In 2004, Rashad McCants was very close to winning the ACC Player of Year Award after averaging close to 20 points per game. He led Carolina to a 19-11 overall record, but the Heels were ousted in the second round of the 2004 Tournament by Texas Longhorns. McCants finished the season as a first team all-ACC selection and a second team all-American. His All-American and overall impressive career at Carolina has his jersey in the rafters at the Dean Dome.
Per the request of UNC head coach Roy Williams, McCants sacrificed his individual accolades (i.e. going pro, averaging over 20 points as a junior, becoming a first team all American and all conference player) for the team, resulting in a National Championship in 2005.