Carolina Mourns a Trailblazer: Bill Chamberlain, Tar Heel Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer, Passes Away at 75
The Carolina family has lost one of its true pillars. William “Bill” Chamberlain — a trailblazing forward, civil rights advocate, and beloved mentor — has passed away at the age of 75. Revered not only for his contributions on the hardwood but for the barriers he helped break and the generations he inspired, Chamberlain’s legacy is etched into the soul of UNC basketball. From the Dean Smith sidelines to the rafters of the Smith Center, his presence remains forever felt.
Former UNC men’s basketball forward William “Bill” Chamberlain died July 13. He was 75 years old.
After graduating from Long Island Lutheran High School in New York in 1968 as an All-American basketball player, Chamberlain received more than 100 scholarship offers — but he ultimately chose to attend UNC, entering the Tar Heel program under head coach Dean Smith in 1969.
Chamberlain was the second Black basketball player in UNC program history, following Charlie Scott as the first in 1967
Phil Ford, former UNC basketball player and assistant coach, called Chamberlain one of the “founding fathers” of North Carolina basketball, especially in the days under coach Smith.
“In those days, I’m sure it wasn’t always easy, being an African American playing in the ACC at that time,” Ford said. “And, the things that they had to go through, and to still be brave on the basketball court and in the classroom and in the community — says a lot for their character.”
During his three seasons at UNC, Chamberlain played a total of 77 games, averaging 12.4 points per game.
Chamberlain’s time at UNC led to recognition as MVP for his play in the NIT championship game in 1971, an ACC championship and an NCAA Final Four run in 1972 and All-ACC honors.
His jersey hangs in the rafters of the Dean E. Smith Center as an honored player.
His jersey hangs in the rafters of the Dean E. Smith Center as an honored player.
After his time at North Carolina, Chamberlain played in the American Basketball Association, a short-lived rival league to the NBA, for the Memphis Tams and Kentucky Colonels in 1972-73. He then moved to the NBA in 1973-74 to play for the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 13.2 minutes per game and 5.3 points per game across both seasons.
His professional basketball experience was cut short because of a back injury, and Chamberlain moved on to pursue a career in social justice. He worked for various departments under the State of North Carolina, including the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office and the N.C. Department of Justice.
Chamberlain retired in 2019.
Despite leaving UNC in the ‘70s, Chamberlain retained his love of basketball and of the Tar Heels. He continued to support the UNC basketball program and mentor later players, cheering them on like they were his little brothers, Ford said. He even coached for Laurinburg Institute and Scotland County Schools from 1994-2001.
“He was just one of those guys that supported Carolina not only while he was here, but even after he left,” Ford said. “He was a true Carolina fan, and, just like so many of us, he bled Carolina Blue.”
