Five Best Centers in UNC Basketball History

Mar 3, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams before the game at Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

2) Brad Daugherty #42 (1982-1986)

Daugherty was put in an interesting situation. He arrived at North Carolina as a 6’11”, 245-pound 16 year-old just a year after UNC had won a national championship.  Although initially labeled as “soft”, Daugherty soon developed into one of the most well-rounded and talented centers the program has ever seen.  He had the shooting touch, the athleticism to run up and down the court, and the ability to shut opponents down as a defender.

Daugherty finished his career at North Carolina as the all-time leader in field goal percentage at 62%. He was a consensus second-team All-American in 1986 and led the ACC in scoring and rebounding in 1986.  He finished top ten at UNC in field goal shooting, rebounding, points, and blocks, and was the first overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft.

Daugherty soon flourished in Dean Smith’s system and was able to make his name unforgettable while in the midst of players like Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins, and James Worthy. And because of this, he is without a doubt one of the best centers to ever play at North Carolina.