Lennie Rosenbluth, North Carolina basketball legend, passes away at 89

North Carolina lost an invaluable part of its history last weekend, as Tar Heels legend Lennie Rosenbluth passed away at the age of 89.

The University of North Carolina announced Rosenbluth’s passing, along with celebrating the immense accomplishments throughout his life. To illustrate, Rosenbluth led the Tar Heels to their first ever title, defeating Kansas in 1957.

“Rosenbluth, who died Saturday at the age of 89, is probably responsible for more Carolina Basketball fans than any individual other than Michael Jordan. And you could make a very fair argument that without Rosenbluth, there was no Jordan,” wrote Adam Lucas on the North Carolina team website. “Because without Rosenbluth—the superstar on the undefeated national championship 1957 team—there was no Dean Smith, who met Frank McGuire on that fateful championship weekend in 1957.

“That meeting set in motion Smith’s eventual move to Carolina as an assistant coach, which in turn helped make Tar Heel basketball part of all of our lives.”

Rosenbluth’s jersey is one of eight retired throughout the tremendous history of the Tar Heels, as his impact on the program was felt for generations.

“He had such a dignity about him,” said Roy Williams, via the team website. “The guys who came after him, they talked about Lennie with reverence. There was always something special about him.”

Additionally, the greatest players in the history of the Tar Heels also looking up to Rosenbluth.

“He was one of the first players who started the foundation of Carolina basketball,” former North Carolina star Tyler Hansbrough said, who’s jersey also hangs in the rafters. “He helped make it what it is today. He embraced the family aspect and showed his support, especially when I was in school. It meant a lot to me and he was a great example.”

Continuing, the aforementioned 1957 season also featured Rosenbluth averaging 28.0 points per game, which remains a team record. After his incredible career in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels legend played briefly in the NBA before becoming a high school teacher and coach.

Lennie Rosenbluth will forever be remembered for being a pillar — maybe the pillar — of North Carolina basketball. The basketball world sends their thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.