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WOTS: Who is Carolina basketball's true GOAT?

North Carolina guard Kenny Williams lifts up guard Nate Britt (0) on the bench in the final seconds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship against Gonzaga Monday night in Phoenix.
North Carolina guard Kenny Williams lifts up guard Nate Britt (0) on the bench in the final seconds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship against Gonzaga Monday night in Phoenix.

Another historic basketball season is coming to a close here in Chapel Hill. UNC basketball has had its fair share of remarkable years, and no matter whether it’s a win or loss in the next game, this one will go down as one of the best.

With all these great teams and seasons come great players. Swerve writer Aaron Whittemore went around and asked fellow students for their favorite players of all time.

Nathan Samiec

Senior economics major

“I’d probably go with Sean May, which is really ironic because I actually grew up an Illinois fan, and he put the team on his back and beat Illinois and won most outstanding player of the Final Four. I feel like him being my favorite player just solidifies my love for UNC because I honestly hated him until I went to UNC.”


Seth Bumgarner 

Senior history and peace war and defense major

“My personal favorite player of all time is Phil Ford. I think he was vastly underrated while he was at Carolina 'cause he was like in the shadow of Michael Jordan, but he also played professionally and he’s also been really positive giving back to the University — been really prominent at basketball events and just around the community area.”


Rachel Medlin

First-year political science major

“Kenny Williams because he’s great. He’s so cute.”


Mckenzie Wierse 

First-year undecided major

“My favorite basketball player is Kenny Williams because, yeah he’s my favorite. He’s really good. I like to watch him play.”

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Matt Glenn

First-year pre-business major

“My favorite player is Michael Jordan because he’s the GOAT.”


Andrianna Dallis 

First-year classical archaeology and psychology major

“It’s so hard to pick a favorite player because all of them are amazing, and I would fangirl and die if I met any of them. But I follow Kennedy Meeks on Snapchat and he’s just hilarious, so I feel like he’s definitely one of my favorite players and him being a senior this year and getting double doubles and just pushing us through the tournament with all the rebounds he does is just, like, an amazing feeling.”


Tarik Woods 

First-year english and philosophy major

“Greatest players of all time – James Worthy. James Worthy, he’s in the pro basketball Hall of Fame. He’s awesome.”


Gabriela De Jesus 

First-year biology and classical civilizations major

“I’ll say Justin Jackson because he’s awesome. I’ve become a Carolina fan this year so I don’t know much before the team I’m watching now, and Justin Jackson has always seemed to be there in the right position. And he just smiles so nice.”


Karl Vonzabern 

Junior political science and Spanish literature major

“My favorite basketball player is Brice Johnson because he’s really good.”



Sami Lachgar 

Junior business major

“My favorite basketball player of all time is Joel James because he works so hard. Always has a smile on his face and just like clearly loves the game of basketball and gave so much to the University.”


Derek Fulton 

Junior biology major

“Tyler Hansbrough because of his strong performance in 2009, and keenly intellectual face.”