The Top 10 Tar Heel Centers
By Jonathan Shuping – August 23, 2025
For decades, a defining feature of North Carolina basketball has been its dominant play at center.
Last season, the Tar Heels struggled to maintain a strong inside presence. While Ven-Allen Lubin played admirably, his 6’8” frame often left him undersized in critical matchups. This year, expectations are high with the arrival of 7-footer Henri Veesar, a transfer from Arizona, who could restore UNC’s classic inside-out style of play.
In anticipation of what Veesar might bring, here’s a look back at the top 10 UNC centers from the past 50 years:
Honorable Mention – Kennedy Meeks
Meeks averaged 12.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game and was instrumental in UNC’s 2017 championship run. His rebounding and passing ability, coupled with his infectious personality, made him a fan favorite.
Honorable Mention – Scott Williams
Williams averaged 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds as a senior before joining Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls. He is also remembered for a comical moment against Duke, where a celebratory fist pump accidentally landed on Bobby Hurley’s face.
10. Brendan Haywood
A dominant rim protector, Haywood averaged 13.6 points and 7.5 rebounds as a junior and finished third all-time at UNC with 184 career blocks. He later won an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks.
9. Mitch Kupchak
Kupchak, a 2nd-team All-American in 1976, posted 17.6 points and 11.3 rebounds that season. He went on to win NBA championships as a player and later became a respected executive with the Lakers and Hornets.
8. Tyler Zeller
The 7-footer capped his UNC career with 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 58 blocks in a 2nd-team All-American campaign. Many believe UNC could have captured another national title in 2012 if not for an untimely injury to Kendall Marshall.
7. Armando Bacot
Bacot averaged 16.3 points and 13.1 rebounds in his standout junior season and helped lead UNC to the 2022 national title game, famously ending Coach K’s final season with two monumental wins over Duke.
6. Rasheed Wallace
A 2nd-team All-American in 1995, Wallace was known for his athleticism and fiery demeanor, averaging 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds before becoming a four-time NBA All-Star and champion with Detroit.
5. Sean May
May dominated in 2005, averaging 17.5 points and 10.7 rebounds en route to leading UNC to a national championship. His post presence and ability to run the floor made him nearly unstoppable that year.
4. Eric Montross
The late Montross starred during UNC’s 1993 title run, averaging 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds that season. A tough, physical player, he became one of the most beloved Tar Heels of his era.
3. Sam Perkins
“Big Smooth” was a force inside, averaging 17.6 points and 9.6 rebounds. He helped UNC win the 1982 championship and played 17 seasons in the NBA.
2. Brad Daugherty
A true 7-foot center, Daugherty averaged 20.2 points and 9.0 rebounds his senior year. A five-time NBA All-Star, he transitioned to a successful career as a NASCAR analyst.
1. Tyler Hansbrough
The ultimate Tar Heel, Hansbrough was a four-time All-American and UNC’s all-time leading scorer. Averaging 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds as a junior, he led UNC to the 2009 national championship after four straight wins over Duke during his career.
Conclusion:
From Hansbrough’s relentless dominance to Montross’ grit and Bacot’s modern-day leadership, UNC’s history at center is filled with legends who helped define Tar Heel basketball.
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