The article ranks the top two North Carolina basketball teams from the 1980s, highlighting their impressive achievements and key players.
The 1982 team, coached by Dean Smith, finished with a record of 32-2, winning both the NCAA and ACC championships, powered by legends like James Worthy and Michael Jordan.
The 1984 team also proved formidable with a 28-3 record and a perfect ACC season, showcasing the talent of players like Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins, despite injuries impacting their full potential.
Both teams feature prominently in the history of UNC basketball, contributing to the program’s storied legacy.
By the Numbers
1982 team: 32-2 overall, NCAA champions, ACC champions.
1984 team: 28-3 overall, 14-0 in ACC play.
Yes, But
While both teams had incredible talent, injuries played a significant role in the 1984 team’s performance, raising questions about how they might have fared with a fully healthy roster.
State of Play
The ranking series continues with upcoming entries for subsequent decades.
Both teams are highly regarded for their historical impact on the UNC basketball program.
What’s Next
Future installments of the series will cover additional decades, further exploring the evolution of Carolina basketball and spotlighting other legendary teams.
Bottom Line
The legacy of these 1980s teams underscores UNC’s historical significance in college basketball, setting a high bar for excellence that continues to influence the program today.
