How Frank McGuire's 57 Tar Heels Beat Wilt and Revolutionized College Basketball

In the annals of college basketball history, the 1957 North Carolina Tar Heels team holds a special place. Led by the legendary coach Frank McGuire, the Tar Heels defeated Wilt Chamberlain's Kansas Jayhawks in the national championship game, ending Chamberlain's undefeated streak and forever changing the course of the sport.

Best Game Ever: How Frank Mcguire's '57 Tar Heels Beat Wilt And Revolutionized College Basketball

by Adam Lucas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2076 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

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Chamberlain was arguably the greatest college basketball player of all time. In the 1956-57 season, he averaged 31.1 points and 20.1 rebounds per game, leading the Jayhawks to a 29-0 record. The Tar Heels, meanwhile, were a relatively unheralded team, finishing the regular season with a 19-8 record.

But McGuire had a plan to defeat Chamberlain. He knew that his team could not match the Jayhawks' size and strength, so he decided to play a fast-paced game and shoot a lot of three-pointers.

The strategy worked to perfection. The Tar Heels hit 10 three-pointers in the game, a record at the time, and they forced Chamberlain into foul trouble. Chamberlain eventually fouled out of the game with just over two minutes remaining, and the Tar Heels went on to win 84-73.

The victory was a major upset, and it sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. It proved that it was possible to defeat Chamberlain, and it helped to pave the way for the modern era of college basketball, in which teams play a faster-paced game and rely more on three-pointers.

McGuire's innovative coaching style and his team's upset victory over Chamberlain had a profound impact on the sport of college basketball. He is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game, and his 1957 Tar Heels team is still remembered as one of the most iconic teams of all time.

McGuire's Coaching Style

McGuire was a master of motivation and psychology. He knew how to get the most out of his players, and he was always willing to try new and innovative strategies.

One of McGuire's most famous coaching techniques was his "Four F's": Fast, Fierce, Ferocious, and Friendly. He wanted his teams to play fast and aggressively, but he also wanted them to be friendly and respectful opponents.

McGuire was also a master of the press conference. He was always quotable, and he never shied away from expressing his opinions. He was a great promoter of the game of basketball, and he helped to make college basketball more popular than ever before.

The 1957 Tar Heels Team

The 1957 Tar Heels team was a talented and cohesive group. They were led by All-American guard Lennie Rosenbluth, who averaged 22.2 points per game. Other key players included forward Tommy Kearns, center Bob Cunningham, and guard Dickie Hemric.

The Tar Heels were not the most talented team in the country, but they were well-coached and they played with great heart and determination. They were able to overcome the odds and defeat Chamberlain and the Jayhawks, and they will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in college basketball history.

The Impact of the 1957 Championship

The Tar Heels' victory over the Jayhawks had a profound impact on the sport of college basketball. It proved that it was possible to defeat Chamberlain, and it helped to pave the way for the modern era of college basketball, in which teams play a faster-paced game and rely more on three-pointers.

McGuire's innovative coaching style and his team's upset victory over Chamberlain also helped to make college basketball more popular than ever before. The sport is now one of the most popular in the United States, and it is played by millions of people around the world.

Frank McGuire's 1957 North Carolina Tar Heels team was a truly special team. They defeated Wilt Chamberlain and the Kansas Jayhawks to win the national championship, and they changed the course of college basketball history. McGuire was a master of motivation and psychology, and he knew how to get the most out of his players. The Tar Heels were a talented and cohesive group, and they played with great heart and determination. They will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in college basketball history.

Best Game Ever: How Frank Mcguire's '57 Tar Heels Beat Wilt And Revolutionized College Basketball

by Adam Lucas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2076 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

FREE