University of North Carolina Set to Unveil Statue Honoring Basketball Legend Phil Ford
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is preparing to honor one of its greatest basketball legends with a statue celebrating the extraordinary career of Phil Ford. The statue, set to be unveiled later this year, will immortalize Ford’s legacy as one of the most influential and beloved figures in Tar Heel basketball history.
Phil Ford’s impact on UNC basketball is undeniable. Arriving on campus in 1974, Ford became the first freshman to start for legendary coach Dean Smith, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker and leader. Over his four years with the Tar Heels, Ford garnered numerous accolades including being named the 1978 Naismith College Player of the Year, a three-time consensus first-team All-American, and two-time ACC Athlete of the Year. His smooth ball-handling and scoring prowess helped define an era of UNC basketball, making him a fan favorite and a key figure in the program’s rise to national prominence.
Beyond his college career, Ford was drafted second overall in the 1978 NBA Draft and went on to have a successful professional career. After his playing days, he also returned to UNC as an assistant coach, contributing to the team’s success and continuing to shape future generations of players.
The upcoming statue will be placed prominently near the Dean Smith Center, symbolizing Ford’s lasting influence on the university’s basketball program and its fans. The university expects a large turnout for the unveiling ceremony, which will include appearances by former teammates, coaches, and fans who witnessed Ford’s greatness firsthand.
This statue not only honors Phil Ford’s remarkable achievements on the court but also celebrates his enduring role in the fabric of Carolina basketball. As the Tar Heel community gathers to celebrate this momentous occasion, the statue will stand as a lasting tribute to a true Tar Heel legend whose legacy will inspire generations to come.
