Harrison Ingram is hoping to be the latest North Carolina basketball player to hear his name called in the NBA draft, which begins with the first round Wednesday before concluding Thursday in New York.
The Tar Heels have had 54 first-round picks in the history of the annual event, including Day’Ron Sharpe in 2021.
Ingram, who averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in his lone season at UNC, is currently projected to be picked late in the first round or early in the second round.
Before we turn our attention to who’s next, let’s take a look back at four of the best UNC players to be selected in the history of the NBA draft.
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
The headliner of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, Jordan changed the course of basketball history when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft. Jordan played 15 seasons, winning six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs and finished his career as a 14-time all-star. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
James Worthy, Los Angeles Lakers
Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the top pick in the 1982 NBA draft, “Big Game James” is another member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. Worthy won three NBA titles and was named Finals MVP in 1988. A seven-time all-star in 12 seasons with the Lakers, Worthy averaged between 17.6 points and 21.4 points for eight straight seasons.
Billy Cunningham, Philadelphia 76ers
Picked by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth overall pick in the 1965 NBA draft, Cunningham led the 76ers to an NBA title as a player in 1967 and as a coach in 1983. An eight-time all-star, Cunningham was selected to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. The “Kangaroo Kid” averaged a double-double (21.2 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game) in his career.
Bob McAdoo, Buffalo Braves
Selected by the Buffalo Braves with the second overall pick in the 1972 NBA draft, McAdoo played for seven teams during his 14 seasons in the league. A five-time all-star and the league MVP in 1975 when he averaged 34.5 points per game, McAdoo won two NBA titles with the Lakers in the 1980s. McAdoo was the NBA’s scoring leader in three seasons. He’s a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team