The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

E. Washington, NC — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:18:50 GMT

Nice write-up about the history of Carolina Hoops (though I think we should be #1, lol).

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

T, Brownsburg, IN — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:13:09 GMT

I had no doubt on #1!

GO CATS!!

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Grayson, Kentucky — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:07 GMT

Big Blue on top as deserved. Al McGuire said it best "They had it before you, They had it during you, and They'll have it when you're gone."

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Bill Strandberg — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:55:16 GMT

Carolina owns Kentucky head to head and has produced more great pro players, so your ranking of Kentucky above Carolina is flat wrong!

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Matt — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:23:28 GMT

The ranking of NC over Kansas may come out by the stats but I think you missed one point. You should give Kansas the nod for making it possible, Dean Smith has a great coaching tree, but let us not forget what tree he is on.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Scott, Ashland, KY — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:30:18 GMT

It doesn't matter how many great PRO players they have made. What have they done when they were there? That's what makes UK players more special alot less talent than other teams but combined they were better than even the greats.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Chris, Los Angeles — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:44:08 GMT

"The ranking of NC over Kansas may come out by the stats but I think you missed one point. You should give Kansas the nod for making it possible, Dean Smith has a great coaching tree, but let us not forget what tree he is on."

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No. Kansas fans make too much of this point and they take entirely too much credit for North Carolina's success. Dean Smith became the Dean Smith everyone now knows at North Carolina - where he worked for a very long time to reach his success. His innovations, such as pointing at the assist man and the Four Corners, came to fruition in Chapel Hill. KU doesn't get to share in that honor.

Roy Williams learned under Dean Smith, so should Kansas fans thank UNC for their success during the Roy era? Absolutely not. Roy grew into his own coach at KU and no Heels fan claims that success.

Additionally, were it 'made possible' by KU, the Jayhawks wouldn't be the least successful of the two programs (relatively speaking).

It smacks of undeserved arrogance (and a little insecurity) for Kansas fans to tell UNC fans they should thank them; not to mention, it completely robs those who've prospered in Chapel Hill of what they've accomplished. Get over yourselves. It's as if you're trying to live vicariously through UNC's successes when they haven't come as easily in Lawrence until this season.

I am certainly happy to acknowledge the unique connections the two storied programs share but that's it. North Carolina is 6-3 against Kansas -- clearly UNC owes them nothing.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

UKownsU, Bracketville, KY — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:02:13 GMT

UK has more wins and a higher winning percentage and 3 more NCAA championsips. Suck it UNC.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

David, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:14:55 GMT

Too bad you haven't spoken to Dean Smith on the subject. One who speaks so much hears very little.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Dave, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:13:09 GMT

Nice UNC write-up. That being said, if Kentucky had played in the ACC all these years they would be number three in the ACC. SEC may be the best football conference, but basketball? Kentucky would not even made it to the NCAA tourney in the old days back when only one team could go. In head to head UNC has owned Kentucky and Dook {Sorry, I just can't say that word) is Kentucky's worst nightmare. Maybe you should have put all the data, for all the year in a computer aka "BCS" and come up with your list. I think Kentucky would probably be fifth.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Charles B. Jacksonville, FL — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:13:46 GMT

The top 3 choices of UK, UNC and UCLA are correct but the order is debatable. Each of these schools can claim superiority over the other in some category. They all represent excellence. If national titles are the measure, then it's not even close. The Bruins clearly reign supreme. If sustained excellence is the measure, then UK and UNC are neck and neck together, with UCLA lagging behind, though the Bruins are extending their decades of good ball with Howland's current program. All-time wins currently goes to the Cats, but UNC could catch them likely either this season or the next (don't forget Kansas is close too). UNC has decimated Kentucky in head-to-head matchups over the years. Conference strength can also be factored in for all three in historical terms. Kentucky's long history of ethical improprieties certainly taint their resume. All 3 though have represented the pinnacle of championship college basketball. It's good for the game when all three are good. Kentucky is in the worst shape at the moment. Not convinced Gillispie is all that. My guess is he will not survive there.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Tim M., Louisville Kentucky — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 03:48:51 GMT

Charles, My guess is he will!! The team that was turning the ball over at the beginning of the season is now putting up incredible assist numbers. To all of you that think UNC or UCLA should be ahead of UK as the #1 program are sadly mistaken. Except for the 60's and early 70's, UCLA hasn't done much lately. UNC should have a lot more National Championships than they do if these players that they had were so great like you think they were. UK is the #1 program in the nation and it's not even close.

The greatest programs: No. 2, North Carolina

Mack B Raleigh, NC — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:14:46 GMT

IF UNC played in the SEC through the years and UK in the ACC, then UNC would have a lo tmor eNCAA titles