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.
Related Stories
‹
Roy Williams Reflects on UNC Basketball in the 2019 NBA DraftIt was a successful night for Roy Williams and UNC basketball, as the head coach saw three of his players drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. “It was such an exciting evening for Tar Heel Basketball, for everyone from our players and staff to our fans,” Williams said. “I had conversations […]
Where Will UNC Basketball Players Be Selected In The 2019 NBA Draft?A trio of UNC basketball players will be among the many hopeful college athletes who will be watching the 2019 NBA Draft and waiting for their names to be called. Coby White, Nassir Little and Cam Johnson are each projected to get drafted somewhere in the first round of next month’s draft. Where exactly is […]
UNC Freshman Nassir Little Declares for 2019 NBA DraftUNC freshman forward Nassir Little has announced that he will forego his final seasons of eligibility and declare for the 2019 NBA Draft. He released a statement on his social media pages on Monday afternoon. https://twitter.com/2ez_nassie/status/1112791141815074817?s=20 Ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the 2018 recruiting class per the 247 Composite Rankings, Little averaged […]
Inside Carolina: UNC vs. Iona PreviewUNC faces off against Iona in the opening round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, with freshmen Coby White and Nassir Little getting their first taste of postseason college basketball action. White, who averages 16.3 points per game in his first season in Chapel Hill, will be under pressure to lead North Carolina’s offense as the […]
Cam Johnson Highlights UNC Basketball's AP All-ACC SelectionsThe Associated Press has released its All-ACC teams with UNC senior Cam Johnson picked as a First Team selection. In his final year of eligibility, Johnson averaged a team-high 16.8 points this season while also leading the ACC with a 46.9 percent shooting percentage from three-point range. Johnson was also selected to the First Team […]
'Thank You for Everything': Fans, Players React on Social Media to Roy Williams' RetirementTo most people, the news of Roy Williams’ retirement on April 1 seemed like an April Fool’s Day joke. But upon further inspection, the news that UNC’s Hall of Fame coach is retiring was legitimate. People quickly took to social media to react to the news and reflect upon Williams’ legendary career in college basketball. […]
UNC Basketball vs. Miami: How To Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off TimeFollowing a thrilling win over rival Duke on Saturday, UNC returns home to face off against Miami. The Tar Heels (12-6, 7-4 ACC) seem to be hitting their stride and are 7-2 since the beginning of January. Meanwhile, Miami (7-11, 3-10 ACC) has seen its share of struggles so far this season and is 1-5 […]
Chansky's Notebook: Only One Way To GoWhere does a last-place basketball team go from here? The Tar Heels are not mathematically out of the post-season, but after suffering their fifth-straight loss against Virginia, they are dead last in a 15-team conference. What odds could you have gotten in Vegas before the season that Carolina’s proud basketball program would be 10-15 and […]
UNC's Comeback Falls Short Against Wake ForestAfter a crushing loss to rival Duke on Saturday, UNC couldn’t muster the energy required to take on Wake Forest in Winston-Salem and fell 74-57 to the Demon Deacons. The Tar Heels (10-14, 3-10) now sit at the bottom of the ACC with Miami. Wake Forest (11-13, 4-10) was the cellar dweller in the conference, […]
UNC Basketball vs. Yale: How To Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off TimeUNC basketball takes on Yale tonight in the Tar Heels’ first game since Christmas. The Tar Heels snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over UCLA in Las Vegas and freshman guard Jeremiah Francis continues to emerge as a playmaker with Cole Anthony sidelined. Francis’ continued development will be a key storyline for UNC […]
›
