Five Best Point Guards in UNC Basketball History
By Alex Zietlow
Apr 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Raymond Felton (2) shoots against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
5) Raymond Felton #2 (2001-2005)
Between his superior work ethic (reportedly shooting 500 shots a day in the offseason before his junior year) and his leadership (keeping a team sometimes called “too talented” together), Raymond Felton is certainly one of the Heels’ best point guards in program history.
Statistically, Felton averaged 12.5 points per game and 6.9 assists per game. He is ninth in UNC history with 449 total assists and is second in Tar Heel history in assists per game behind Ed Cota. Felton led the Heels in steals in each of his first two seasons, and as a freshman was named Carolina’s most valuable player.
Raymond Felton set a standard at North Carolina for being coachable and for being a leader. But above all else, he was mature. Coming out of high school as one of the most sought-after players known for the ability to score, his desire wasn’t to be the team’s leading scorer – he wanted to affect every aspect of the game, whether its forcing turnovers, fighting for rebounds, or setting up teammates. Felton realized that there were a lot of guys that could put the ball in the basket, and understood that keeping his teammates satisfied improved the team overall.
Raymond Felton led the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2005, and proved to be one of the greatest point guards in North Carolina history.