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No. 26: John "Hook" Dillon

More than just a trick shot artist, Dillon was integral in UNC almost winning the national title in 1946.
More than just a trick shot artist, Dillon was integral in UNC almost winning the national title in 1946.
GoHeels.com


26

Name: John “Hook” Dillon

Position: Forward

Jersey #: 13

Years: 1945-48

Honors: 2-time All-America; 3-time All-Southern Conference; 2-time All-Southern Conference Tournament team; Jersey honored in the Dean Dome.

Notable Stats: 66th all-time at UNC with 1,063 points; averaged 12.9 points in 1946 as UNC reached the NCAA title game;

In Closing: Dillon’s career shouldn’t be compared to the stats of Tar Heels over the last 40-50 years, as the game is much different now than it was then. His 12.9 points per game in 1946 led UNC in scoring as it reached the NCAA title game. His hook shot, which was why he was given the nickname “Hook,” was a thing of beauty and something of a novelty at the time. He averaged 15.5 points in the Final Four and title game in 1946. Dillon was UNC’s second leading scorer as a freshman behind All-America Jim Jordan. The ’46 team went 13-1 in Southern Conference play but didn’t win the SoCon tournament. Yet, the NCAA selection committee chose Carolina over Duke, the tourney champions, at a time when the league tournament champion did not get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. After Bob Paxton sent the national semifinal win over Ohio State to overtime with a 35-footer just before the buzzer, Dillon took over in overtime. Dillon scored 15 points in the title game. There isn’t a great deal of information on Dillon, but he was clearly one of the game’s great players in his time, and that’s enough to get him on this list.

Prior Ranked Heels

30 - Brice Johnson

29 - Ed Cota

28 - Pete Brennan

27 - Mike O'Koren


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