Articles College Basketball

The Top 10 Legends from the University of North Carolina Basketball

HoopSocial July 1, 2023

The University of North Carolina (UNC) has a rich basketball legacy that is synonymous with excellence, producing a plethora of outstanding players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Over the years, UNC has become a breeding ground for talent, with players consistently making their mark both in college and in the NBA.

  1. Michael Jordan: Player Profile: Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. During his time at UNC from 1981 to 1984, Jordan showcased his extraordinary athleticism, winning the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1984. Statistics at UNC: Jordan averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. NBA Career: Michael Jordan went on to achieve unparalleled success in the NBA, winning six championships and earning five MVP awards.
  2. James Worthy: Player Profile: James Worthy, a dominant force during his time at UNC, was instrumental in leading the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA championship. Statistics at UNC: Worthy averaged 15.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. NBA Career: Worthy enjoyed a successful NBA career, winning three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and being named the NBA Finals MVP in 1988.
  3. Phil Ford: Player Profile: Phil Ford was a point guard known for his exceptional court vision and scoring ability. He played for UNC from 1974 to 1978 and was the ACC Player of the Year in 1978. Statistics at UNC: Ford averaged 18.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. NBA Career: Ford had a solid NBA career, playing for the Kansas City Kings and winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1979.
  4. Vince Carter: Player Profile: Vince Carter was an electrifying player known for his incredible dunks and athleticism. He played at UNC from 1995 to 1998 and was a two-time All-American. Statistics at UNC: Carter averaged 17.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. NBA Career: Carter had a remarkable NBA career spanning 22 seasons, earning eight All-Star selections and becoming one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
  5. Antawn Jamison: Player Profile: Antawn Jamison was a versatile forward known for his scoring prowess. He played for UNC from 1995 to 1998 and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1998. Statistics at UNC: Jamison averaged 19.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. NBA Career: Jamison had a successful NBA career, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2004 and being a two-time All-Star.
  6. Sam Perkins: Player Profile: Sam Perkins was a skilled big man who played for UNC from 1980 to 1984. He was known for his smooth shooting stroke and versatility on both ends of the court. Statistics at UNC: Perkins averaged 15.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. NBA Career: Perkins enjoyed a productive NBA career, playing for multiple teams and being a key contributor to the Seattle SuperSonics’ NBA Finals run in 1996.
  7. Tyler Hansbrough: Player Profile: Tyler Hansbrough, known for his intense playing style, was a dominant force during his time at UNC from 2005 to 2009. He won numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2008. Statistics at UNC: Hansbrough averaged 20.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. NBA Career: Hansbrough had a modest NBA career, playing for a few teams and primarily contributing off the bench.
  8. Jerry Stackhouse: Player Profile: Jerry Stackhouse was a dynamic scorer during his tenure at UNC from 1993 to 1995. He possessed a lethal combination of athleticism and scoring ability. Statistics at UNC: Stackhouse averaged 19.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. NBA Career: Stackhouse had a successful NBA career, becoming a two-time All-Star and ranking among the top scorers in the league for several seasons.
  9. Rasheed Wallace: Player Profile: Rasheed Wallace, a dominant post player, played for UNC from 1993 to 1995. Known for his versatility and shot-blocking ability, Wallace made an impact on both ends of the court. Statistics at UNC: Wallace averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. NBA Career: Wallace enjoyed a successful NBA career, winning an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004 and being a four-time All-Star.
  10. Tyler Zeller: Player Profile: Tyler Zeller, a skilled center, played for UNC from 2008 to 2012. He displayed excellent fundamentals and was a consistent performer. Statistics at UNC: Zeller averaged 12.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. NBA Career: Zeller has had a solid NBA career, playing for multiple teams and serving as a reliable frontcourt player off the bench.

The University of North Carolina has been a breeding ground for basketball greatness, producing an array of extraordinary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From Michael Jordan’s unparalleled greatness to the versatility of players like James Worthy and Vince Carter, the legacy of UNC’s basketball program is etched in history. The players highlighted in this article have not only excelled at UNC but have also gone on to have remarkable careers in the NBA, solidifying their status as some of the best players to have ever graced the hardwood. The University of North Carolina’s rich basketball tradition continues to inspire aspiring players and captivate basketball fans worldwide.

Share this article:

Independent basketball blog covering all things NBA, WNBA, College Hoops, Draft, and Betting. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and listen to HoopSocial Podcasts anywhere you get your shows!