Fansided

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

By Cody Williams

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)
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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Head Coach Bill Guthridge hugs Ed Cota #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the NCAA Men”s Finals Four Game against the Florida Gators at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Gators defeated the Tar Heels 71-59.
Head Coach Bill Guthridge hugs Ed Cota #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the NCAA Men”s Finals Four Game against the Florida Gators at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Gators defeated the Tar Heels 71-59. /

27. Ed Cota (1996-2000)

It has been said many times under Roy Williams’ watch that North Carolina basketball’s most important piece is the point guard. However, that tradition existed well before Williams and Ed Cota was a prime example of just that. While he was never a prolific scorer for the Tar Heels, his ability as a floor general helped UNC on one of their most successful program runs that didn’t result in a title.

Cota’s career high in scoring came in his junior season with the Tar Heels at just 10.5 points per game. However, where the 6-foot point guard shined was as a facilitator for the offense and as a strong rebounder at his position. Cota never averaged fewer than 6.9 assists per game in his career and finished his time in Chapel Hill averaging 7.5 assists per game.

More than just his per-game averages, Cota’s sustained success is certainly noteworthy. His 1,030 career assists are the most in the history of the program and third most in ACC history. Moreover, Cota became the first player in college basketball history to finish his career with 1,000 points, 1,000 assists and 500 rebounds, a testament to his all-around game.

Perhaps most impressive for Cota was the success of the Tar Heels with him leading the way at the point. UNC won two ACC Tournament titles and made it to the Final Four in three of Cota’s four seasons with the team. Though they never cut down the nets, that’s enough to earn him a spot on this list.