UNC Basketball: Jerry Stackhouse talks about iconic dunk at Duke

Former UNC standout Jerry Stackhouse talks about his iconic dunk at Duke on a recent podcast episode with The Player’s Tribune

When looking back at the 90’s era of North Carolina Basketball, one of the names that should immediately come to your mind is forward Jerry Stackhouse.

The Kinston, North Carolina native spent just two seasons in Chapel Hill but they were memorable ones and he left with a decorated career. Stackhouse played in 69 games, averaging 15.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for his career despite not starting for all but one game in his freshman season.

Stackhouse was a true “Diaper Dandy” when he arrived on campus and made his presence felt, being named to the All-Freshman team, the All-ACC Tournament Team twice, a consensus All-American and the 1994-95 All-ACC Team.

But how far was Stackhouse from going to another school? Stackhouse was a guest on the most recent episode of the “Knuckleheads” podcast on the Players’ Tribune released on Thursday and talked about that big moment in his career.

In the interview, hosts Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles bring up Stackhouse’s legendary reverse dunk in Cameron Indoor Stadium during the 1995 season.

"“Man you know, that’s one of those games where you’re going to do something or have an out-of-body experience,” Stackhouse said. “I think that was it for that game. It was so electric in there. The fans are right on top of you. We have heard about it for so long being a part of this rivalry. J-Mac, again. Get that outlet pass, get ahead and next thing I know I’m just putting that thing in my right had and got to the baseline. Man, the rest is history. I always kept it kind of calm because coach always said “Act like you’ve been there before.” But just that moment, I got a little bit. I was trying to control myself but it was a hype moment for sure."

“J-Mac” is referring to guard Jeff McInnis, one of the best passers the program has seen over the years.  The forward also talked about being teammates with guard Jeff McInnis again. The two are both natives of North Carolina and played together at the AAU level and then at Oak Hill before committing to UNC.

"“Man that was big time because I knew I had a partner I had competed with,” Stackhouse said. “He knew how to find me. We had really good chemistry together on the lobs and stuff. So he’s the best alley-oop passer, maybe ever. He put the ball on the money. It was a little tricky there because they (UNC) had offered Randy Livingston and he had delayed his process. So it wasn’t like he was able to commit right away. And then when Randy committed to LSU, it locked it in.”"

Stackhouse is now the head coach at Vanderbilt as he attempts to rebuild that program. He’s climbed the coaching ranks pretty quickly, having experience in the NBA G-League as well.

To listen to the full podcast, check it out here. 

Make sure to check back with Keeping It Heel for the latest on former UNC Basketball players.