The Atlantic Coast Conference was founded in 1953, with competition kicking off later that year. The first ACC Basketball Tournament was held from March 4-6, 1954 in Raleigh, with hosts NC State coming out on top.
While State under Everett Case were undoubtedly a good program during this period, and won the first three editions of the tournament. The fact that it was played on their home court couldn’t have hurt, however.
In the 1956 edition, State and UNC tied for the regular season title, splitting the regular season series after each winning on their home floor.