Building A College Basketball Champion in the 21st Century

Posted Jun 22, 2022
UNC’s two national champions from the 2000-09 stretch symbolized the modern path to an NCAA title; they were loaded with future NBA players. Six players in the 2005 NCAA title game played in the NBA and four were lottery picks: Marvin Williams, Raymond Felton, Sean May, and Rashad McCants. No NCAA champion has ever had more lottery picks. (Chapelboro.com)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

North Carolina vs. Wofford Basketball Preview: Tar Heels Searching For Improvement in Second Outing
UNC's starting lineup will have three players taller than four of the Wofford Terriers’ five starters, posing another opportunity for the Tar Heels to get...
Thu Nov 5, 2026

The Bilas Index: The best men's college basketball teams in 2026-27
30. North Carolina Tar Heels: A new era dawns under coach Michael Malone. New, too, are 11 players. If sophomore star Neo Avdalas, who looked...
Thu Nov 5, 2026

Which UNC Basketball lineup combinations have been most productive?
Michael Malone is trying to blend 11 new players, and the lineup data are beginning to offer clues about which combinations are working. Through three...
Thu Nov 5, 2026

How Harrison 'The Banker' Barnes found equity and purpose with young Spurs
The banker looks out of place, and not just because of his expensive suit. In fact, the suit isn't even on yet. You know how...
Thu Nov 5, 2026