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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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4. James Worthy

Feb 1981; USA, FILE PHOTO; North Carolina Tar Heels forward James Worthy (52) in action against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1981; USA, FILE PHOTO; North Carolina Tar Heels forward James Worthy (52) in action against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports / Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Worthy’s time at UNC is best known for being the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in the 1982 National Championship season.

His season-long stats never really jumped off the page, with a senior season of 15.6 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, 1.5 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game.

But that’s largely because he was on the same team as Sam Perkins and Michael Jordan.

He was essential in a 63-62 win over Georgetown in the 1982 NCAA Championship, scoring a team-high 28 points on 13-of-17 shooting with four rebounds and three blocks. 

For his efforts, he was named the co-Helms Foundation Player of the Year along with Ralph Samson of Virginia. 

James Worthy Breakdown:

Seasons: 3 

Career Stats: 14.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 54.1 FG%, 65.2 FT%

Best Awards: 1981-82 Co-Helms Foundation Player of the Year, 1982 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, 1981-82 Consensus All-American

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