The 20 Greatest Scorers in UNC Basketball History — A Legacy in Points and Pride
When it comes to college basketball, few programs can rival the storied tradition of the University of North Carolina. From national championships and Final Four runs to Hall of Fame coaches and NBA legends, the Tar Heels have built one of the most iconic brands in the sport. But within that grand history lies the individual brilliance of players who not only contributed to team success but also etched their names into the record books as prolific scorers.
As of June 10, 2025, the top 20 all-time scorers in UNC history reflect a blend of eras, styles, and personalities. From the fast-paced play of the 1950s to the modern-day three-point revolution, this list reveals how some of the greatest ever to wear Carolina Blue left a mark that goes beyond wins and titles—they defined what it means to be a Tar Heel.
Here’s a deeper look at the 20 most prolific scorers in UNC men’s basketball history, spotlighting their points, playing styles, and lasting legacies.
20. Brice Johnson (2012–2016)
Career Points: 1,716 | PPG: 11.6
Brice Johnson’s steady rise through the UNC ranks culminated in a dominant senior season. Averaging a double-double, he powered the Tar Heels all the way to the 2016 national championship game. His explosiveness, rebounding, and mid-range game made him a nightmare for opposing frontcourts. Johnson’s evolution from raw talent to team leader is one of the more compelling stories in recent Tar Heel history.
19. Rashad McCants (2002–2005)
Career Points: 1,721 | PPG: 17.6
McCants brought swagger, scoring firepower, and postseason poise to Chapel Hill. Known for his quick release and confidence under pressure, he played a crucial role in Carolina’s run to the 2005 national title. Despite a brief college career, his impact was sharp and immediate, consistently delivering big buckets in big moments.
18. George Lynch (1989–1993)
Career Points: 1,747 | PPG: 12.5
More than just a scorer, Lynch embodied toughness and leadership. He was the glue of the 1993 championship team, doing all the gritty things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Yet his offensive consistency over four seasons proved invaluable to Dean Smith’s teams, making him one of the program’s most respected two-way players.
17. Mike O’Koren (1976–1980)
Career Points: 1,765 | PPG: 15.1
O’Koren was a model of efficiency and steadiness. His versatility and scoring touch gave Carolina four years of dependable production. A key contributor under Dean Smith, he helped UNC remain a national contender throughout the late ’70s with his polished offensive game.
16. Michael Jordan (1981–1984)
Career Points: 1,788 | PPG: 17.7
Before he became the most famous basketball player on the planet, Jordan was a ferocious competitor at Carolina. He was already a master of the mid-range jumper, a lockdown defender, and a clutch performer—none more memorable than his game-winning shot in the 1982 national title game. His college stats only tell part of the story; the foundation of his GOAT legacy was built in Chapel Hill.
15. Joel Berry II (2014–2018)
Career Points: 1,813 | PPG: 12.6
Berry’s UNC tenure was defined by leadership and redemption. He was the heartbeat of the 2017 national title team and proved time and again that he could be counted on in the biggest games. His toughness and ability to take over late in games earned him a permanent place in Carolina lore.
14. Bobby Lewis (1964–1967)
Career Points: 1,836 | PPG: 22.1
Long before the three-point shot existed, Lewis was lighting up defenses with his scoring prowess. With back-to-back seasons averaging over 25 points per game, he was one of the most explosive scorers in program history—a true offensive force in a slower-paced era.
13. Marcus Paige (2012–2016)
Career Points: 1,844 | PPG: 13.1
Known for his creative playmaking and clutch shooting, Paige’s career was filled with unforgettable moments. His double-clutch three-pointer in the 2016 national championship game may be one of the most iconic shots in NCAA history, even though it was overshadowed by the final buzzer. Paige’s lefty flair and leadership made him a fan favorite and a symbol of heart.
12. Walter Davis (1973–1977)
Career Points: 1,863 | PPG: 15.7
Smooth, smart, and efficient, Davis gave Dean Smith’s teams a poised scoring option on the wing. A future NBA All-Star, he showcased a professional-level game in college with his high IQ and consistent production.
11. Brad Daugherty (1982–1986)
Career Points: 1,912 | PPG: 14.2
Daugherty combined size and finesse in an era when most big men relied on brute strength. He was an offensive anchor with soft touch and excellent footwork, and his skills would translate seamlessly to today’s game. As a core piece of UNC’s early ’80s dominance, Daugherty remains one of the best bigs to come through Chapel Hill.
The Top 10: Carolina’s Scoring Legends
10. Antawn Jamison (1995–1998)
Career Points: 1,974 | PPG: 19.0
Jamison’s quick-trigger jump hook and unmatched second-jump ability made him nearly unguardable. The 1998 National Player of the Year led Carolina to two Final Fours and was a constant double-double threat. His scoring flair and work ethic helped define the Bill Guthridge era and earned him a top-10 spot.
9. Larry Miller (1965–1968)
Career Points: 1,982 | PPG: 21.8
Miller was the Tar Heels’ first true megastar of the modern era. A two-time ACC Player of the Year, he combined brute strength with a scoring touch that few could match. His dominance helped solidify UNC’s national reputation in the late ’60s.
8. RJ Davis (2020–Present)
Career Points: 1,858 | PPG: 14.6 (and counting)
Davis cracked the top 10 by the close of the 2023–24 season, climbing the list with elite perimeter shooting and unwavering composure. If he uses his extra year of eligibility or participates in UNC’s 2025 postseason exhibitions, his total could rise even higher. Davis has become the face of the modern Tar Heel era—a reliable guard with a scoring touch and a passion for the game.
7. Charlie Scott (1967–1970)
Career Points: 2,007 | PPG: 22.1
Scott not only broke racial barriers at UNC as the program’s first Black scholarship player—he also broke defenses with his offensive brilliance. A smooth, powerful guard, Scott’s scoring ability and fierce will helped elevate Carolina to national contention during a socially transformative time.
6. Al Wood (1977–1981)
Career Points: 2,015 | PPG: 16.0
Wood was a complete offensive player with range, slashing ability, and consistency. He led UNC to the 1981 Final Four and remains one of the most polished wings the program has ever produced. His ability to take over games helped bridge the gap between the Smith era’s early years and the program’s 1980s dominance.
5. Lennie Rosenbluth (1954–1957)
Career Points: 2,047 | PPG: 26.9
Rosenbluth’s 1957 undefeated season is the stuff of legend. Averaging nearly 28 points per game, he carried UNC to a 32–0 record and its first national championship. In an era of set shots and slow pace, Rosenbluth was a scoring outlier—dynamic, fearless, and unstoppable.
4. Sam Perkins (1980–1984)
Career Points: 2,145 | PPG: 15.9
“Big Smooth” brought versatility and championship pedigree to the Tar Heels. A key member of the 1982 title team alongside Jordan and Worthy, Perkins combined inside scoring, rebounding, and outside shooting long before stretch bigs were common. His poise and basketball IQ made him an invaluable piece of Carolina’s early ’80s dominance.
3. Phil Ford (1974–1978)
Career Points: 2,290 | PPG: 18.6
Phil Ford was the beating heart of Dean Smith’s Four Corners offense. A master of tempo and precision, Ford controlled games with his vision and scoring ability. A three-time All-American and Wooden Award winner, he remains one of the greatest point guards in college basketball history. The fact that he scored nearly 2,300 points without a three-point line only enhances his legend.
2. Armando Bacot (2019–2024)
Career Points: 2,291 | PPG: 13.9
Bacot edged out Phil Ford by a single point to claim the No. 2 spot, a fitting reward for his five seasons of relentless work in the post. Known for his rebounding, durability, and leadership, Bacot’s consistency made him a fan favorite and an all-time great. His 2022 NCAA Tournament run cemented his place in UNC lore, and his longevity in the program made history.
1. Tyler Hansbrough (2005–2009)
Career Points: 2,872 | PPG: 20.2
The top spot belongs to “Psycho T”—a player whose tenacity, skill, and heart defined a generation of Tar Heel basketball. Hansbrough’s 2,872 points are not just the most in UNC history, but also in ACC history. A National Player of the Year, four-time All-American, and NCAA champion in 2009, he embodied everything UNC basketball strives to be. His unmatched work ethic and emotional intensity made him a legend.
Final Thoughts: A Towering Legacy of Points and Pride
These 20 players didn’t just rack up points—they helped shape the identity of UNC basketball. From the graceful Rosenbluth to the dominant Hansbrough, and from pioneers like Scott to modern stars like Davis and Bacot, each player on this list contributed to the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest programs.
In Chapel Hill, team success will always come first. But these scorers—through effort, excellence, and execution—remind us that greatness can be measured not just in banners, but in buckets.
The question now becomes: who’s next?
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