It took months of poring over old rosters, reviewing the members of various halls of fame, tracking down unknown numbers, verifying known ones and debating the many candidates. Sports information directors and media relations professionals around the state were consulted and helped verify information on the uniform numbers.

Yet, we were coming up with new names right up until publication and had to keep tweaking the list.

The final picks, from 00 to 99, reflect the effort to include as many of the greatest performers as we could. That's why some are listed by their college numbers, others by their pro numbers, though we tried to put them where they are best remembered.

Both native Tar Heels and out-of-staters who played here were considered, but we had to set some parameters:

* No figures known mostly for their coaching.

* No minor league ballplayers -- there are far more than can be tracked down in available records.

Some members of the sports staffs at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer, including writers who have covered North Carolina sports for decades, had a chance to look over the candidates and make suggestions. I made the final calls.

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