Old North Banter
Fansided

The 10 Best UNC Basketball Players of All Time Ranked

UNC is one of the most storied programs in college basketball. These are 10 of the most impactful players to ever suit up for the Tar Heels, ranked in order of importance to the program

By Vinnie Portell

Dec 13, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; A view of the center court logo at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; A view of the center court logo at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 10
Next

8. Phil Ford Jr.

Mar, 1977; FILE PHOTO; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Phil Ford (12) in action. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
Mar, 1977; FILE PHOTO; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Phil Ford (12) in action. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports / Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Ford Jr. didn’t win a National Championship with UNC, but he was one of the ACC’s best players during his four seasons (1974-78). 

His junior and senior seasons were truly special. As a junior, he led the ACC in points (617) and assists (217) – setting up an accolade-filled senior campaign.

Ford Jr. was named the ACC Player of the Year, the NABC Division I Player of the Year, the Sporting News Player of the Year and won the Wooden Award as a senior. 

Though his career stats aren’t eye-popping, it’s hard to top the long list of awards and accomplishments he accumulated over his four seasons as a Tar Heel.

Phil Ford Jr. Breakdown:

Seasons: 4

Career Stats: 18.6 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 52.7 FG%, 80.8 FT%

Best Awards: 1977-78 ACC Player of the Year, NABC Player of the Year, 1977-78 Sporting News Player of the Year, 1977-78 Wooden Award

Home/North Carolina Tar Heels