The 2019 NBA Draft was a success for Roy Williams’ program, as three UNC basketball players were selected in the first round of the league’s annual draft.
The party kicked off with the Chicago Bulls selecting Coby White with the seventh overall pick. The all-time leading scorer in North Carolina high school history flashed that same ability during his lone season as a Tar Heel, scoring at least 33 points in three different games–including a career-high 34 in a win against Syracuse back on Feb. 26.
Reaching out to congratulate White were several former UNC stars, including current NBA champion Danny Green. Chicago native and NBA All-Star Dwayne Wade also approved of his hometown team’s selection.
White’s hair also caused a stir on social media. Good thing basketball players are not required to wear hats often.
Cam Johnson was the next Tar Heel off the board, going 11th overall to the Phoenix Suns (via a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves).
The pick was a surprise to many, as Johnson had been projected as a late first-round pick leading up to the draft.
White, who was in his post-draft press conference with the media, reacted to his teammate being selected 11th overall.
Neither White or Johnson entered the season as projected lottery picks, but that changed after one season in Chapel Hill.
Nassir Little was the last Tar Heel to hear his name called in the first round and he fell to the 25th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. This was a big difference from his preseason projections as a lottery pick.
The common word used to describe Little’s fall to Portland? A “steal.”
Overall, it was a great draft for UNC and another accomplishment for Williams’ program.
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