Willie Cooper honored by UNC as its first African-American player

Posted Feb 14, 2020
55 years ago, Willie Cooper became the first African-American basketball player at North Carolina. In a decision that caused him anguish at times over the years, Cooper decided to stop playing basketball and focus on academics, thereby relinquishing the chance to become UNC's first varsity black basketball player. Instead that distinction went to Charlie Scott. (Wake Weekly)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - UNC Basketball Summer Intel
Andrew Jones and Jacob Turner from TarHeel247 share insights on the latest offseason news from inside the UNC Basketball program, including pickup game details, summer...
Thu Jul 2, 2026

Garrison Brooks To Continue Professional Basketball Career In Japan
Former UNC forward Garrison Brooks is continuing his professional basketball career in Japan with the Saitama Broncos for the 2026-27 season. Brooks, who played for...
Thu Jul 2, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC's Top 10 Moments Of 2025-26 - Caleb Wilson Wows Fans
UNC Basketball fans are left wondering what could have been after Caleb Wilson’s electrifying freshman season was cut short by injuries. Plus, questions swirl around...
Thu Jul 2, 2026

Henri Veesaar Signs Contract with Atlanta Hawks Worth $9.3 Million
Henri Veesaar, the No. 52 overall pick by Atlanta in the 2026 NBA Draft, has signed a four-year, $9.3 million deal with the Hawks, according...
Thu Jul 2, 2026