguished teams represent just some of the extraordinary talent that graces ACC courts each season.

Through steadfast commitment from players, coaches, administrators, and supporters, the best ACC basketball teams have earned their status while providing countless memorable moments for sports enthusiasts everywhere. Their continued success serves as an inspiration for other programs within the conference and beyond. Through hard work and dedication on behalf of players, coaches, administrators, and fans alike, this collection of outstanding teams elevates individual achievements while contributing significantly to their storied conference's prestige. With such an impressive array of talent, the best ACC basketball teams will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of college basketball and captivate fans for years to come.


  • North Carolina Tar Heels
    • Photo:
      • North Carolina

    All-time record: 2,261-798
    Conference titles: 30
    National championships: 6
    Final Four appearances: 20

    Notable players: Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Sam Perkins, Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace

    • Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
    117 votes
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  • All-time record: 2,144-881
    Conference titles: 19
    National championships: 5
    Final Four appearances: 16

    Notable players: Kyrie Irving, Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Shane Battier, J.J. Redick

    • Location: Durham, North Carolina
    107 votes
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  • Louisville Cardinals
    • Photo:
      • Louisville

    All-time record: 1,803-901
    Conference titles: None
    National championships: 3 (1 vacated)
    Final Four appearances: 10 (2 vacated)

    Notable players: Darrell Griffith, Donovan Mitchell, Terry Rozier, Pervis Ellison

    • Location: Louisville, Kentucky
    67 votes
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  • NC State Wolfpack
    • Photo:
      • North Carolina State

    All-time record: 1,737-1,068
    Conference titles: 7
    National championships: 2
    Final Four appearances: 3

    Notable players: Tom Gugliotta, Spud Webb, Charles Shackleford, David Thompson

    • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
    83 votes
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  • Wake Forest Demon Deacons
    5

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons

    All-time record: 1,537-1,236
    Conference titles: 4
    National championships: None
    Final Four appearances: 1

    Notable players: Tim Duncan, Chris Paul, Muggsy Bogues, Len Chappell

    • Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
    64 votes
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  • Virginia Cavaliers

    All-time record: 1,629-1,168-1
    Conference titles: 8
    National championships: None
    Final Four appearances: 2

    Notable players: Malcolm Brogdon, Ralph Sampson

    • Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
    83 votes
    Is this impressive?