March 23, 1957: UNC beats Kansas for the national title

Posted Mar 23, 2021
In a 1982 Sports Illustrated article, legendary sportswriter Frank Deford reflected on the 1957 North Carolina Tar Heels: "Here came Tommy Kearns, 5'10" and change, elbowing his way into the center circle opposite Wilt Chamberlain. The big man glared down. Kearns played it for all it was worth, getting way down as if he could spring 20 feet into the air." (Sports Illustrated)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Cohesion When Caleb Wilson Returns
When Caleb Wilson eventually re-joins the UNC Basketball lineup following recovery from his injured hand, how quickly will the Tar Heels be able to readjust...
Thu Mar 5, 2026

UNC and Duke ROTC To Ruck Men's Basketball Game Ball To Durham Friday
Members of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) from UNC and Duke will ceremonially tip off the season-ending matchup between the schools' men's basketball...
Thu Mar 5, 2026

Video: Big Hitters Podcast - UNC Basketball Enters Home Stretch
Reaction to UNC Basketball’s win over Clemson, going 5-1 without Caleb Wilson, and previewing the Duke game with Adam Smith and host Ross Martin. The...
Thu Mar 5, 2026

UNC has 40 years of history in its Smith Center home. Deciding what’s next is proving complicated
The 17th-ranked Tar Heels’ storied basketball program has jammed four decades of unforgettable wins, big names and loyal passion into the arena named for its...
Thu Mar 5, 2026