The 1981‑82 UNC Tar Heels, under Dean Smith, are widely celebrated as the greatest team in North Carolina history. Here’s why:
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🏀 Season by the Numbers
Overall record: 32–2 (12–2 ACC); both ACC regular-season and tournament champions
Final ranking: #1 in both Coaches and AP polls
National Champions: A narrow 63–62 victory over Georgetown in the NCAA final
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⭐ Superstar Trio
James Worthy – Averaged ~15.6 PPG, earned NCAA Player of the Year and Final Four MOP, before leading the Lakers to three NBA titles and a Hall of Fame entry
Michael Jordan (Freshman) – Averaged ~13.5 PPG, hit the iconic game-winning jumper with 17 seconds left in the title game—his first clutch moment on a national stage
Sam Perkins – Posted ~14 PPG and 7 RPG; secured All‑American honors and built a durable 17‑year NBA career
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📘 Supporting Cast & Coaching
Jimmy Black – Senior point guard and defensive anchor who orchestrated the offense as Smith’s on-court general
Matt Doherty – A reliable role player who later took on coaching roles in the ACC
Dean Smith – Set the stage for a dynasty, guiding players to success on and off the court; this title marked his first national championship after multiple attempts
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🎬 The Iconic Title Game
The 1982 Championship featured an epic duel between the Tar Heels and Georgetown (led by Patrick Ewing). The game had 15 lead changes and never a margin greater than 3 points . Dean Smith’s decisive play call centered on getting the shot to Jordan—what he described as “Michael, if you get the shot, knock it in” . Jordan delivered with his famous 16‑footer, and UNC took the title 63–62 .
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🏆 Legacy & Recognition
UNC fans voted this team the greatest in school history—79% favored them over the 2005 national champions in a fan poll .
Three future Hall of Famers—Smith, Worthy, and Jordan—starred on this team, supported by Perkins and Roy Williams .
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🥇 Why They Stand Out
1. Elite Talent Mix: A lineup blending Hall of Famers with sharp role players and top-tier coaching.
2. Dominant Performance: Nearly spotless record, conference and national titles secured with grit.
3. Iconic Moments: Legendary game-winning shot that launched Jordan’s legacy and defined the program.
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The 1981‑82 UNC Tar Heels, under Dean Smith, are widely celebrated as the greatest team in North Carolina history. Here’s why:
—
🏀 Season by the Numbers
Overall record: 32–2 (12–2 ACC); both ACC regular-season and tournament champions
Final ranking: #1 in both Coaches and AP polls
National Champions: A narrow 63–62 victory over Georgetown in the NCAA final
—
⭐ Superstar Trio
James Worthy – Averaged ~15.6 PPG, earned NCAA Player of the Year and Final Four MOP, before leading the Lakers to three NBA titles and a Hall of Fame entry
Michael Jordan (Freshman) – Averaged ~13.5 PPG, hit the iconic game-winning jumper with 17 seconds left in the title game—his first clutch moment on a national stage
Sam Perkins – Posted ~14 PPG and 7 RPG; secured All‑American honors and built a durable 17‑year NBA career
—
📘 Supporting Cast & Coaching
Jimmy Black – Senior point guard and defensive anchor who orchestrated the offense as Smith’s on-court general
Matt Doherty – A reliable role player who later took on coaching roles in the ACC
Dean Smith – Set the stage for a dynasty, guiding players to success on and off the court; this title marked his first national championship after multiple attempts
—
🎬 The Iconic Title Game
The 1982 Championship featured an epic duel between the Tar Heels and Georgetown (led by Patrick Ewing). The game had 15 lead changes and never a margin greater than 3 points . Dean Smith’s decisive play call centered on getting the shot to Jordan—what he described as “Michael, if you get the shot, knock it in” . Jordan delivered with his famous 16‑footer, and UNC took the title 63–62 .
—
🏆 Legacy & Recognition
UNC fans voted this team the greatest in school history—79% favored them over the 2005 national champions in a fan poll .
Three future Hall of Famers—Smith, Worthy, and Jordan—starred on this team, supported by Perkins and Roy Williams .
—
🥇 Why They Stand Out
1. Elite Talent Mix: A lineup blending Hall of Famers with sharp role players and top-tier coaching.
2. Dominant Performance: Nearly spotless record, conference and national titles secured with grit.
3. Iconic Moments: Legendary game-winning shot that launched Jordan’s legacy and defined the program.
In short: The 1981‑82 Tar Heels weren’t just another great college team—they were a cultural milestone. With an unforgettable blend of coaching brilliance, dominant play, and historical impact, they’ve earned their crown as perhaps the greatest UNC basketball team ever.
