The Unknown Early Origins of Basketball at North Carolina

Posted Mar 13, 2018
Despite numerous books on the history of basketball at North Carolina, the true early origins of the game on campus have remained shrouded in mystery. The origins of basketball at Carolina may actually date back to 1896—and, more significantly, the concept was likely brought to campus by someone who learned the game from its creator, James Naismith. (UNC Press Blog)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: IC Podcast - Building Process Continues for UNC Basketball
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss the latest on Michael Malone's process of rebuilding UNC's basketball program, news out of the Smith...
Tue Apr 14, 2026

UNC basketball coach Michael Malone carries on Tar Heels' connection to New York
Steve Newmark, who spearheaded UNC’s coaching search, chatted with Michael Malone for about an hour during their initial conversation. "He is a basketball encyclopedia. He...
Tue Apr 14, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - A Monday for the Ages in Carolina Basketball
Sherrell McMillan, Spencer Haskell, and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss the importance of transfer commit Neoklis Avdalas, the return of Jarin Stevenson, the hiring...
Tue Apr 14, 2026

Carolina Insider Podcast: Basketball Updates, Spring Football, Youssef Shamel, Jason Kosmicki
Transfer portal season means uncertainty for UNC Basketball (4:25). Spring football is underway as the Tar Heels look for big improvement (15:19). Denver Nuggets play-by-play...
Tue Apr 14, 2026