The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels have one of the most storied basketball programs in history, producing numerous legends who have left an incredible impact on college and professional basketball.

All-Time UNC Basketball Legends

Michael Jordan (1981–1984)

  • NCAA Champion (1982)
  • Hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 National Championship
  • 3× NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls
  • 6× NBA Champion, 5× NBA MVP, Hall of Famer
  • Widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time)

James Worthy (1979–1982)

  • NCAA Champion & Final Four MOP (1982)
  • #1 overall pick in 1982 NBA Draft
  • 3× NBA Champion with the Lakers
  • Hall of Famer

Phil Ford (1974–1978)

  • 1978 National Player of the Year
  • UNC’s all-time leader in assists (until surpassed)
  • One of the greatest point guards in college history

Sam Perkins (1980–1984)

  • NCAA Champion (1982)
  • One of the best big men in UNC history
  • Long NBA career, including NBA Finals appearances

Vince Carter (1995–1998)

  • Led UNC to multiple Final Four appearances
  • One of the most electrifying dunkers in basketball history
  • 8× NBA All-Star and 22-year NBA career

Antawn Jamison (1995–1998)

  • 1998 National Player of the Year
  • #4 overall pick in 1998 NBA Draft
  • 2× NBA All-Star

Tyler Hansbrough (2005–2009)

  • 2009 NCAA Champion
  • 2008 National Player of the Year
  • UNC’s all-time leading scorer (2,872 points)
  • One of the most dominant college players ever

More Recent UNC Legends

Rasheed Wallace (1993–1995)

  • Elite big man with incredible defense and shooting
  • NBA Champion (2004, Detroit Pistons)

Jerry Stackhouse (1993–1995)

  • 1995 ACC Player of the Year
  • NBA All-Star and longtime scorer

Raymond Felton (2002–2005)

  • 2005 NCAA Champion
  • Key leader of UNC’s title-winning team

Sean May (2002–2005)

  • 2005 NCAA Champion and Final Four MOP
  • Dominant force in the paint

Wayne Ellington (2006–2009)

  • 2009 NCAA Champion and Final Four MOP
  • Lethal three-point shooter

Danny Green (2005–2009)

  • 2009 NCAA Champion
  • 3× NBA Champion (Spurs, Raptors, Lakers)

Harrison Barnes (2010–2012)

  • 2012 ACC Player of the Year
  • NBA Champion (2015, Golden State Warriors)

UNC’s success is also tied to legendary coaches like Dean Smith and Roy Williams, who built the Tar Heels into a blue-blood powerhouse.