The Floor Generals of Chapel Hill: Ranking the 5 Greatest Point Guards in UNC Basketball History
The University of North Carolina has long been synonymous with excellence in college basketball, and a key component of that success is the tradition of legendary point guards who have led the Tar Heels from the floor. These floor generals weren’t just facilitators of the offense; they were the heartbeat of the team, often the difference between victory and defeat in the biggest moments. Each of these point guards brought their own unique qualities to the table — vision, leadership, clutch shooting, and an unwavering will to win.
Here are the top five greatest point guards in UNC basketball history.
1. Ty Lawson (2006-2009)
A mainstay of Roy Williams’ fast-paced offense, Ty Lawson was a blur on the court, using his lightning-quick speed to blow by defenders and push the tempo in transition. Lawson led UNC to a national championship in 2009, earning Most Outstanding Player honors at the Final Four. His ability to control the pace of the game was unmatched, and his leadership on both ends of the floor helped establish him as one of the best point guards in college basketball history. Lawson was known for his exceptional ball-handling, court vision, and ability to make big plays when it mattered most. His career averages of 14.6 points and 6.6 assists per game reflect his ability to both score and facilitate for others, a perfect blend for a floor general.
2. Kenny “The Jet” Smith (1983-1987)
Before the NBA, Kenny Smith was the man at the point for the Tar Heels. A dynamic playmaker with an uncanny ability to see the floor, Smith led UNC to the Final Four in 1982 and was integral to their success in the mid-1980s. Known for his passing, Smith had an elite basketball IQ and the ability to break down defenses, often making dazzling assists to set up his teammates. Although Smith’s time in Chapel Hill wasn’t as decorated with championships as Lawson’s, his role as a leader on some of the best Tar Heel teams of the era cannot be understated. His poise under pressure and ability to make timely shots made him a crucial asset for the program.
3. Phil Ford (1974-1978)
Phil Ford is often regarded as the first true superstar point guard at UNC. His combination of scoring and playmaking was ahead of its time, as Ford could both drop dimes and put the ball in the basket with remarkable ease. Ford was an electric player who could control the tempo and was known for his ability to take over games when his team needed him most. Ford won the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year Award in 1978 and was a two-time All-American. His leadership helped to put the Tar Heels on the map as a national power during the 1970s, and his legacy as a point guard remains solidified in the school’s history.
4. Charlie Scott (1967-1970)
Charlie Scott was the first African American scholarship athlete in UNC basketball history, and his contributions to the program are legendary. Though he didn’t play the traditional point guard role by today’s standards, Scott had the ability to take on the floor-general responsibilities while also being the team’s primary scorer. Known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and leadership, Scott was an unstoppable force on the court. He led the Tar Heels to their first-ever NCAA title game in 1968, and his 25.9 points per game during his career are a testament to his offensive prowess. His contributions helped elevate the program to new heights and laid the foundation for future point guards in Chapel Hill.
5. Raymond Felton (2002-2005)
Raymond Felton’s impact on UNC basketball was immense during his time in Chapel Hill, helping the team capture the 2005 national championship. A gritty, no-nonsense point guard, Felton was known for his toughness, defense, and ability to orchestrate Roy Williams’ fast-break offense. With his superior court vision and high basketball IQ, Felton was the perfect floor leader for a star-studded UNC team that included future NBA players like Marvin Williams and Sean May. Felton’s ability to run the show, both offensively and defensively, helped UNC return to championship glory, and he left a lasting impression on the program’s rich tradition of point guard play.
Conclusion
The history of point guards at UNC is rich with talent, leadership, and championship pedigree. From the blazing speed of Ty Lawson to the pioneering spirit of Charlie Scott, these players didn’t just play the game — they defined it. They ran the floor with poise, passion, and power, establishing themselves as legends in the annals of college basketball history. Each one of these floor generals not only helped the Tar Heels win games but also set a standard for what it means to be a leader on the court.
