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

The Birth of a Legend

In the mid-1950s, college basketball was about to witness an extraordinary clash between two of the game's greatest players – Wilt Chamberlain and Frank McGuire. While there were other talented coaches and players at the time, the legendary McGuire, at the helm of the University of North Carolina's Tar Heels, would orchestrate a victory over Chamberlain that would go down in history and forever change the landscape of college basketball.

Enter Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain, often referred to as "Wilt the Stilt," was a towering figure in the world of basketball. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch tall, Chamberlain possessed exceptional athleticism and an unmatched scoring ability. His dominance was unquestionable, and he was considered by many to be almost unstoppable.

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 Challenge Ahead

In 1957, Chamberlain's University of Kansas Jayhawks, led by renowned coach Phog Allen, were set to face off against the University of North Carolina. The Tar Heels, under the guidance of Frank McGuire, were determined to find a way to beat Chamberlain, despite being considered the underdogs.

The Unconventional Approach

McGuire knew that a conventional approach wouldn't be effective against Chamberlain's sheer dominance. He devised a strategy that involved constant double-teams on Chamberlain, preventing him from scoring at will. Although this strategy came with its risks, McGuire believed that it was the team's best chance for success.

A Captivating Battle

The match between the Tar Heels and the Jayhawks was highly anticipated, with fans on the edge of their seats. As expected, Chamberlain scored his fair share of points, but the Tar Heels' relentless double-teaming proved effective. Led by McGuire's coaching, the Tar Heels managed to hold their ground and keep the game competitive.

McGuire's Masterstroke

With the game on the line, McGuire made a bold move that would further solidify his legacy. He instructed his players to intentionally foul Chamberlain in the closing minutes of the game, denying him easy baskets and forcing him to earn his points from the free-throw line. The strategy paid off, and despite Chamberlain's remarkable performance, the Tar Heels emerged victorious.

A New Era in College Basketball

McGuire's triumph over Chamberlain and the Jayhawks marked a turning point in college basketball. Coaches across the country took note of McGuire's unconventional approach and began implementing similar strategies to counter dominant players. The era of double-teaming and strategic fouling was born, revolutionizing the game.

Legacy and Impact

Frank McGuire's victory over Wilt Chamberlain not only cemented his status as a coaching legend but also influenced the future of college basketball. His innovative tactics propelled the sport to new heights and forever changed how teams approached the game. McGuire's impact can still be felt in the strategies employed by coaches today.

In

In the battle between Frank McGuire's Tar Heels and Wilt Chamberlain, it was the underdogs who emerged victorious. McGuire's unconventional approach, strategic double-teaming, and intentional fouling revolutionized college basketball and provided a blueprint for future coaches to counter dominant players. The legendary clash between McGuire and Chamberlain will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the history of the game.

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.