California is the countryâs most populous state and possesses a rich lode of basketball talent. Yet, despite the ACCâs high profile, the league has not had great luck mining the Golden State for players.
Since 1980, a period of 27 seasons, a mere 32 Californians have played in the ACC. So far, only four panned out well enough to make an All-ACC squad. Clemsonâs Elden Campbell gained first team honors in 1990 and second team in 1989. Dukeâs Cherokee Parks made second team in 1994 and 1995, as did Georgia Techâs Drew Barry in 1996. Jon Barry of the Yellow Jackets made third team in 1992.
Currently there are more Californians in the ACC â eight â than at any time in history.
In contrast, there are 12 active foreign players. Counting the present contingent, since 1999 there have been 37 players from other countries on ACC rosters, triple the number of Californians.
| GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS? | |
| Californians Playing In ACC, Last 10 Years (Listed On Opening Roster, Appeared In Games) | |
| Name, School | Seasons |
| Jamal Boykin, D | 2006- |
| DâAndre Bell, GT | 2006- |
| DeMarcus Nelson, D | 2005- |
| Antonio Griffin, FSU | 2005 |
| Gary Hamilton, Mia$ | 2005- |
| Quentin Thomas, NC | 2005- |
| D.J. Strawberry, M | 2004- |
| Ekene Ibekwe, M | 2004- |
| Jermaine Harper, V | 2002, 03 |
| Justin Mott, FSU* | 1999, 2000 |
| J.D. Simpson, D | 1998-01 |
| Chris Burgess, D | 1998, 99 |
| Monte Marcaccini, V | 1997, 98 |
| Luke Buffum, NCS# | 1996-98 |
| Ricky Price, D | 1995-98 |
- * Junior college transfer
- $ Played two years prior to joining ACC.
- # North Carolinian, attended high school in Beverly Hills, Ca.