Crowned in Carolina: The 1981–82 Tar Heels, Led by Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Dean Smith, Dominate the Bracket to Claim the Title of Greatest UNC Basketball Team Ever
After six electrifying rounds and a showdown among 64 of the most celebrated teams in North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball history, one champion has emerged. Backed by an overwhelming 79% of the final vote, the iconic 1981–82 squad has been declared the Greatest North Carolina Team of All Time.
Guided by the legendary Dean Smith and anchored by future NBA stars James Worthy, Sam Perkins, and freshman Michael Jordan, this team captivated fans during their real-life championship run—and once again in this fiercely contested virtual tournament.
Their performance in the bracket was as commanding as their historic 1982 season. In the early rounds, they breezed past their opponents, capturing at least 92% of votes in every matchup. Their closest contest came in the Final Four against the stacked 2008–09 team, narrowly edging them out with 53%—a showdown many considered the true final.
Once they reached the championship round, however, there was no doubt. Facing the 2004–05 Roy Williams-led squad, the Dean Smith-era team surged to a decisive win, proving that greatness isn’t only measured in stats but in legacy, cultural impact, and the legends it produces.
It’s no mystery why fans were drawn to this roster. James Worthy, who was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, dominated inside. Sam Perkins provided size and poise. And, of course, Michael Jordan delivered the unforgettable game-winning shot in the national title game against Georgetown—foreshadowing the brilliance that would define his career.
With steady leadership from point guard Jimmy Black and the versatility of Matt Doherty, the team blended star talent with discipline and chemistry—trademarks of Dean Smith’s coaching.
Though they fell short in the final vote, the 2004–05 Tar Heels deserve credit for an incredible showing. That group, featuring future NBA standouts Raymond Felton, Sean May, Marvin Williams, and Rashad McCants, cruised through the bracket, averaging 81% of the vote across the first five rounds.
This fan-driven tournament didn’t just spotlight one historic team—it highlighted the depth and tradition of Carolina basketball. Some championship-winning squads didn’t even crack the Final Four, and even a team starring Michael Jordan, during a season when he averaged 20 points per game, was eliminated in the Sweet 16. That speaks volumes about the wealth of legendary rosters to wear Carolina blue.
As the bracket concluded, Tar Heel fans enjoyed a nostalgic celebration of what makes Chapel Hill so special. From Dean Smith’s brilliance to Jordan’s clutch heroics, from Worthy’s dominance to the consistency of modern teams, Carolina’s legacy stretches across generations.
And now, the 1981–82 team stands.