Relive Tar Heels’ Legend James Worthy’s Incredible Moment — ACC Honors a True Icon
CHAPEL HILL, NC — The crowd roared. The backboard shook. And for a moment, time stood still. As James Worthy, the North Carolina Tar Heels legend, soared through the air and delivered one of the most unforgettable dunks in ACC history, the entire arena erupted. Even the referee, caught in the awe of the moment, couldn’t hide his stunned reaction — wide-eyed, mouth agape, as if witnessing basketball poetry in motion.
Now, decades later, that legendary highlight is being relived as Worthy takes his rightful place among this year’s esteemed class of ACC Basketball Legends — a celebration of greatness, grit, and iconic moments that have defined Atlantic Coast Conference history.
Worthy, often remembered for his signature goggles and unstoppable baseline moves, was more than just a crowd-pleasing dunker. He was a game-changer, a championship-winner, and one of the most complete forwards ever to wear the Carolina blue. A key piece of Dean Smith’s legendary 1982 NCAA Championship team, Worthy led the Tar Heels alongside Sam Perkins and a young Michael Jordan, cementing a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Now, as the ACC honors 14 former standout players and three three-time Coaches of the Year, Worthy’s place among the best of the best is being celebrated all over again. Fans, alumni, and basketball historians alike are reflecting on the moments that made him a legend — and that dunk, with the referee’s priceless reaction, remains a fan favorite.
“That play was Worthy in a nutshell,” said former Tar Heel teammate Matt Doherty. “Explosive. Unpredictable. And unforgettable.”
During his college career, Worthy earned First-Team All-American honors, was named the 1982 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and averaged 15.6 points per game during his time in Chapel Hill. His athleticism, court vision, and ability to take over games made him a nightmare matchup — and a dream for Coach Dean Smith.
After declaring early for the NBA Draft, Worthy was selected No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982. He went on to become a key piece of the “Showtime” dynasty, winning three NBA championships and earning a Finals MVP in 1988. But to this day, Worthy continues to credit North Carolina for laying the foundation.
“Carolina shaped me,” Worthy has said. “Dean Smith taught me how to be a player, a teammate, and a man.”
As the ACC salutes his legendary career, it’s not just the stats or titles that define James Worthy’s legacy — it’s the moments. The soaring dunks, the crowd eruptions, the stunned referees, and the unshakable swagger that made him a Tar Heel icon.
Today, fans are reliving those highlights with pride. Because once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel.
James Worthy, forever a legend in Carolina blue.
