North Carolina basketball: 5 most underrated Tar Heels in program history

DETROIT - APRIL 06: Danny Green #14 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-pointer in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship game at Ford Field on April 6, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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North Carolina basketball (Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport) /

2. Underrated North Carolina basketball players: Jason Capel, F (1998-02)

Considering some of the players that Jason Capel suited up with, it’s no wonder that he was underrated throughout his time in Chapel Hill.

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Yes, he was a teammate of Cota’s for a couple of seasons but then had Joseph Forte for two years as well. And then he finished up his career with one of the worst seasons in Tar Heels history as they went 8-20 in the 2001-02 campaign.

Having said that, Capel was a do-it-all force for North Carolina basketball for all four years he was there, his role growing with each season. And though he was the leader of the disastrous team during his senior season, you can’t put the lack of success solely on him. He was never the alpha dog but rather a player who thrived as the ultimate role player on a team, hence the lack of success for the Heels in that final year.

Regardless, Capel averaged 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 49.4 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from deep over his career, peaking with numbers way higher as a senior. The 6-foot-8 forward was really before his time with his versatility. Still, he earned several honors and played an integral role in the Tar Heels’ trip to the 2000 Final Four.

After spending 2010-14 as the head coach at Appalachian State, his young coaching career took a hiatus for several years. However, in 2018, he was hired by his brother, former Duke player Jeff, at Pittsburgh as an assistant coach.