Written in May 2018- Journalism Class @ Cosby High in Midlothian
—Christian Clark, Staff Writer, PR—
Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton
Newton may not be the best “player” ever on the Panthers but his impact will be heard for generations. The Carolina’s did not have a true sports superstar until the Auburn product came to town. Drafted #1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, Newton took the league by storm as he passed for 422 yards in his rookie debut game vs the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, he has become one of the NFL’s household names and one of the best quarterbacks in the league. With a 6’5 frame and a unique skillset of being a dynamic running quarterback, Newton has revolutionized the position. He has played in Super Bowl 50 and captured the 2015 NFL MVP award. Don’t forget the dab….
2. Steve Smith
“Ice Up Son!” Possibly the best competitor in the history of the NFL, Steve Smith is someone who gives it all on every play. While only standing at 5’9, relatively small for the NFL, Smith uses that as motivation to destroy defenders in his path. He has been in his fair share of fights and altercations which ultimately led to him switching teams towards the end of his career. He will be remembered for his passion for the game and his huge playoff performances including a walk-off 69 yard touchdown in 2OT against “The Greatest Show on Turf” en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.
Honorable Mention: Julius Peppers, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Jake Delhomme
Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker
This is a tough call. On one hand, you have Alonzo Mourning, a Hall of Fame player. However, he was traded after three years on the team. In addition, his most successful years came on the Miami Heat, including an NBA Championship there. Meanwhile, you have Kemba Walker who toughed out the awful years of the Bobcats including a 7-59 season in 2011 which stands as the worst season in NBA history. Walker has been loyal to the team that drafted him, giving them a true superstar. He has two All-Star appearances to his name (2017, 2018). He also stands as the Hornets all time leading scorer, an impressive feat no doubt. From Cardiac Kemba at UCONN to nasty stepbacks in the Queen City, Walker may go down as the best Hornet to ever play.
2. Alonzo Mourning
By default, Mourning comes in at number two for Charlotte. The best 1990s Charlotte Hornets teams with 50+ wins came with the likes of Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, Dell Curry, and Mourning at the helm. The only reason he isn’t number one is that his stint with the Hornets was short lived, only playing four years with the team. Put all that aside though and his accomplishments are insane. A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year recipient, a seven-time All-Star, and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award have given him a strong reputation. Add in some local flare for us Virginians as he was from Chesapeake and you have a recipe for a long career and being a fan favorite across the league.
Honorable Mention: Muggsy Bogues, Dell Curry, Larry Johnson
Carolina Hurricanes
Ron Francis
Did you know that the Carolina Hurricanes used to be named the Hartford Whalers? Neither did I. The Whalers made a mistake trading Francis in 1990 season. He won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins while the Hurricanes received a player that would soon suffer a career ending injury. He missed out on the Canes Stanley Cup celebration though. What was awesome about Francis is that he came back to the franchise that drafted him, this time in the form of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 98’ season when they relocated to Raleigh. He was statistically dominate as he finished with four All-Star game appearances, fifth all-time in regular season points, second in regular season assists, and third in total games played (1,731).
2. Eric Staal
On February 28th, 2016, Eric Staal was traded to the New York Rangers. For Carolina hockey fans in Raleigh, this was a tough day for sure. He had done so much for the franchise and his impact in the community is unmatched. In his first full season with the Hurricanes, Staal helped lead Carolina to their first Stanley Cup, beating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. He is also a member of the Triple Gold Club which means that he has won a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Championship gold medal. In addition, he can be regarded as an Ironman of sorts as he has played in 98% of his contests, only missing 12 games due to injury since 2003.
Honorable Mention: Jeff Skinner, Glen Wesley
North Carolina Tar Heels
Michael Jordan
Was there any question who would be number one? If we just talked about his collegiate career, he would not be number one. However, when we look at the overall package, there is no doubt that Jordan is the GOAT. Six NBA titles, countless buzzer beaters, owner of an NBA franchise and shoe brand. Jordan has become an international icon. Winning the 82’ Championship for UNC as a freshman was impressive enough. Try playing with the flu or his final shot with the Bulls: a clutch shot to give the Bulls their sixth championship in eight years. Michael Jordan is simply sublime!
2. James Worthy
It is pretty obvious that Worthy deserves to be on this list. He should be number one but he has company with arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. Winning the 1982 NCAA Tournament over Georgetown and winning the Most Outstanding Player award was only a sign of things to come. “Big Game James” could always be seen wearing his iconic sports goggles which he was forced to sport following a scratched cornea in a playoff game vs the Utah Jazz. Over his twelve seasons in the NBA, he helped the Lakers win three NBA titles and set the stage for the next great star in LA.
Honorable Mention: Phil Ford, Antawn Jamison
Duke Blue Devils basketball
Grant Hill
As a future UNC student, it pains me to write about the Blue Devils but I need to give respect where respect is due (*sobs internally*). Grant Hill’s career was amazing and if he wasn’t hit by the injury bug, who knows how much better his career would’ve been. He was dominate as a Blue Devil, dominate as a Piston, but faded out as his career went on. With all of that said, he still had no trouble slicing and dicing up the NBA. In the NCAA, he was the 1994 ACC Player of the Year and won two titles with Duke. Meanwhile, in the NBA, he became a seven-time all star and an All-NBA First Teamer in 1997.
2. J.J. Redick
Duke has had many great college players that don’t pan out in the NBA. J.J. Redick is not one of these players. The Cave Spring High School (Roanoke, VA) alum has slowly progressed into one of the most reliable players in the league. A deadeye three point shooter, Redick has consistently been great. A fun fact: Redick has never missed the playoffs in his NBA career. He has been looked at as a sixth-man type or role player but with the Clippers, he carved out an important niche in their offense. In 2015, he established career highs in three-point shooting (47.5%) and overall field goal percentage (48%).
Honorable Mention: Shane Battier, Kyrie Irving
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