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
4 of 10
Next

7. Billy Cunningham 

Cincinnati, OH, USA: FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia 76ers forward Billy Cunningham (32) shoots against the Cincinnati Royals. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati, OH, USA: FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia 76ers forward Billy Cunningham (32) shoots against the Cincinnati Royals. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports / Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

One of the best players in the ACC in back-to-back seasons (1963-64 & 1964-65), Cunningham posted ridiculous stats in his time at UNC.

Nicknamed ‘The Kangaroo Kid’ for his leaping abilities, Cunningham had a ludicrously good junior season in which he averaged 16 points and 15.8 rebounds per game. 

Named the ACC Player of the Year in the 64-65 season, Cunningham left UNC with several program records, including: most points in a single game (48), most rebounds in a single season (379), most rebounds per game in a season (16.1) and most career rebounds (1,062).

Billy Cunningham Breakdown: 

Seasons: 3

Career Stats: 24.8 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 47.3 FG%, 62.8 FT%

Best Awards: 1964-65 ACC POTY, All-ACC (1962-65)

Home/North Carolina Tar Heels