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Ames Today
By the People, for the People
Cal's Dai Dai Ames Named Third-Team All-ACC
Bears guard earns conference honor after strong regular season
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Cal's Dai Dai Ames, who scored 31 points in the Bears' final regular-season game against Wake Forest, was named to the third-team All-ACC basketball team. Ames, whose real first name is Darrin, led Cal in scoring at 16.9 points per game this season after transferring from Kansas State and Virginia.
Why it matters
Earning All-ACC recognition is a significant achievement for Ames and the Cal basketball program, as it highlights the talent and growth of the team's leading scorer. This honor could also boost Ames' prospects for potential professional opportunities after the season.
The details
Ames was the only Cal player named to one of the three five-man All-ACC teams. He was the last player selected to the third team based on the number of votes he received from the 86-member panel of ACC head coaches and media members. Cal guard Justin Pippen received honorable mention recognition as well.
- Ames scored 31 points in Cal's loss to Wake Forest on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
- The All-ACC teams were announced by the conference on Monday, March 10, 2026.
The players
Dai Dai Ames
A junior guard for the Cal Bears basketball team, Ames led the team in scoring this season at 16.9 points per game after transferring from Kansas State and Virginia.
Justin Pippen
A Cal Bears guard who received honorable mention recognition on the All-ACC team.
Mark Madsen
The head coach of the Cal Bears basketball team, who received one voting point in the ACC coach of the year balloting, placing him sixth.
John Scheyer
The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who was named the ACC coach of the year.
Cameron Boozer
The Duke freshman who was named the ACC player of the year, receiving 84 of the 86 votes.
What’s next
Cal will face Florida State in the ACC tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
The takeaway
Dai Dai Ames' selection to the All-ACC third team demonstrates the individual talent and potential of Cal's leading scorer, which could open up future professional opportunities for the junior guard.
