Five Best Point Guards in UNC Basketball History
By Alex Zietlow
Apr 2, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) drives to the basket during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 137-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
3) Ty Lawson #5 (2006-2009)
Ty Lawson might just be the best fast break point guard in North Carolina history. His speed and explosiveness consistently outmatched his opposition, and his finishing ability was incredible. And while individually he could keep the Heels afloat against the best teams in the nation, he was an exemplary team player, making talented players around him better like Wayne Ellington, Tyler Hansbrough, and Danny Green.
Lawson averaged 10.2 points per game and 5.6 assists per game. While he is 16th in UNC history with 378 assists, he only had 153 turnovers, with an assist to turnover ratio of 2.47 to 1.
While Tyler Hansbrough had a more colorful career than Lawson, many argue that Lawson was more valuable, especially the 2009 national championship year.
The ball was in his hands when the game was on the line. When the Heels were struggling in Cameron Indoor, Lawson produced 21 points in the second half to lead the Heels to victory. With five seconds left in the game against FSU, Lawson would get the call to go the length of the court and hit a running three-pointer for the win. And on the biggest stage in college basketball, the national championship game, Lawson broke an NCAA championship-game record with eight steals as the Heels beat Michigan State 89-72.
In his junior season, Lawson was the ACC player of the year and definitely Carolina’s key to winning it all. His versatility, finishing ability, and willingness to lead the star-studded Tar Heels is why he is one of the greatest point guards North Carolina has ever had.