ACC Tournament 2012: Power Ranking Tourney's Most Important Players

It wasn't a banner year for ACC basketball with only a few teams separating themselves from the pack, but since two of those teams were Duke and North Carolina, most college basketball fans won't complain. Those two alone should make for an interesting tournament.

Here are the three most important players heading into this week's tourney.

1. Harrison Barnes

Going back to North Carolina for another season was a good decision by Barnes. He's increased his efficiency by leaps and bounds in basically every area, leading North Carolina to the top seed in the tournament.

His production is essential to the Tar Heels' success because he opens space for fellow forwards Tyler Zeller and John Henson. If Barnes is having an off game and can't stretch the floor, opposing defenses can collapse into the paint to slow down North Carolina's offense.

Winning the ACC Tournament would guarantee the Tar Heels a No. 1 seed when the bracket comes out, so there's plenty of motivation for Barnes to keep dominating.

2. Austin Rivers

Just about every sports fan has heard of Rivers by now, either because his dad coaches the Boston Celtics or due to the big shots he's knocked down throughout the season. He has a chance to add to that big-shot reputation over the next month.

The dynamic Duke freshman is averaging 15 points, including nearly two treys per game, but the most important thing for him is to protect the ball. Since the Blue Devils don't have a true point guard running the show, Rivers plays a key role in that area.

His assist-to-turnover ratio is below one. While that will need to improve if Duke is going to win this tournament, he's risen to the occasion each time so far. He can do it again.

3. Bernard James

The guard combination of Michael Snaer and Ian Miller plays an important role in Florida State's chances, but James is the team's unsung hero. His ability to control the post is what allows Snaer and Miller to get so many clean looks.

James, a 6'10'' senior, is averaging 10 points and eight rebounds. Even though those numbers alone aren't overly impressive, when you consider he's shooting 61 percent from the field and playing just 28 minutes per game, they show how efficient he's been.

He'll need to continue playing at a high level if Florida State is going to survive a run that will likely feature games against both Duke and North Carolina. The Seminoles are a long shot, but don't completely count them out.