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 – MARCH 03: Raymond Felton #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels holds the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during their game on March 3, 2005 at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

24. Raymond Felton (2002-05)

From the moment that he arrived in Chapel Hill, Raymond Felton was tasked with being the starting point guard for the Tar Heels, which is never a small task. Coming in as part of a vaunted recruiting class, Felton was the man in control of things on the floor and he played the role to near perfection throughout his three years with the program.

Felton ultimately improved every season that he was with North Carolina. Overall, he averaged 12.5 points, 6.9 assists, 1.9 steals and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from 3-point range. However, it’s worth noting that he had improved his overall shooting to 45.5 percent overall and 44 percent from 3 in his junior campaign.

Alongside the likes of Rashad McCants and Sean May, two other members of his recruiting class, Felton and the Heels actually missed the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. After finding their way back in the 2003-04 season, though, they failed to make the Sweet 16. However, they put it all together in 2005 as they led North Carolina to their fourth NCAA Championship in program history.

Had Felton stayed for his senior season instead of electing to head to the NBA, there’s a chance he could’ve cracked the top 10 of this list. Even still, with his elite overall production and mastery at point guard — as well as helping bring another title to UNC’s trophy case — he earns a spot here.