When you think about the best UNC basketball teams, which ones come to mind?
Is it the 2009 squad with the likes of Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington? How about the 1957, 1982 or 1993 title-winning squads? Does the 2017 title-winning squad with Isaiah Hicks and Kennedy Meeks count, or is the most talented team one that didn’t even win a championship?
We’d like to give the 2005 National Championship-winning squad consideration. Complete with future NBA players Raymond Felton, Marvin Williams and now-UNC assistant coach Sean May, these Tar Heels completed their 33-4 season with a close, 75-70 victory over Illinois in the National Championship.
This was the first of three national titles for legendary North Carolina head coach Roy Williams, who also coached the 2009 and 2017 title-winning teams.
North Carolina’s 2005 title-winning squad was honored again on Saturday, Sept 7 between the first and second quarters of UNC’s home football opener against Charlotte.
Rashad McCants, Jawad Williams and David Noel also played in the NBA for several years after the Tar Heels’ title run. North Carolina’s starting lineup of May, McCants, M. Williams, J. Williams and Felton all averaged double-digit points totals, but May led the way with 17.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
It’s an honor to have the 2005 National Championship @UNC_Basketball team with us in Kenan Stadium!
Tar Heels, join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of this team, the first under legendary head coach Roy Williams 👏👏👏#GoHeels x #GDTBATH pic.twitter.com/RnsqT3BbmK
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) September 7, 2024
Headlined by RJ Davis’ return and plenty of young talent, most notably 5-stars Drake Powell and Ian Jackson, UNC is hoping to capture its seventh National Championship in 2025.
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