Notable Alumni of UNC Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels men's basketball program boasts a rich history filled with success, championships, and a remarkable collection of talented players. With a tradition established by legendary coaches like Frank McGuire and Dean Smith and continued by Roy Williams, the Tar Heels have consistently been a force in college basketball. This article explores some of the most notable alumni who have contributed to the program's storied legacy.

Early Pioneers

Jack Cobb: The First Star

Jack Cobb holds the distinction of being the first true basketball star at North Carolina. In 1924, he led the Tar Heels to their first undefeated season. Cobb was instrumental in securing three Southern Conference championship titles. He was North Carolina's first three-time All-American and was named the national player of the year in 1926. Cobb averaged 15 points per game and totaled 353 points in 1923-24.

George Glamack: "The Blind Bomber"

George Glamack, known as "The Blind Bomber" due to his poor eyesight, was another Tar Heel whose jersey was retired by the school. Despite his vision challenges, Glamack was renowned as one of college basketball's premier shooters. He earned All-American honors and was named the national player of the year in both 1940 and 1941. In a game against Clemson on Feb.

The 1950s: A National Title

Lennie Rosenbluth: Leading the Way to Victory

North Carolina clinched its first national title in 1957, largely due to the contributions of Lennie Rosenbluth. As the national player of the year that season, Rosenbluth averaged 28.0 points, amassing a school single-season record of 897 points, and 8.8 rebounds for coach Frank McGuire's undefeated 32-0 Tar Heels. During his three seasons at North Carolina, Rosenbluth averaged a school-record 26.9 points, and his 2,047 total points rank fourth in school history. His 10.4 career rebounding average currently sits fourth in the annals of the Tar Heels' basketball program.

The 1960s: Building a Foundation

Billy Cunningham: A Dominant Force

Before achieving success in the NBA as both a player and coach, Billy Cunningham established himself as one of the greatest players in North Carolina history. While his 24.8 scoring average ranks second-best in school history, Cunningham holds the title of Carolina's all-time leader with a 15.4 average rebounds per contest. His 1,062 career rebounds rank fourth in school history, and his 60 double-double games for points and rebounds are a program record. Cunningham's 48-point effort versus Tulane on Dec. 10, 1964, is the second-highest scoring game among all Tar Heels.

Larry Miller: Consistent Excellence

A two-time ACC Player of the Year, Larry Miller ranks fifth in school history with a 21.8 scoring average. His 1,982 career points are seventh-most among all Tar Heels. The Allentown, Pa., native also made 19 free throws versus Oregon State on Dec. 30, 1967 - tied for third-most in a single game at North Carolina.

Charlie Scott: Harlem Flair

Charlie Scott, one of the best basketball players to emerge from Harlem, brought his unique flair and style to North Carolina. During his four seasons as a Tar Heel, Scott was a three-time first-team All-ACC selection who ranks fourth in school history with 22.1 scoring average and sixth in points (2,007). His 43 against Wake Forest during the 1969-70 season are tied for eighth in school history.

The 1970s: Versatility and Consistency

Bob McAdoo: A Junior College Gem

A Greensboro, N.C. native, Bob McAdoo's college career began at Vincennes (Ind.) University - a junior college at the time. He eventually found his way back to North Carolina and landed at Dean Smith's program for his junior year - and only one at UNC. And what a season it turned out to be for McAdoo and the Tar Heels. The only junior-college player ever recruited by Smith, McAdoo averaged 19.5 points on 51.6 percent shooting, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while helping North Carolina reach the Final Four.

Bobby Jones: Two-Way Player

A teammate of Bob McAdoo, Bobby Jones excelled on both ends of the court. He averaged 13.7 points, and his 60.8 field goal percentage ranks fourth in school history. Jones also averaged 8.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists, and he was one of the toughest defenders in Tar Heels basketball history.

Walter Davis: Consistent Scorer

Walter Davis was consistently reliable during his four seasons at North Carolina. With 1,863 career points, Davis ranks 10th on North Carolina's all-time scoring list. He averaged 15.7 points, and his 106 games scoring in double figures rank fourth among all Tar Heels' players. Davis, a first-team All-ACC selection in 1977, shot 53.1 percent from the field for his career.

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Phil Ford: A Tar Heel Legend

Phil Ford, whose No. 12 was rightfully retired by the school, ranks second among all Tar Heels with 2,290 career points. His 865 made field goals are the second-most in school history while his 753 assists are third. Ford averaged 18.6 points and shot 52.7 percent while dishing out 6.1 assists (fourth all-time at UNC) per game.

Al Wood: Pure Shooter

Al Wood may have been the most pure shooter in UNC history. His combined four-year average was 16 ppg and 5.0 rpg. As a 6'6" wing, Wood's career 56 percent shooting was unbelievable. He was selected as a second team All-American in both his junior and senior seasons and helped the Tar Heels get to the 1981 NCAA National Championship game before losing to Indiana.

The 1980s: Championships and NBA Stars

Al Wood: Underappreciated Talent

Al Wood is the fifth-highest scorer in North Carolina history with 2,015 points, and his 825 made free throws rank third. From his sophomore through senior season, Wood averaged 18.3 points with the Tar Heels.

James Worthy: Clutch Performer

James Worthy averaged a team-leading 15.6 points during the 1981-82 season, which the Tar Heels concluded with the school's second national title. An All-American that season, Worthy was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1982. Overcoming an injury that cut short his freshman season, Worthy totaled 1,219 points (14.5 average), 620 rebounds (7.4), 208 assists (2.5), 117 steals (1.4), and 94 blocks (1.1) for his collegiate career.

Sam Perkins: Consistent Contributor

Sam Perkins was part of the 1982 Tar Heels team that won Dean Smith his first national championship. With 2,145 career points, Perkins is third on the school's scoring list. His 1,168 rebounds are second-most in North Carolina history, and Perkins ranks third with 279 career blocks. Perkins nearly averaged a double-double during his junior and senior seasons, and he finished his career putting up 15.9 points and pulling down 8.6 boards per contest.

Michael Jordan: The Beginning of a Legend

The foundation for Michael Jordan's remarkable basketball legacy was laid at North Carolina, where during three seasons he averaged 17.7 points, shot 54.0 percent, and pulled down 5.0 rebounds per game. Before he was named a two-time first-team All-American (1983, '84), ACC Player of the Year (1984), and national player of the year (1984, Wooden, Naismith), the skinny and rather lanky Jordan knocked down the game-winning shot against Georgetown in the 1982 national championship game.

Brad Daugherty: Rising Star

Brad Daugherty enjoyed success on both the college and professional level. At North Carolina, the 6-7 Daugherty went from serviceable contributor to one of the 1980s' top big men. As a junior, Daugherty averaged 17.3 points and a career-high 9.7 rebounds. A year later, he averaged a personal-best 20.2 points and 9.2 boards while earning second-team All-American honors. Daugherty ranks ninth all-time at Carolina in points (1,912) and rebounds (1,003).

Kenny Smith: Outstanding Point Guard

Kenny Smith was an outstanding point guard for the Tar Heels. The Jet averaged 12.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 6.0 apg (shooting 51.2 percent from field and 82.3 percent from the foul line) over his four years at UNC. Smith was selected as a Second Team All-ACC performer his sophomore and junior seasons before being selected as a First Team All-ACC and First Team All-American his senior season.

The 1990s: More Championships and NBA Talent

Jerry Stackhouse: High-Flying Talent

Jerry Stackhouse spent just two seasons playing in Chapel Hill, but he made plenty of memories for Tar Heels fans. He totaled 1,080 points and pulled down 456 rebounds as a Tar Heel.

Antawn Jamison: Dominant Force

Antawn Jamison averaged 19 points and 9.9. rebounds during his three seasons at North Carolina. It was the 1997-98 season when Jamison dominated the country while averaging 22.2 points on 57.9 percent shooting and 10.5 assists. Jamison won the Wooden Award and was the Naismith Player of the Year that season.

Vince Carter: Flash and Acrobatics

Vince Carter may be one of the most flashy players in Tar Heel history, known for his jaw-dropping slam dunks and aerial acrobatics. Carter averaged 12.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over his three years in Chapel Hill. He led the Tar Heels to consecutive ACC Championships and Final Fours in 1997 and 1998. Carter was an All-ACC selection his junior and senior seasons, while being selected as a First Team All-American his junior season.

Rasheed Wallace: Versatile Big Man

Rasheed Wallace was a versatile big man who could play equally effective inside or out. In his two years in Chapel Hill, Wallace averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. At the conclusion of his time at UNC, Wallace ranked as the leading career field goal shooter in ACC history with a 63.5 percentage. He was named a second-team All-American by the AP his sophomore year at UNC

Shammond Williams: Outside Shooter

Shammond Williams was an outstanding combo guard who was known for his exceptional outside shooting. When he finished his four years at Carolina, Williams held school records for most three point field goals attempted (233) and made (95), most three-pointers made in a game (8), as well as highest free throw percentage, season (91.1) and career (84.9). Williams was selected as a Second Team All-ACC performer his junior and senior seasons. He was named a Second Team All-American his senior season.

Ed Cota: Floor General

Ed Cota was one of the best floor generals in UNC history. Cota owns many of the Tar Heel assists records, including most assists in a season (284) and in a career (1,030), most games with 10 assists or more in a season (10) and in a career (32). Cota led UNC to three NCAA Final Four appearances, He was the first player in NCAA history to score 1,000 points along with 1,000 assists and 500 rebounds. Cota also played an NCAA-record 138 games without fouling out. He was selected as Second Team All-ACC his sophomore through senior seasons.

The 2000s: Modern Stars and Another Title

Brendan Haywood: Shot-Blocking Leader

Among the legendary names that have played at North Carolina, Haywood might be one of the more unheralded talents. He never earned first-team All-American honors, but he was a member of the ACC's All-Defensive Team in 2001. The 7-foot Haywood averaged just 10 points, but his career 63.7 field-goal percentage is a school and an ACC record. His 69.7 field-goal percentage from 1999-2000 is also a single-season school and league record. Brendan Haywood is the all-time Carolina blocked shots leader: for a game (10), season(120) or career (304).Haywood recorded the first triple-double in school history against the Miami on December 4, 2000 with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks (also a UNC record).He finished his college basketball career as the ACC's all-time leader in field goal percentage (63.7), better Rasheed Wallace's mark by 0.2 percent.As a senior, Haywood earned second-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors.

Joseph Forte: Accomplished Tar Heel

Joseph Forte's time may not have been long at UNC but he accomplished much in the time he played for the Tar Heels. Forte was the 2000 ACC Rookie of the Year as well as 2001 ACC Player of the Year. Over his two years in Chapel Hill, Forte averaged 18.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Forte was instrumental in helping UNC to the 2000 Final Four as a freshman. He was named the NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player. As a sophomore, Forte was a 2001 First Team All-American selection his sophomore season.

Sean May: Dominant Force in the Paint

Sean May enjoyed a special three seasons at North Carolina. The 6-9 May averaged 15.8 points on 51.3 percent shooting and 10.0 rebounds during his career with the Tar Heels. It was the 2004-05 season that truly showed off May's talent, when he scored 17.5 points and pulled down 10.7 boards per contest. He also earned second-team All-American honors and was the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player while helping North Carolina win its fourth national title - and first with coach Roy Williams in charge.

Marvin Williams: Impactful Season

Marvin Williams played one season for the Tar Heels, averaging 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while only playing 22 minutes per game off the bench. He was selected as the 2005 ACC Rookie of the Year and USBWA Freshman of the Year. As sixth man, Williams was a key player on the Tar Heels' 2005 NCAA Championship Team

Tyler Hansbrough: A Tar Heel Icon

Among all the legendary players that have suited up for the Tar Heels, various college basketball analysts, pundits, and historians consider Hansbrough to be the best. No player in North Carolina basketball history has scored more points than Hansbrough's 2,872 (also an ACC record) or pulled down as many rebounds (1,219). He's also the school career record holder for double-figure scoring games (138), made field goals (939), and made free throws (982). Hansbrough, who averaged 20.2 points and 8.6 career rebounds, was the first ACC player to be named first-team all-conference four times and was a three-time first-team All-American.

Wayne Ellington: Clutch Player

Wayne Ellington had an excellent three years as a Tar Heel, averaging 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Ellington was known as a solid on-ball defender. As a junior, he helped lead UNC to the school's fifth NCAA Championship. Ellington was named the 2009 Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

Ty Lawson: Floor General

Ty Lawson was one of the top point guards in UNC school history. Lawson averaged 13.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, and 5.8 apg over his three years on campus. Lawson was named the 2009 ACC Player of the Year, the first time a point guard had won the ACC's highest honor since fellow Tar Heel Phil Ford won the award in 1978.He was also selected as a second team All-American as a junior, as helped lead UNC to its fifth national title.Lawson won the Bob Cousy Award in 2009 and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team.He also holds the record for most steals in a NCAA championship game (8) and the second-best career assist-turnover ratio in ACC history (2.78).

The 2010s: Continued Success

Harrison Barnes: Top Recruit

Harrison Barnes is the only member of the current Tar Heels team to make this list. Barnes was named a preseason All-American by the AP. He is the first freshman to ever receive this honor. More than preseason hype, Barnes delivered during his first season in Chapel Hill. After a average start, he was selected as the ACC Rookie of the Year. Barnes scored 40 points in an ACC Tournament game against Clemson, a record for points by a Freshman in an ACC Tournament game.

Tyler Zeller: ACC Player of the Year

Tyler Zeller was a reserve on an absolutely loaded 2008-2009 UNC basketball national championship team but developed into a star for the Tar Heels over the following three seasons. His senior season was his most notable, as he averaged 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds en route to earning the ACC Player of the Year Award. He was a two-time All-ACC selection and was also named a Consensus All-American during his final season on campus.

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