Fansided

Jahlil Okafor named 2015 ACC Player of the Year

ByJack Crosby|
Mar 7, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) reacts with guard Matt Jones (13) in the second half. The Blue Devils defeated the Tar Heels 84-77 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) reacts with guard Matt Jones (13) in the second half. The Blue Devils defeated the Tar Heels 84-77 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor made some history on Sunday when he was named the ACC Player of the Year

With the college basketball season now coming to a close here in March, it’s time to recognize some of the best players in the country. And when it comes to the ACC, one of the best basketball conferences in the nation, there was really no question who the best player in the conference was: It was Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor.

On Sunday Okafor was recognized for his outstanding efforts this season by being named the ACC Player of the Year and he made some history in the process. With him being given the honor, Okafor becomes the first freshman in history to be named the ACC Player of the Year.


Being the top recruit in the nation, Okafor came into this season with a lot of hype, and time and time again, he delivered.

In his first season in a Blue Devils uniform–and likely his last–Okafor was one of the most dominant forces in the nation, averaging 17.6 points per game with 9.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. No team in the country wanted to play Duke when Jahlil Okafor was on his game in the paint, which was virtually every time out.

As of right now, many of the experts are projecting Okafor as the top pick in the NBA Draft come this June, should he ultimately end up choosing to leave Durham.

More from FanSided