The N&O's staff ranked the ACC's top 25 men's players -- and believe us, there is plenty of room for debate. In a year when many key players left, settling on a top-25 list was tough. We made our list based on what the players already have shown in the conference. After you've seen our rankings, give us yours at ACC Now, accnow.newsobserver.com.

1. Tyler Hansbrough

FORWARD, NORTH CAROLINA

Became one of the conference's best players the second he stepped on the court three seasons ago.

2.SEAN SINGLETARY

GUARD, VIRGINIA

If this two-time All-ACC first-teamer played in the Triangle, you'd see Shrines du Sean on every street corner.

3. BRANDON COSTNER

FORWARD, N.C. STATE

Began running with the big boys in the 2007 postseason with strength and range past 20 feet.

4. TY LAWSON

GUARD, NORTH CAROLINA

Blink and he's gone -- that's how one of the nation's best point guards keyed a prolific offense last season.

5. TYRESE RICE

GUARD, BOSTON COLLEGE

Lone cupcake left in the cupboard for the Eagles, he fed Jared Dudley and Sean Marshall last season and still got his.

6. JAMES MAYS

FORWARD, CLEMSON

Keyed Clemson's 17-0 start by playing tough at the top of the press and by grabbing 6.4 rebounds per game.

7. JACK McCLINTON

GUARD, MIAMI

Hurricanes' only big-time scoring threat before 2006-07 season collapsed under weight of frontcourt injuries.

8. BEN McCAULEY

FORWARD/CENTER, N.C. STATE

Passing big man's skills no longer a secret thanks to a season showing off versatile inside game.

9. DEMARCUS NELSON

GUARD, DUKE

One of the ACC's best defenders rebounds well for his size while sharing leadership and scoring roles with others.

10. GAVIN GRANT

FORWARD, N.C. STATE

Miscast as a point guard, though by necessity while Engin Atsur healed, Grant did it all with energy and athleticism.

11. DERON WASHINGTON

FORWARD, VIRGINIA TECH

High-flying player who moves to his natural position at small forward this season; he's always dangerous around the glass.

12. JAMES GIST

FORWARD, MARYLAND

Led Maryland's late ACC run, shooting a high percentage outside and beating thicker forwards inside with his quickness.

13. K.C. RIVERS

GUARD/FORWARD, CLEMSON

Sixth man was a dangerous first option on offense as Clemson made it to the NIT title game.

14. GREIVIS VAZQUEZ

GUARD, MARYLAND

Also keyed that late Maryland run, but did you see him go at Kobe Bryant while playing for Venezuela this summer?

15. GREG PAULUS

GUARD, DUKE

Reclaimed his scoring punch during an injury year by evolving into the Devils' best 3-point threat.

16. ISHMAEL SMITH

GUARD, WAKE FOREST

Smith, the fifth freshman to lead the ACC in assists, will control the Demon Deacons' tempo and their progress.

17. WAYNE ELLINGTON

GUARD, NORTH CAROLINA

Had the range and confidence to scare defenses as a freshman. Reyshawn Terry is gone, so he'll likely shoot even more.

18. CLIFF HAMMONDS

GUARD, CLEMSON

Played where needed, sharing the backcourt with Vernon Hamilton, and still led the Tigers in assists.

19. TONEY DOUGLAS

GUARD, FLORIDA STATE

Hand injury stalled his ascent as a dangerous floor quarterback and was one of the things that kept the Seminoles out of NCAA Tournament.

20. JEREMIS SMITH

FORWARD, GEORGIA TECH

Heart of the Georgia Tech team has led with power and heart while flashier players have come and gone.

21. A.D. VASSALLO

GUARD, VIRGINIA TECH

One of ACC's best shooters will shoot more -- and will have to make more without Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon.

22. BRIAN ASBURY

GUARD/FORWARD, MIAMI

Asbury did a little bit of everything inside and out as a slashing swingman for the Hurricanes.

23. ANTHONY KING

CENTER, MIAMI

Injury cut his senior season short, but this talented rebounder got a fifth year courtesy of a timely NCAA rule change.

24. KYLE SINGLER

FORWARD, DUKE

Josh McRoberts' replacement fits in perfectly with Duke's plan to press, run, shoot and score this season.

25. J.J. HICKSON

FORWARD, N.C. STATE

Rumor has it the athletic Hickson, above at left, may be better than anyone State has right now.

WHO DIDN'T QUITE MAKE THE LIST

Jon Scheyer, F, Duke; Courtney Fells, F, N.C. State; Anthony Morrow, F, Ga. Tech; Lewis Clinch, G, Ga. Tech; Gerald Henderson, G, Duke