What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - Hansbrough is the best Heel ever

What Lincoln is Thinkin'

Tyler Hansbrough is the best Tarheel of all-time. With all the great players that have ever donned the Tarheel blue, it seems ridiculous to even say such things. But now, since he's cemented his legacy with a championship, he can rightly put himself at the top of the heap as the best player ever in Chapel Hill.

Doubt it? Let's stack him up against the other candidates...

Phil Ford

The second leading scorer in UNC history (behind Hansbrough), Ford was the National Player of the Year in 1978, and was a three-time first team All-American. Ford was the ACC Tournament MVP as a freshman, and ranks third in UNC history in assists. One big knock on Ford's resume - no national championships.

Verdict: The nod goes to Hansbrough. Up until Monday night, you could argue that Ford was a better player. But Hansbrough has a ring, and to me, that's the most important statistic

James Worthy

A Naismith Hall-of-Fame inductee, Worthy was the Heels best player for the team that won the 1982 championship. Worthy was Final Four MVP, and the National Player of the year that season as well. He's been named one of the 50th best players in ACC history.

Verdict: Hansbrough racked up more stats, thanks to playing an extra year. Worthy bypassed his senior season to be the first pick in the NBA draft. Worthy is one of the 50 best NBA players ever, but that does not factor in to this discussion. Because of that extra year of dominance, Hansbrough goes above Worthy.

Antawn Jamison

In 1998, Jamison had one of the best single seasons in UNC history. Jamison won ACC player of the year, ACC tournament MVP, NCAA regional MVP and National player of the year. Led the Heels to two Final Fours, but no National Championship.

Verdict: Sorry 'Tawn, no title, you lose. Hansbrough wins here too.

Lennie Rosenbluth

Fourth in points, third in rebounds all-time, Rosenbluth was the best player on Carolina's best team. In the 1956-57 season, Rosenbluth set the Heels season records for points and rebounds, and led the Heels to their first national championship, and only undefeated season.

Verdict: Rosenbluth has the most compelling argument to Hansbrough. He went toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain in the 1957 title game, and brought the Heels their first title. It was a different era of basketball back then, so it's tough to compare the two. But if you just look at pure numbers, Hansbrough has him beat.

Sam Perkins

Perkins is the Tar Heels second leading rebounder, and third leading scorer of all-time. He also was a part of the 1982 championship team, and was a three-time national All-American.

Verdict: Perkins does not have the National Player of the Year awards that other Heels have, including Hansbrough.

Michael Jordan

Jordan is the best basketball player of all-time, and is responsible for the most memorable play in UNC history - the shot to beat Georgetown.

Verdict: He just does not have the longevity that Hansbrough has.

When you break it down, Hansbrough goes down as the best ever.

Who did I miss? Who do you think is the best player of all-time?

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