Hunter Sallis Shines in ACC, Earns First Team All-Conference Honors

In a season that saw numerous star transfers shine bright across the ACC, few shone brighter than Wake Forest’s Hunter Sallis. The junior guard’s impressive performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the ACC’s First Team All-Conference squad as voted by the media.

Sallis emerged as one of the ACC’s elite scorers, pouring in 18.3 points per game to finish fifth in the conference scoring race. His scoring prowess was predicated on remarkable efficiency - shooting a blistering 50% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 80% at the free throw line. Among non-post players, Sallis’ field goal percentage ranked first.

The Gonzaga transfer showed an uncanny ability to flll up the score sheet on a nightly basis. He scored in double figures in all but one game, including a career-high 33-point explosion against NC State in February. Sallis saved one of his most efficient performances for a big-time matchup, scorching Duke for 29 points on 11-of-13 shooting in an 83-79 win.

Sallis wasn’t just a scorer though. He impacted the game in multiple ways, ranking among the ACC leaders in steals, assists, and minutes played. His consistent two-way play was a key catalyst for the Demon Deacons enjoying a resurgent season.

The junior’s breakout campaign earned him runner-up honors for ACC Most Improved Player, behind only Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin. After averaging just 4.7 points per game in a reserve role at Gonzaga last season, Sallis increased his scoring output by nearly 14 points per contest in his debut year at Wake Forest. He also raised his three-point shooting by an impressive 20 percentage points.

With his selection to the All-ACC First Team, Sallis continued the recent run of success for Wake Forest transfers in the backcourt. He followed in the footsteps of Alondes Williams and Tyree Appleby, who also earned First Team honors after joining the Demon Deacons from other programs.

As Sallis looks ahead to his senior season, he’ll aim to build upon his breakout junior year and lead Wake Forest in pursuit of an ACC title and deep NCAA Tournament run. With his elite scoring ability and improved all-around game, he has a chance to be one of the nation’s best guards in 2024-25.

Sallis’ journey from unheralded transfer to All-ACC performer exemplifies the significant impact the transfer portal can have. Wake Forest was the beneficiary this season, as Sallis made the most of his opportunity and emerged as a bonafide star in the ACC.