Ranking The Top 10 Greatest UNC Basketball Players of All Time

North Carolina’s rich basketball history is filled with legendary players who have made a significant impact on the sport. Here’s a ranking of the top 10 UNC basketball players, highlighting their college careers and remarkable achievements:

10. Larry Miller – SF (1965–68)
Miller averaged 21.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, earning two-time All-American honors and two ACC Player of the Year awards. He played a crucial role in UNC’s 1968 national championship game appearance.

9. Billy Cunningham – SF/PF (1962–65)
Cunningham was an offensive and defensive powerhouse, posting 24.8 points and 15.4 rebounds per game. He holds UNC’s career record for rebounds per game and was a three-time All-ACC selection.

8. Lennie Rosenbluth – SF (1954–57)
Rosenbluth led UNC to its first national title in 1957 with averages of 26.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He was a three-time All-ACC player and remains the school’s all-time leading scorer.

7. James Worthy – SF (1979–82)
Worthy averaged 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and was named the 1982 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading UNC to a national championship.

6. Sam Perkins – PF (1980–84)
A consistent force over 135 games, Perkins averaged 15.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, winning a national title in 1982 alongside Worthy and Michael Jordan.

5. Charlie Scott – SG (1967–70)
Scott was UNC’s first African American scholarship athlete and a prolific scorer, averaging 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He earned two-time All-American honors and played in a national championship game.

4. Antawn Jamison – PF (1995–98)
Jamison was a back-to-back Final Four participant and the 1998 AP Player of the Year. He averaged 19 points and 9.9 rebounds, capturing multiple national and conference accolades.

3. Michael Jordan – SG (1981–84)
Jordan’s college legacy includes hitting the iconic game-winner in the 1982 national championship. He averaged 17.7 points and 5.0 rebounds, winning the 1984 AP Player of the Year, Wooden Award, and Naismith Award.

2. Phil Ford – PG (1974–78)
Ford revolutionized the point guard position, averaging 18.6 points and 6.1 assists. He was a three-time All-American, Wooden Award winner, and the first ACC player to surpass 2,000 points and 600 assists.

1. Tyler Hansbrough – C (2005–09)
Hansbrough is widely regarded as the greatest UNC player of all time. A four-time All-American, he led UNC to the 2009 national championship and holds numerous awards, including the Wooden and Naismith. His career averages of 20.2 points and 8.6 rebounds cement his place at the top.

These ten players represent the heart and soul of North Carolina basketball, showcasing a tradition of excellence that continues to influence the game today.