The analysis ranks the top two basketball teams from UNC during the 1970s, based on their performance in national tournaments and overall records. The first highlighted team is the 1977 squad, which recorded a 28-5 season and reached the NCAA Championship game, losing to Marquette. Despite their talent, including All-Americans like Phil Ford and Tommy LaGarde, an early decision to switch to the Four Corners offense in the title game may have cost them the championship. The second team from 1972 finished with a 26-5 record, made it to the Final Four, and featured standout Bob McAdoo, who averaged 19.5 points per game, showcasing strong offensive capabilities throughout the season.

By the Numbers
  • 1977 Team: 28 wins, 5 losses, NCAA Runner-up
  • 1972 Team: 26 wins, 5 losses, NCAA Final Four
Yes, But

While both teams exhibited exceptional talent, the criticism around Coach Dean Smith’s strategic decisions in the 1977 championship could have altered the team’s legacy significantly and led to their first national title earlier than 1982.

State of Play
  • The series is part of a larger nine-installment project focusing on UNC basketball history.
  • Audience feedback and discourse surrounding the rankings highlight the enduring interest in Carolina's sports legacy.
What's Next

Future installments will continue ranking teams from each subsequent decade, inviting further analysis and discussions among fans about the historical impact of these programs.

Bottom Line

The evaluation of UNC's elite teams from the 1970s serves as a reminder of the program's storied legacy and the fine line between greatness and missed opportunities in collegiate basketball history.