UNC point guards have always been a cornerstone of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program. With a rich history of producing some of the best guards in college basketball, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport. From the iconic Larry Brown to the current crop of talented guards, UNC has consistently fielded teams that rely on their point guards to lead the way.
The role of a point guard at UNC is multifaceted. They are expected to be the floor general, making smart decisions with the ball, distributing it effectively to their teammates, and creating scoring opportunities for themselves and others. Over the years, UNC has had several guards who have excelled in these areas, making them invaluable assets to the team.
One of the most memorable UNC point guards was Larry Brown, who played for the Tar Heels from 1970 to 1973. Brown was a three-time All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1973. His ability to control the game and lead his team to victory made him a legend at UNC. Brown went on to have a successful coaching career, including serving as the head coach of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and the Denver Nuggets.
Another legendary point guard was Ed Cota, who played for UNC from 1974 to 1977. Cota was a two-time All-American and led the Tar Heels to the national championship in 1974. His playmaking ability and leadership were crucial to UNC’s success during his tenure. After his college career, Cota played in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
As the years went by, UNC continued to produce top-notch point guards. In the 1990s, the Tar Heels had a trio of guards who were highly regarded in the college basketball world. Eric Montross, Ed Cota’s son, played for UNC from 1991 to 1995. Montross was a two-time All-American and led the Tar Heels to the national championship in 1993. He was known for his defensive prowess and ability to score in the clutch.
Following Montross was Shammond Williams, who played for UNC from 1995 to 1999. Williams was a three-time All-American and one of the best point guards in college basketball history. He was known for his playmaking ability, leadership, and scoring prowess. Williams went on to have a successful NBA career with the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards.
More recently, UNC has had a string of talented point guards, including Marcus Paige, Theo Pinson, and C.J. Fair. Marcus Paige was a three-time All-American and led the Tar Heels to the national championship in 2016. Paige was known for his leadership, playmaking ability, and clutch performances. Theo Pinson, who played for UNC from 2015 to 2019, was a two-time All-American and was a key player in UNC’s run to the national championship in 2017. C.J. Fair, who played for UNC from 2012 to 2016, was a two-time All-American and led the Tar Heels to the Elite Eight in 2016.
UNC point guards have consistently been a source of pride for the program. Their ability to lead their teams to success, both on and off the court, has made them an integral part of the Tar Heels’ rich basketball tradition. As the program continues to produce top talent, UNC point guards will undoubtedly continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the college basketball world.
