Five Best Centers in UNC Basketball History

Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; From left: Connecticut Huskies former head coach Jim Calhoun, Miami Hurricanes head coach Jim Larranaga, Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Tubby Smith and North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams are honored during the first half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4) Eric Montross #00 (1990-1994)

Currently a radio color-commentator for UNC Basketball, Eric Montross used his high basketball IQ as well as his 7-foot, 270-pound stature to develop into one of the greatest centers in North Carolina history. A relentless rebounder and a surprisingly powerful finisher, Montross was one of the last of his kind at the center position (big, not exceptionally athletic) in North Carolina basketball, as the game naturally evolved into being more fast-paced.

Montross averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds over the course of his career, but in the 1993 national championship season, he averaged 17.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He was a two-time second-team All-America selection in his four years at Chapel Hill and was a first-team All-ACC selection in 1993.  He finished his career at North Carolina eighth in total rebounds with 941 and sixth in blocked shots with 169.

While every all-time great has an identifying moment of some sort, Montross’s bloody face while at the free throw line against Duke in 1992 is not only defining for him as a player, but also iconic for Carolina basketball. The image epitomized Montross’ physical toughness on the court.

The 1993 national championship team had a lot of talent, but when you think of the most important players on that team, you first think of Montross. His prominence is what makes him one of the greatest centers in UNC basketball history.