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United States Phil Jackson Ford Jr. is a celebrated former collegiate and professional basketball player, recognized for his impactful career as a point guard and later as an assistant coach.
Phil Ford was highlighted as a past winner of the Wooden Award, celebrating his achievement as the 1978 National Player of the Year, leading up to the award's 50th anniversary.
After retiring from the NBA in 1985, Phil Ford began a career in banking with North Carolina National Bank before transitioning to coaching at UNC.
Born on February 9, 1956, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Phil Jackson Ford Jr. established himself as a prominent figure in basketball from his early days. He distinguished himself at Rocky Mount High School, achieving the highest individual scoring average in North Carolina high school basketball history and earning First Team Parade All-American honors in 1974. His collegiate career at the University of North Carolina (UNC) marked a significant turning point, as he became the first freshman under head coach Dean Smith to start in his inaugural collegiate game. Ford’s contributions were instrumental in leading the Tar Heels to 99 wins over 124 games, including four NCAA Tournament appearances and a championship game berth in his junior year. His exceptional performance culminated in him being named the 1978 National Player of the Year, alongside receiving the John R. Wooden Award, an honor shared with only two other Tar Heels: Antawn Jamison and Michael Jordan.
Following a decorated college career, Ford was the second overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft, selected by the Kansas City Kings. He quickly made a name for himself in the professional league, winning the 1979 NBA Rookie of the Year award and being named to the All-NBA Second Team. His tenure in the NBA included playing for the New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets before he retired in 1985. Throughout his NBA career, Ford showcased his skills as an excellent ball handler and passer, ending with 5,594 points and 3,083 assists across 482 games. His dedication to the sport extended beyond playing, as he later transitioned into coaching and administrative roles, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with future generations of athletes.
Ford returned to UNC in 1988 as an assistant coach, contributing to five Final Four appearances, five NCAA Regional titles, and five ACC Tournament titles, including the 1993 NCAA title. He mentored numerous players, including 10 first-round draft picks like 1998 National Player of the Year Antawn Jamison. After leaving UNC in 2000, he continued his coaching journey with the Detroit Pistons (2004–2005), New York Knicks (2005–2007), and Charlotte Bobcats (2007–2011). Beyond the court, Ford has been involved with the Educational Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the North Carolina athletic department, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the university. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, solidifying his legacy as a basketball icon.
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