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

Coby White scores 20 in Charlotte Hornets debut as Roy Williams looks on
Coby White made his home debut for the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, the third game for his new team after being acquired from the Chicago...
Sun Mar 1, 2026

Henri Veesaar unleashed. How UNC's big man rocked Virginia Tech
Earlier in the week, Henri Veesaar wasn’t satisfied. Following Monday’s win over Louisville, he called his recent rebounding numbers "unacceptable," noting he’d pulled down just...
Sun Mar 1, 2026

Caleb Wilson participating in individual workouts, but no contact drills
Caleb Wilson continues to inch closer to returning to action. "He doesn’t have his cast on anymore," Hubert Davis said following the Tar Heels' 89-82...
Sun Mar 1, 2026

North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Postgame Notes
UNC Basketball is 17-0 in the Smith Center this season. The 17 wins tie UNC's single-season record for home wins, including wins in the Smith...
Sun Mar 1, 2026