Oct. 4
In ACC country, ballots are being filled out to determine the top players in the respective sports in conference history. This is being done in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the ACC. Let me tell you, the league has had a rich, historic tradition -- especially in the realm of college basketball.

	Former Wolfpack star David Thompson was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.

If you asked hoop fans about the best player in ACC history, my bet is most would say Michael the Magnificent -- that's right, North Carolina's Mr. Jordan. The former national player of the year dazzled people in Chapel Hill. Nobody will forget the jumper Jordan hit against Georgetown to give Dean Smith, the Michelangelo of coaching, a national championship in 1982.

There have been so many greats in the ACC -- names like Ralph Sampson, Art Heyman, Christian Laettner, Johnny Dawkins, Billy Cunningham, Charlie Scott ... there are just so many, baby, and those are just a few!

My pick for the best player in ACC history is a guy who redefined the small-forward position. I loved watching David Thompson, the skywalker from N.C. State. Coach Norm Sloan's club won the national championship in 1974 because of the sparkling baseline grace and ability of Mr. Thompson.

He was Baryshnikov in shorts, a ballerina of basketball. Along with Dr. J, Thompson set the tone for athleticism at the small-forward slot. The Wolfpack had quite a team with Thompson, Tom Burleson in the middle and Monte Towe on the perimeter.

N.C. State held off Maryland in the ACC tournament in what many say was the greatest game ever. Back then, only one team got a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack beat All-American Bill Walton and UCLA in the national semifinals before defeating coach Al McGuire and Marquette in the final.

Thompson was a combination of power, touch, finesse, grace and athleticism. He was unique and special -- to watch him go from one end of the floor in transition, from defense to offense, was a thing of beauty.

David Thompson was Baryshnikov in shorts.

And to see him flying through the sky for one of his acrobatic jams was special indeed.

Thompson is the greatest small forward I've witnessed in college basketball. He gets my vote as the best, the very top player in the history ACC basketball. Remember, that's for his performance in college, not the NBA.

David Thompson is an all-time All-Rolls Roycer, baby!