Introduction to UNC’s NCAA Tournament History
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels have been a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, with a long and storied history of success in the NCAA Tournament that dates back over 70 years. The Tar Heels have won six NCAA championships, with the last coming in 2017. This article will explore when UNC last won the NCAA Tournament and the journey they took to get there.
UNC’s Early Success in the NCAA Tournament
The Tar Heels made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1946, when they were led by future Hall of Fame coach Frank McGuire. The team quickly established itself as a powerhouse program in college basketball, making the tournament 10 times in a 12-year span from 1946 to 1957. UNC won their first NCAA championship in 1957, when they defeated the Kansas Jayhawks in triple overtime.
Dean Smith Takes Over
In 1961, Dean Smith took over as head coach of the Tar Heels and led them to unprecedented success over the next 30 years. Under Smith, UNC made the NCAA Tournament 27 times and won two NCAA championships in 1982 and 1993. Smith retired after the 1997-98 season and is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.
The Matt Doherty Era
After Smith retired, the Tar Heels experienced a few down years under his successor, Matt Doherty. Doherty had a successful first season, leading the team to the 2000 Final Four and a #1 ranking in the polls. However, the team struggled in subsequent seasons and Doherty was fired after the 2002-03 season.
Roy Williams Takes Over
The Tar Heels then hired Roy Williams, who had previously served as the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks. Williams quickly established himself as one of the most successful coaches in college basketball, leading UNC to nine NCAA Tournament appearances in his first 10 seasons. He also led the Tar Heels to their third NCAA championship in 2005.
The 2017 National Championship
The 2017 NCAA Tournament was one of the most memorable in UNC’s storied history. The Tar Heels, led by senior guard Joel Berry II and freshman forward Luke Maye, won three close games to reach the Final Four. In the national championship game, they defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 71-65 to win the school’s sixth NCAA championship.
Key Players in 2017 Championship Run
The 2017 Tar Heels were led by a talented core of players, including Joel Berry II, Justin Jackson, Kennedy Meeks, and Isaiah Hicks. Berry was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four after scoring 22 points in the national championship game. Jackson was also instrumental in the championship run, averaging 18.4 points per game.
The Title Impact
The 2017 national championship was a huge moment for the Tar Heels and the entire state of North Carolina. The title marked the first time in nine years that UNC had won the championship and was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches involved.
Legacy of the 2017 Championship
The 2017 championship has left a lasting legacy for the Tar Heels and their fans. It was a moment of redemption for the program after years of frustration and disappointment. It also cemented UNC’s place as one of the premier programs in college basketball, with six national championships in their history.
Conclusion
The 2017 NCAA Tournament was a magical run for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the entire state of North Carolina. The Tar Heels won their sixth national championship in school history and the first in nine years. The team was led by senior guard Joel Berry II and freshman forward Luke Maye, and their championship run will be remembered for years to come.