Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: 10 most underappreciated Tar Heels of all-time

By Nick Delahanty

CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 04: A overhead general view of the Dean E. Smith Center during a game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils on March 04, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Duke won 62-57. Pictured is R.J. Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbling the ball. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 04: A overhead general view of the Dean E. Smith Center during a game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils on March 04, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Duke won 62-57. Pictured is R.J. Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbling the ball. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /
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Mar 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; A overall view at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; A overall view at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

UNC basketball underappreciated Tar Heel No. 4: Joe Wolf (1983-1987)

Needless to say, Joe Wolf played on some very talented UNC basketball squads.

From beginning his career with the likes of Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins to finishing it with players such as Kenny Smith, J.R. Reid, and Jeff Lebo, there was no shortage of talent during Wolf’s four seasons in Chapel Hill.

Although he most likely isn’t the first player mentioned among any of the four teams he played on, Wolf developed his game over time to become a very valuable big man for the UNC basketball program.

Known for his defense and rebounding ability, Wolf’s offensive game got better during his Tar Heels career. His senior season is a testament to the growth in his overall game, as he averaged 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while connecting on 57.1% of his shot attempts.

A two-year starter, Wolf doesn’t necessarily receive the recognition as some of the other players that wore the Carolina blue during that time period. However, he is a prime example of how the UNC basketball program wanted its players to develop during their college careers.

Wolf improved in every aspect of his game, which is the main reason why he went on to be selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the No. 13 overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. He became a crucial piece to the puzzle for the UNC basketball program, as his production shouldn’t be overlooked.

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