Phil Ford (1978) - Patterson Medal Winners - University of North Carolina Athletics

Phil Ford

Induction:
1978
Class:
1978

1978— Phil Ford: Men’s Basketball (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
One of the best and most popular Tar Heels of the 20^th Century. Inducted into the NABC College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. In 1994, he was named one of the ACC’s Top 10 Male Athletes in the league’s first 50 years. Member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Held Carolina career scoring mark for 31 years with 2,290 points. Currently second in scoring and third in assists (753). Directed the famed Four Corners. Averaged 18.6 points and 6.1 assists.

First-team All-America in 1976, 1977 and 1978, ACC Male Athlete of the Year in 1977 and 1978. ACC Player of the Year in 1978. Directed Carolina to three straight first-place ACC regular-season finishes, ACC Tournament titles in 1975 and 1977 and NCAA championship game in 1977. National Player of the Year in 1978 by the Wooden Award, USBWA, NABC and Sporting News. Olympic gold medalist in 1976 under head coach Dean Smith. ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player in 1975 when he led UNC to the title as a freshman. Scored career-high 34 points against Duke in his last game at Carmichael Auditorium. Led UNC to a 99-24 record.

NBA Rookie of the Year and second-team All-NBA in 1979 with the Kansas City Kings.

Spent 12 years (1988-2000) as a Tar Heel assistant coach, leading UNC to six Final Fours. Later worked for the Rams Club.