Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Best one-and-done players of the Roy Williams era

By Nick Delahanty

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Roy Williams of the University of North Carolina gives instructions to Cole Anthony #2 during a game between NC State and North Carolina at Dean E. Smith Center on February 25, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Roy Williams of the University of North Carolina gives instructions to Cole Anthony #2 during a game between NC State and North Carolina at Dean E. Smith Center on February 25, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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UNC Basketball
Mar 31, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams (24) passes the ball under pressure from Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner (12) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Hawks 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Marvin Williams (2004-2005)

Per Game Table
Season G GS MP FG% 2P% 3P% FT% TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
2004-05 36 0 22.2 .506 .522 .432 .847 6.6 0.7 1.1 0.5 1.6 2.6 11.3
Career 36 0 22.2 .506 .522 .432 .847 6.6 0.7 1.1 0.5 1.6 2.6 11.3

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table

The rest of the list could be subject to debate, but there’s simply no question as to who deserves the top spot.

Williams was the missing piece to the star-studded veteran team that Roy Williams assembled, as the Tar Heels went 33-4 en route to the 2005 national championship.

As a freshman, Williams came in and made an impact immediately, as he averaged 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds while playing just over 22 minutes per contest. He had some big performances in the NCAA Tournament, as he scored 20 points in each of the Tar Heels first two games while adding 16 points in a Sweet 16 victory over Villanova.

Without a doubt, Williams’ biggest moment as a Tar Heel didn’t come in the tournament but was against Duke. His layup (which of course, we had to include for you to see it again!) helped the UNC basketball program secure one of its greatest comeback victories over its biggest rival.

North Carolina dominated the early part of the 2005 NBA Draft, as Williams was the first Tar Heel off the board. He was selected No. 2 overall by the Atlanta Hawks, as although he was the youngest of the four Tar Heels selected in the top 15, he was considered the best NBA prospect among the very talented group.

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