When college basketball fans talk about historic programs that are also successful, North Carolina has to be mentioned. Especially considering they have one of the best college basketball coaches ever, Roy Williams. Duke has the third-most national championships, with six.
The last time they won the National Championship was in 2017, led by Justin Jackson, Joel Berry, Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, and Tony Bradley. Four out of the 15 players on that team made it to the NBA. They are also first in all-time Tournament wins with 134.
With a lot of success, including National Championships and deep March Madness wins, North Carolina does a good job of recruiting top-tier talent and getting them to the NBA at the next level. Currently, nine former North Carolina Tar Heels are in the NBA and counting. However, 95 former Tar Heels have played in the NBA all-time.
Best Tar Heel Of All-Time
When anybody thinks of the North Carolina Tar Heels, one name commonly mentioned will be mentioned later, do not worry, but the other is arguably the greatest Tar Heel of all-time: Tyler Hansbrough.
The NCAA National Champion and three-time NCAA All-Region, along with many other accolades and accomplishments, was a force to be reckoned with at North Carolina. In his collegiate career, he averaged 20.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.
After being selected 13th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2009, he was nowhere near the player he was in college in the NBA. He played seven seasons in the NBA and averaged 6.7 points per game in his career.
Most Accomplished Tar Heel Of All-Time
Unlike the last paragraph, this is not up for debate, as the most accomplished Tar Heel of all time is easily Michael Jordan. Jordan is often discussed as arguably the greatest basketball player ever. The Hall of Famer is a 14-time All-Star, 10-time scoring champion, three-time steals champion, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive, and five-time MVP.
However, what may be his most impressive statistic/career accomplishment is his 6-0 record in the NBA Finals, which includes six championships and six Finals MVPs. Jordan is one of the best all-around players in NBA history, as he was elite on both ends of the court.
The Best Carolina Alum Currently
This is a tough one because currently, the Tar Heels do not have a standout top talent in the NBA. If you base it on the best offensive talent, it is Chicago Bulls point guard Coby White, who averaged 20+ points for the first time in his career. If you are looking for the best all-around player in the NBA, it is Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, as he is a solid scorer, especially from three, but can also give you solid defense. However, a veteran still playing at a solid level with an NBA Championship is Harrison Barnes.
Out of those three players, Johnson is the former Tar Heel who could contribute the most to helping you win games.
All-Time North Carolina Starting Lineup Factoring NBA Success As Well
Out of the many great players from North Carolina who made it to the NBA, there are a few different ways you could make an all-time starting five. However, this starting five is the best combination of elite scoring, defense, and athleticism. This all-time starting five was based on their collegiate and NBA careers. The list would look different if it were strictly how they were in college.
PG: Phil Ford
SG: Michael Jordan
SF: Vince Carter
PF: Bob McAdoo
C: Brad Daugherty
KEEP READING: How Many NBA Players Has Kentucky Produced?
All-Time North Carolina Starting Lineup From College Accomplishments
However, if you are looking at the best players during their time in Chapel Hill, then these are the five names you should consider. This starting five balances elite shooting and athleticism, rebounding, and interior defense.
PG: RJ Davis
SG: Michael Jordan
SF: James Worthy
PF: Tyler Hansbrough
C: Armando Bacot
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