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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
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5. Sam Perkins

Mar 6, 1982; Greensboro, NC, USA; FILE PHOTO; North Carolina Tar Heels center Sam Perkins (41) in action against North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Thurl Bailey (41) during the 1982 ACC tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. The Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack 58-46. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 1982; Greensboro, NC, USA; FILE PHOTO; North Carolina Tar Heels center Sam Perkins (41) in action against North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Thurl Bailey (41) during the 1982 ACC tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. The Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack 58-46. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports / Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Part of the legendary 1982 UNC National Championship team, Perkins was a big-time player since he stepped foot on campus.

He was the ACC’s Rookie of the Year in the 1980-81 season before becoming a three-time Consensus All-American. 

His best season resulted in 17.6 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game with 58.9% shooting from the field and 85.6% from the charity stripe along with 1.9 blocks per game.

He contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in the ‘82 National Championship as one of only three players (along with MJ and Worthy) to score more than four points. 

Perkins finished his UNC career with the most rebounds and blocked shots in program history, as well as the second-most points in program history.

Sam Perkins Breakdown: 

Seasons: 4

Career Stats: 15.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 57.6 FG%, 79.6 FT%

Best Awards: 1980-81 ACC Rookie of the Year, 1982-84 Consensus All-American, 1981-84 All-ACC

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