North Carolina-Duke. The Tobacco Road Rivalry.
This rivalry stands as one of the most intense and storied matchups in men’s college basketball, with a highly anticipated rematch scheduled in Chapel Hill on Saturday evening.
For the Tar Heels, this game presents an opportunity to strengthen their tournament résumé as they battle to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils aim to showcase their worthiness for the coveted number one overall seed.
Regardless of their current standings, the rich history of both programs resonates through the Dean E. Smith Center, making every meeting a significant event.
With that in mind, here is a look at the 10 best North Carolina basketball players of all time, encompassing their impressive college and NBA careers:
10 best North Carolina basketball players of all time
10. Ty Lawson
Lawson averaged 13.1 points and 5.8 assists during his three years with UNC. He was instrumental in setting up fellow Tar Heel standout Tyler Hansbrough, particularly during UNC’s 2009 championship run. Lawson’s standout performance included a pivotal game where he scored 21 points, dished out six assists, and achieved a career-high eight steals in the championship victory against Michigan State. He also recorded a season-high 25 points in a thrilling 101-87 win over Duke. Lawson later enjoyed an eight-year NBA career, primarily with the Denver Nuggets, where he ranked third in assists per game in consecutive seasons (2014 and 2015).
9. Rasheed Wallace
8. Bob McAdoo
McAdoo’s time at UNC was brief but impactful, as he played just one season while earning All-American honors and averaging a double-double with 19.5 points and 10.1 rebounds. His decision to leave for the NBA after his freshman year paid off when he was named Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the Buffalo Braves. McAdoo quickly rose in the league, finishing second in MVP voting during his second season and winning the award the following year. He averaged a league-high 34.5 points and 14.1 rebounds per game in the 1974-75 season, though he faced challenges in the playoffs with the Braves.
7. Jerry Stackhouse
6. Antawn Jamison
Jamison’s collegiate career was highlighted by winning the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Player of the Year honors in his junior year, leading the Tar Heels to a Final Four appearance. Although they fell short against Utah, Jamison’s legacy includes a memorable 35-point performance against Duke in the ACC Tournament title game. Drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 1998, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he averaged a career-high 24.9 points in his third season. Jamison also earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and was a two-time All-Star.
5. Sam Perkins
Often overshadowed by the legendary duo of Michael Jordan and James Worthy, Perkins was a key member of UNC’s 1982 championship team. He led the squad in rebounding with an average of 7.8 per game and had a standout performance in the Final Four, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against Houston. Perkins played all four years at UNC, earning All-American honors during his junior and senior seasons. His 16-year NBA career included stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Indiana Pacers.
4. Vince Carter
Carter’s time at UNC coincided with Jamison’s, and he made a significant impact during his junior year, leading the NCAA in field-goal percentage at 59.1. Drafted fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he quickly made a name for himself, winning NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1999. An All-Star for six consecutive seasons, Carter was known for his incredible dunks, which helped him win the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He later adapted his game to become an effective role player in the latter part of his career.
3. James Worthy
Worthy was the star of UNC’s 1982 championship team, scoring 28 points in the final against Georgetown. He played a crucial role in mentoring a young Michael Jordan, who would later become a household name. Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1982 NBA Draft, Worthy quickly became a vital part of the team’s success, contributing to three championships in four years alongside legends Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
2. Tyler Hansbrough
Hansbrough stands out as one of the most accomplished players in UNC history. He won a national championship in 2009 and collected both the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards in 2008. A four-time All-American, Hansbrough averaged 20.6 points and 8.6 rebounds during his time in Chapel Hill. His emotional celebration after a game-winning shot against Virginia Tech in the 2009 ACC Tournament remains one of the most memorable moments in Tar Heels history. However, his transition to the NBA was less successful, starting just 50 games over seven seasons.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan’s iconic jump shot that clinched the 1982 NCAA championship against Georgetown is etched in the memories of Tar Heels fans. He went on to earn both the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards in 1984 before being drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick. The Bulls’ decision to select him, following the Houston Rockets’ choice of Hakeem Olajuwon and the Portland Trail Blazers’ pick of Sam Bowie, proved monumental. Jordan led the Bulls to six championships, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in history.
