A look back at 1976 UNC basketball
Posted Jun 16, 2015
Dean Smith was the U.S. Olympic basketball coach and four of his players - Walter Davis, Phil Ford, Tommy LaGarde, and Mitch Kupchak - made the squad. Bill Guthridge was one of Smith's assistants. Kupchak and Ford both scored in double figures in delivering the gold back to the U.S., and Davis and LaGarde handled important roles. They legitimately made the squad, which is why the late struggles of the '76 Tar Heels remains so frustrating 39 years later.
(Tar Heel Illustrated)
Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting
North Carolina vs. Wofford Basketball Preview: Tar Heels Searching For Improvement in Second OutingUNC's starting lineup will have three players taller than four of the Wofford Terriers’ five starters, posing another opportunity for the Tar Heels to get...
Thu Nov 5, 2026The Bilas Index: The best men's college basketball teams in 2026-27
30. North Carolina Tar Heels: A new era dawns under coach Michael Malone. New, too, are 11 players. If sophomore star Neo Avdalas, who looked...
Thu Nov 5, 2026
Which UNC Basketball lineup combinations have been most productive?
Michael Malone is trying to blend 11 new players, and the lineup data are beginning to offer clues about which combinations are working. Through three...
Thu Nov 5, 2026
How Harrison 'The Banker' Barnes found equity and purpose with young Spurs
The banker looks out of place, and not just because of his expensive suit. In fact, the suit isn't even on yet. You know how...
Thu Nov 5, 2026