James Worthy University of North Carolina 1982 NCAA Championship Game Worn and Signed Jersey | Game-High 28 Points | Most Outstanding Player

James Worthy,

SCP Auctions,

Private Collector

This white North Carolina Tar Heels jersey was worn by James Worthy on March 29, 1982, during the 1982 NCAA Championship Game, when the University of North Carolina defeated Georgetown 63-62 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Worthy delivered one of the defining performances of the tournament, scoring a game-high 28 points to help lead North Carolina to the national title. He was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

The lot has been authenticated by SIA Photo Match, and is accompanied by a James Worthy letter of provenance.

Going Deeper | James Worthy

James Worthy built his reputation on rising to the moment, and few stages were bigger than the 1982 NCAA Tournament. Playing under Dean Smith alongside future NBA stars Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins, Worthy was the steady force that powered North Carolina through the Final Four.

A North Carolina native, Worthy delivered when it mattered most. In the national semifinal, the Tar Heels took down a talented Houston team to advance to the championship. Two nights later, Worthy put together one of the defining performances of the tournament, scoring 28 points and earning Most Outstanding Player honors as North Carolina defeated Georgetown for the title.

That stretch wasn’t just a hot streak, it was a glimpse of what was coming. Worthy’s combination of size, fluidity, and composure made him one of the most complete players in the country, and it ultimately led to him being selected first overall in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the NBA, he became “Big Game James” for a reason. Worthy thrived in high-pressure moments, helping lead the Lakers to three championships and earning Finals MVP honors in 1988. His ability to deliver on the biggest stage became his trademark.