The Best UNC Team That Never Was: 1995-1996

Is this the best UNC team that never was?

Over the years, North Carolina has had multiple departures, breaking up teams that would have been title favorites. Realistically, this goes for every team in the country. However, there is one North Carolina team that remains one of the best what ifs of all time. A team that would have had multiple future NBA players that are known as UNC legends. Today we take a look at what the 1995-1996 Tar Heels would have looked like if two North Carolina legends hadn’t left early.

Who Left?

After the 1994-1995 season, North Carolina sophomores Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse went to the NBA. That team finished with a 28-6 record and was fourth in the final polls. They would eventually lose in the Final Four to Arkansas.

The 95-96 UNC Roster

This team had veteran players like Shammond Williams, Jeff McInnis, Dante Calabria, and Serge Zwikker. However, it also featured star freshmen Vince Carter, Antawn Jamison, and Ademola Okulaja. This team was not as good as the previous one, but with junior Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace, they would have been hard to stop. That is a lot of star power on one team.

Likely Starting Lineup

Point Guard: Jeff McInnis

Shooting Guard: Dante Calabria

Small Forward: Jerry Stackhouse

Power Forward: Antawn Jamison

Center: Rasheed Wallace

Key Reserves: Serge Zwikker, Shammond Williams, Vince Carter, Ademola Okulaja

This team would have undoubtedly made a run in the tournament. Its mix of veterans and star freshmen would have made it one of the best and most fun-to-watch teams in North Carolina history.

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