This is the only backcourt tandem on the list that did not start the majority of games together, but they each still logged the most minutes that season at guard. They won the 1993 championship over Michigan’s “Fab Five” — an instant classic.
Super sophomore Williams — primarily the Tar Heels’ sixth man — provided instant offense off the bench, scoring 14.3 points per game. He was also UNC’s best 3-point shooter, knocking down a deadly 41.7% of his shots from deep. Williams won the Most Outstanding Player award in the 1993 Final Four on a loaded UNC team with All-American Eric Montross and All-ACC player George Lynch III.
While Williams brought lethal perimeter shooting, Phelps was the floor general, bringing his trademark, smothering, lock-down defense. He chipped in 8.1 points, grabbed 4.4 boards, and dished out 5.4 assists per game. Phelps did a bit of everything and had a gritty edge to his game.