Brice Johnson averaged 26 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 0.5 bursts of profanity in the UNC basketball team’s two games last week against Tulane and UCLA.

His strong play earned the senior forward National Player of the Week honors from CBS Sports.

Johnson was also named ACC Co-Player of the Week.  He shares that award with NC State guard Cat Barber.

Carolina is playing without Kennedy Meeks.  Meeks is sidelined with a bruised knee.  Brice Johnson has stepped up in the absence of Meeks.

Against Tulane, Johnson scored a career-high 25 points.  He also grabbed 10 rebounds.

After his potty mouth put him on the bench against UCLA, Brice Johnson exploded for a new career-high.  The senior dropped 27 points.  He shot 11-12 from the field.

Brice Johnson

Brice Johnson slams one home against Tulane. (Todd Melet)

Brice Johnson credits the benching.

“It put a fire under my butt,” he told reporters after the game. “When I got back in there, I was ready to go.”

Johnson unleashed some foul language as he went to the bench early in the game against UCLA on Saturday.  That did not sit well with Coach Roy Williams.  So, Brice Johnson stayed on the bench for almost nine minutes.  When Johnson sat down, Carolina was down by 7.  When he returned, the deficit was 9.

The North Carolina Tar Heels will return to the court on Monday night.  Carolina plays Appalachian State in the Dean Smith Center at 7 PM.

 

Related Stories
‹
UNC Men's Basketball vs. Indiana (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will continue preseason action Sunday when it travels to Indianapolis to face Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. If you aren’t making the trip with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio can do so at 97.9 FM and […]
On Air Today: Jones Angell, Previewing UNC-Duke Football (and UNC-Indiana Basketball)
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to preview Saturday's battle for the Victory Bell, with UNC football taking on Duke.
UNC Men's Basketball Picked 5th in 2026-27 ACC Preseason Poll
UNC was picked fifth in the ACC men’s basketball preseason poll Monday afternoon. Two-time reigning conference champion Duke comes in at No. 1, taking home 45 of a possible 48 first-place votes. No. 2 Virginia, No. 3 Louisville and No. 4 Miami each followed with one first-place vote each. Below UNC, No. 6 Clemson, No. […]
The Morning News: Orange County Property Revaluation, ICE Arrest, UNC Basketball
In today's news: Orange County gets an audit on last year's property revaluation, and UNC basketball gets a big exhibition win.
This Week in UNC Sports: October 12-18
More and more of UNC's winter sports are beginning their seasons as we hit the middle of October, and "crossover season" is upon us.
'You Want to Win for Him': Michael Malone's Unofficial UNC Welcome is a Hit
UNC head coach Michael Malone drew rave reviews after his Tar Heels beat USC 88-70 in a preseason exhibition Friday night.
UNC Men's Basketball Beats USC in Greensboro Preseason Exhibition
UNC outscored USC 51-31 in the second half to overcome a halftime deficit and beat the Trojans 88-70 in a preseason exhibition in Greensboro.
Themes and Takeaways Around Women's Basketball at ACC Tipoff – Stroman On Sports (October 9, 2026)
The Hill's Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell chat on Friday, October 9, about the ACC Tipoff event in Charlotte earlier in the week.
On Air Today: Previewing UNC-Pitt (and UNC Basketball) with Jones Angell
Jones Angell joins Aaron to preview Saturday's Tar Heel football game at Pitt - as well as Friday's preseason basketball exhibition.
The Morning News: Hedgepeth Trial, Gas Tax, Google Fiber, and UNC-Pitt
In today's news: the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continues, and UNC football gears up to face no. 25 Pitt.
›