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North Carolina Basketball: 20 Greatest Players to Ever Play for Head Coach Roy Williams

By Tristan Freeman

CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 20: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Dean Smith Center on January 20, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 20: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Dean Smith Center on January 20, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 11: Harrison Barnes #40 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off of the court after they lost 85-82 against the Florida State Seminoles during the Final Game of the 2012 ACC Men’s Basketball Conference Tournament at Philips Arena on March 11, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 11: Harrison Barnes #40 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off of the court after they lost 85-82 against the Florida State Seminoles during the Final Game of the 2012 ACC Men’s Basketball Conference Tournament at Philips Arena on March 11, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

15. Justin Jackson – North Carolina Tar Heels (2015-2017)

Career stats: 14.0 ppg 4.1 rpg 2.6 apg

A three-year starter while at UNC, Jackson had a huge year in 2017. He averaged 18.3 ppg and won ACC Player of the Year in 2017, and scored around 20 ppg in that NCAA Tournament, including 16 to beat Gonzaga to claim that national title.

14. Harrison Barnes – North Carolina Tar Heels (2011-2012)

Career stats: 16.3 ppg 5.5 rpg 1.3 apg

A player blessed with immense talent, Barnes stayed two years with the Tar Heels before getting selected high in the NBA Draft. He was a top offensive option in the 75 games played, taking UNC to the Elite Eight both years he played.

13. Joel Berry – North Carolina Tar Heels (2015-2018)

Career stats: 12.7 ppg 2.8 rpg 3.1 apg

He never led the Tar Heels in scoring in any of the years he played, but I’d argue that Berry was the most important player for the team in the last few years. The point guard was a clutch scorer and facilitator when the time called, leading the team to back-to-back title game appearances. Berry led all scorers with 22 to beat Gonzaga to win it all in 2017.

12. John Henson – North Carolina Tar Heels (2010-2012)

Career stats: 10.3 ppg 8.1 rpg 1.0 apg

In an era where there have been many quality bigs for North Carolina under Coach Williams, Henson may have been the best. While he wasn’t the best offensive player, the 6’11 player was elite in other aspects. In his last two seasons, Henson averaged a double-double, while blocking over three shots a game.

11. Wayne Ellington – North Carolina Tar Heels (2007-2009)

Career stats: 14.7 ppg 4.1 rpg 2.2 apg

Never finishing worse than an Elite Eight appearance in his three years, Ellington was a quality scorer from the shooting guard position. He averaged 16 ppg on the 2009 title team during the season, before upping his game in the Big Dance. Ellington dropped 19 points to beat Michigan State in the title game.

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