Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Tar Heels players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Mali Sayon Keita, a 7'0'' center and 18-year-old prodigy who graduated from UNC in 2027 and currently plays professionally in Spain, showcased his exceptional talent by aiding the FC Barcelona U18 team in a triumphant showdown against the closely-ranked Real Madrid with a score of 85-77. This victory took place during the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in a thrilling Sunday night match. During the game, Keita displayed his skills with 5 points and 7 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. His contributions were instrumental in securing the win for FC Barcelona U18 team, which currently holds the fifth position in the league standings. Impressively, the team has emerged victorious in all three games of the Finals, with Keita being a key player in their success. Keita's standout performance against Real Madrid highlights his prowess on the court, further establishing him as a champion. His consistent play and significant impact in crucial moments underscore his value to the team. Additionally, this season, Keita has been maintaining impressive averages of 9.0 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, and 2.5 blocks per game, ranking him as the second-best shot-blocker in the league. His stellar statistics reflect his dedication and skill as he continues to excel in his basketball career.
#2. Brady Manek, a 6'9'' forward/center and 27-year-old Tar Heels alumnus from the class of 2022, currently competes professionally in Puerto Rico. Despite his impressive performance, the fifth-placed Leones de Ponce (8-15) were unable to secure a victory in their recent game. The team suffered an 80-85 defeat on the road against the higher-ranked (#3) Gigantes in the Group A of the competition. In the match, Manek showcased his skills by scoring 17 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and providing 4 assists during his 37 minutes on the court. Despite his notable contributions, Leones de Ponce faced their third consecutive loss. Throughout the season, Manek has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in the nine games he has played thus far. In a recent game against Carolina, he once again displayed his talent with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, although his team ultimately fell short of victory.
#3. Experienced 6'8'' forward Harrison Barnes, a 34-year-old professional basketball player who graduated from UNC in 2012 and was instrumental in helping them achieve ACC Regular Season Champion status that year, currently plays in the NBA. In a recent game, Barnes contributed significantly to the San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, with a final score of 103-82. Despite only scoring 5 points in 17 minutes, his impact on the game was undeniable. The San Antonio Spurs, with a somewhat lackluster 62-21 record this season, secured their third consecutive win thanks in part to Barnes' performance. Against the OKC Thunder, Barnes not only scored 5 points but also grabbed 3 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and value to the team. His efforts were pivotal in ensuring the team's success and reinforcing his status as a finalist. Throughout the season, Barnes has maintained solid statistics, averaging 8.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the 96 games he has played thus far.
#4. Jae'Lyn Withers, a 25-year-old former Tar Heels standout from the class of 2025, is currently playing professionally in Holland for Den Bosch. In a recent game against Zwolle, Withers, a 6'9'' forward, displayed his skills on the court. Despite his best efforts, Withers and his team were unable to secure a victory, falling short to Zwolle 57-72 on the opponent's court. During the game, Withers managed to contribute 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 21 minutes of play. Although he put up an impressive performance individually, it was not enough to lead his team to success. This season marks Withers' first with Den Bosch, and he has been averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game over the four games he has played so far. Withers continues to showcase his talent and determination as he strives to make an impact in his new professional basketball environment.
Other former University of North Carolina players, who play in pro basketball:
Armando Bacot Jr. (6'11''-F/C-2000, played in 2019-24) plays for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Turkish BSL
Kenny Williams III (6'4''-G-1996, played in 2015-19) plays for La Laguna Tenerife in Spanish Liga Endesa
Leaky Black (6'7''-F-1999) plays for Washington Wizards in the NBA
Cameron Johnson (6'9''-F-1996, played in 2017-19) plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA
Coby White (6'5''-PG-2000, played in 2018-19) plays for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Harrison Ingram (6'5''-F-2002, played in 2023-24) plays for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA
Day'Ron Sharpe (6'9''-PF-2001, played in 2020-21) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Pete Nance (6'11''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Cormac Ryan (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2023-24) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Tony Bradley (6'10''-C-1998, played in 2016-17) plays for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Drake Powell (6'6''-G/F-2005, played in 2024-25) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Cole Anthony (6'3''-PG-2000, played in 2019-20) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Paxson Wojcik (6'5''-G-2000, played in 2023-24) played for Tasomix Rosiek Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski in Polish OBL few monts ago
Garrison Brooks (6'10''-C-1999, played in 2017-21) plays for Chiba Jets in Japanese B1 League
Nassir Little (6'7''-F-2000, played in 2018-19) plays for Chiba Jets in Japanese B1 League
JP Tokoto (6'7''-F-1993, played in 2012-15) plays for PGE Start Lublin in Polish OBL
James McAdoo (6'9''-F-1993, played in 2012-14) plays for Shimane Susanoo Magic in Japanese B1 League
Theo Pinson Jr. (6'6''-G-1995, played in 2014-18) plays for Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rican BSN
Luke Maye (6'8''-PF-1997, played in 2015-19) plays for Kobe Storks in Japanese B2 League
RJ Davis (6'0''-PG-2001, played in 2020-25) plays for South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League
Ed Davis (6'11''-C/F-1989, played in 2008-10) played for NLEX Road Warriors in Filipino PBA last year
Christian Keeling (6'3''-G-1998, played in 2019-20) plays for Seagulls in Finnish Korisliiga
Isaiah Hicks (6'9''-C-1994, played in 2013-17) plays for Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rican BSN
Kennedy Meeks (6'10''-F-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Saitama Broncos in Japanese B3 League
Brice Johnson (6'9''-F-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Darkhan United in Mongolian MBL
PJ Hairston (6'6''-F-1992, played in 2011-14) played for Carolina Thunder in the ECBL last year
Ty Claude (6'7''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) plays for Tadamon in Lebanese DLBL
Sterling Manley (7'0''-F/C-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for Guizhou in Chinese NBL
Deon Thompson (6'9''-F/C-1988, played in 2006-10) plays for Kesatria in Indonesian IBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of North Carolina basketball alumni.
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