The UNC basketball program mourns the loss of legend Larry Miller

The UNC basketball program announced that Tar Heel legend Larry Miller passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.

One of the best to ever put on the Carolina Blue uniform, Miller made an incredible impact on the UNC basketball program during his time in Chapel Hill. He was a star for Dean Smith's first two ACC championship and Final Four teams in 1967 and 1968, earning first-team All-American honors in both seasons.

In fact, the consensus first-team All-American squad in 1968 is arguably the best of all time. You might be familiar with the other four guys who earned the honor alongside Miller: Lew Alcindor (UCLA), Elvin Hayes (Houston), Pete Maravich (LSU) and Wes Unseld (Louisville).

Miller is one of three players ever to win ACC Player of the Year and ACC Tournament MVP honors in consecutive seasons. He's also the lone Tar Heel to ever win the ACC Player of the Year award on multiple occasions.

Overall, Miller finished his UNC basketball career with 1,982 points over his three seasons on campus, as his 21.8 points-per-game ranks as the fifth-highest ever by a Tar Heel. His record of 64 consecutive double-figure performances still remains a North Carolina record, as he played a major role in the Tar Heels 70-21 record (including 32-10 in ACC play) during his three seasons on campus.

While he's no longer with us, his legacy will carry on for future generations. When fans arrive at the Dean Smith Center, they can look up at the rafters to see his No. 44 hanging proudly among the best to ever play and coach for the UNC basketball program.

The Keeping It Heel team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Larry Miller. He will always be remembered as one of the best Tar Heels to ever represent the UNC basketball program.