North Carolina basketball: Ranking the 27 best Tar Heels of all time

CHAPEL HILL, NC - 1983: Michael Jordan #23 of the North Carolina Tar Heels sits in the huddle against the Clemson Tigers circa 1983 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1983 NBAE (Photo by Anthony Neste/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – JANUARY 15: A general view of basketballs sitting on a ball rack with the North Carolina Tar Heels logo and Nike logo during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 15, 2019 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 69-75. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /

18. Mike O’Koren (1978-80)

Joining the likes of Phil Ford and Walter Davis on the 1976-77 North Carolina basketball team, Mike O’Koren experienced success early on in his career as a Tar Heel as that group made it to the National Championship Game. However, O’Koren wasn’t just a benchwarmer soaking up the glory of the veteran players around him. In fact, he was a crucial part of that team as a youngster.

In his freshman season, O’Koren averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Playing a bigger role the following season, O’Koren’s production saw a major uptick as he put up 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game, all while shooting an impressive 64.3 percent from the field.

While O’Koren never matched the production of his sophomore season, he still finished his career with impressive overall numbers, putting up 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game over the 117 games that he played under Dean Smith. And while that looks good and makes a strong case for his place in history, O’Koren’s leadership in the post-Ford era really cements his legacy in Chapel Hill lore.

Behind the leadership and clutch play of O’Koren, UNC basketball stayed as one of the ACC’s best in the wake of losing guys like Ford. Yes, O’Koren had some help, but he always appeared the steadying force that helped lead the way for them and avoid a lull. Given that and his production, he’s impossible to leave off of this list.