How Frank McGuire's 1957 Tar Heels Beat Wilt and Revolutionized College Basketball

College basketball has a rich history filled with incredible players and teams that have left a lasting impact on the sport. One such team is the 1957 North Carolina Tar Heels, led by their legendary coach Frank McGuire. This team not only defeated one of the greatest players of all time, Wilt Chamberlain, but also revolutionized the way the game was played.

The Rise of Frank McGuire

Frank McGuire, born on November 8, 1913, in New York City, had a long and successful coaching career. However, his time at the University of North Carolina from 1952 to 1961 is undoubtedly the highlight of his tenure. McGuire took over a struggling Tar Heels program and quickly turned them into a powerhouse.

McGuire's coaching style was ahead of its time. He emphasized fast-paced, up-tempo basketball that focused on aggressive offense and stifling defense. He also believed in recruiting talent from all over the country, a practice that was uncommon in the 1950s. McGuire's recruiting success ultimately led to the creation of the "Carolina Way," a term used to describe North Carolina's commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

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

by Adam Lucas(Kindle Edition)

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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The Road to the 1957 NCAA Championship

The 1957 Tar Heels had a fantastic regular season, finishing with a record of 25-4. Led by stars like Lennie Rosenbluth and Tommy Kearns, the team dominated their opponents with their fast-paced style of play. However, their ultimate test came in the NCAA Tournament.

In the Final Four, the Tar Heels faced off against Kansas and their superstar center, Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain was an athletic phenomenon, standing at 7'1", and was virtually unstoppable. Many expected the Tar Heels to crumble under the pressure of facing such a dominant player, but McGuire had a plan.

McGuire devised a strategy that relied heavily on Rosenbluth's ability to score from the outside and the team's speedy guards disrupting Chamberlain's rhythm. The Tar Heels executed the game plan to perfection, surprising everyone with a 54-53 victory. It was a monumental upset that propelled North Carolina to the national championship game.

Defeating Kansas and Winning the Championship

After their victory over Kansas, the Tar Heels faced the University of Kansas City in the championship game. Despite a strong effort from their opponents, the Tar Heels were in control throughout the game, eventually winning 54-53. It was their first-ever national championship, and Frank McGuire had firmly established North Carolina as a basketball powerhouse.

The impact of McGuire's coaching and the success of the 1957 Tar Heels extended beyond just one season. The style of play adopted by McGuire, known as the "Four-Corners offense," revolutionized college basketball. This strategy involved spreading the floor and using precise passing to control the game's pace and keep opponents off balance. It became a staple of North Carolina basketball and influenced teams across the country.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Frank McGuire left an undeniable mark on college basketball, both through his coaching success and his innovative strategies. He brought national attention to the University of North Carolina and paved the way for future coaching legends like Dean Smith and Roy Williams.

Beyond his coaching accolades, McGuire's ability to identify and recruit talent from all over the country helped diversify college basketball. His commitment to giving opportunities to players regardless of their race or background was a revolutionary concept in the 1950s and laid the foundation for a more inclusive sport.

Today, Frank McGuire and the 1957 Tar Heels are remembered as pioneers who changed the game of college basketball forever. Their victory over Wilt Chamberlain and their innovative playing style left an indelible mark on the sport. The 1957 Tar Heels remain a celebrated team, and their triumphs continue to inspire future generations of basketball players and coaches.

, Frank McGuire's 1957 Tar Heels were not only champions on the court but also trailblazers who revolutionized the game of college basketball. Their victory over Wilt Chamberlain and their adoption of the fast-paced "Four-Corners offense" showcased McGuire's innovative coaching strategies. The influence of McGuire's coaching and the success of the 1957 Tar Heels continue to shape the landscape of college basketball to this day.

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

by Adam Lucas(Kindle Edition)

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

The Best Game Ever is a revealing look at the University of North Carolina Tar Heels' 1956–57 season, one of the most storied in college basketball history. From the first day of practice, when forward Lennie Rosenbluth predicted a winning season, to the final game, a triple-overtime victory over Wilt Chamberlain's legendary Kansas team, the season developed into what many sports historians believe was the start of college basketball hysteria not only on Tobacco Road, but nationwide. The 1956–57 Tar Heels finished a perfect 32-0. The only previous team in Carolina history to achieve perfection was the 1924 team, years before the NCAA Tournament was created.