Category: Tar Heels in the pros

New York Giants Brian Daboll talks Marcus Mckethan, and Joshua Ezeudu progress

After getting drafted to the New York Giants, Marcus Mckethan, and Joshua Ezeudu progress gets told to media by head coach Brian Daboll.

As NFL training camps continue with preseason football games on the horizon, two Tar Heels have received some feedback based on their production so far.

Offensive lineman [autotag]Marcus McKethan[/autotag] and guard[autotag] Joshua Ezeudu’s[/autotag] teammate journey followed them to the NFL, joining the New York Giants via the 2022 NFL draft. Ezeudu got drafted in the third round as the 67th overall pick, with McKethan joining him in the 5th round. Now teammates again in New York, the pair have found their pace on the team, according to head coach Brian Daboll.

“Much like everybody else, some good, some bad.” Daboll continued,. “They’re working hard. They’re trying to do the things the way we’re asking them to do. They have good physical demeanor about themselves. They pick things up well. There was a lot of good reps out there for them, and some they probably wish they had back, but that’s for all of us.”

The pair has a good shot at making the final 53-man roster for the Giants. The question remains how much playing time with either have their first year with experience playing a factor

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Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on pace to start for Pittsburgh Steelers

Looking to bounce back into a starting quarterback role, Mitchell Trubisky is on pace to be Steelers starter day 1.

Former Tar Heel [autotag]Mitchell Trubisky[/autotag] is looking to bounce back into a starting role with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As training camps across the NFL continue, early reports have it that UNC fan favorite Mitchell Trubisky has the early edge in becoming the starting quarterback for the Steelers.

The Steelers, for the first time since 2004, are looking for their next franchise quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger retired this past season. Despite spending a first round draft pick on Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, all signs point to Trubisky leading the huddle this upcoming season with the starting job reportedly being “his to lose.”

Many were shocked when Trubisky went second overall to the Chicago Bears in 2017, and despite the inconsistent play, some believe the lack luster play calling and systems deserve the blame. Trubisky ended up playing four seasons in Chicago, starting 50 out of 51 games, including 12 starts his rookie season.

During Trubisky’s second season in the league he made the pro bowl after leading the Bears to a 12-4 record.

Despite heading into the playoffs as one of the favorite teams, Trubisky and the Bears fell just short 16-15 to the 10-6 Philadelphia Eagles. Regardless of the loss, Trubisky still played decent enough for a win in that game, completing 26 out of 43 passes for 303 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions.

The next two seasons were followed by mediocrity, with fans pointing blame at both Trubisky and former Bears coach Matt Nagy. The Bears and Trubisky split following the 2020 season with the former UNC QB finding a new home in Buffalo, playing back up to Josh Allen.

After one season with the Bills, Trubisky signed a two-year contract with the Steelers looking for a fresh start in an open competition spot for QB. More than likely Pittsburgh will sit Pickett for at least a season, leaving the competition coming down to Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. Despite Rudolph’s three years on the team, the time he did see action he was average at best, tossing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 games.

As it stands, Trubisky has been winning the QB battle in training camp so far, taking first team snaps. This is the Tar Heel’s opportunity to prove he was worth the second overall pick after all.

Bobby Frasor steps down as head coach at Brother Rice

Former UNC basketball guard Bobby Frasor announced he is stepping down as head coach at Brother Rice HS after seven seasons as head coach.

Former UNC basketball guard [autotag]Bobby Frasor[/autotag] announced over the weekend that he would be stepping down from his position as the head coach of Brother Rice (IL) high school.

Frasor was brought back to his alma mater in 2015 after starring at Brother Rice from 2001-05. He earned McDonald’s All-American honors as a senior.

In his seven seasons as head coach, Frasor combined for an overall record of 143-56 and won two regional titles. This past season, Brother Rice finished 24-7 overall.

Both of Frasor’s regional titles came within the first three seasons. He had turned around a program that was just 26-32 in the two years before he was hired.

“I obviously loved my time at Brother Rice and had an unbelievable seven years at the school and with the kids I had there,” Frasor said. “It was a fun, fun ride. But ultimately I have to do what’s best for myself and future family. Other opportunities presented themselves and I just had to make the change at this time.”

Frasor won at least 19 games every season expect for the 2020-21 year which was shortened due to Covid. He led Brother Rice to a 13-1 record that season. There were four seasons of at least 20 wins.
Frasor played four years at UNC and was part of the 2009 National Championship team. He later played two seasons overseas before returning to UNC as a video coordinator. He also served as the Director of Operations at UAB before taking the Brother Rice job.
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UNC trasnfer Matt Keating signs with New York Yankees

After joining the Diamond Heels a few weeks ago through transfer, Matt Keating will be forgo his Carolina journey and start his MLB one.

UNC has lost another Diamond Heel to MLB with transfer pitcher [autotag]Matt Keating[/autotag] being selected in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Earlier this month it was announced that USC’s right-handed pitcher Keating would be suiting up in Carolina blue threads, however, after a call from the pros, he’s heading to the Big Apple.  The 21-year-old relief pitcher has signed with the New York Yankees after getting drafted by the team in the ninth round of the MLB draft.

As the 280th overall pick, Keating also received a $122,500 signing bonus as he is expected to work his way through the farm system before hitting the mound on the main stage.

The Nebraska native spent just one year with the Trojans, appearing in only 24 games. In those 24 games, Keating pitched 30 innings for seven saves, 44 strike outs and a 3.60 ERA. Working his way up through the rankings will not be anything new for Keating. Before becoming a Trojan last season, he was pitching on the community college level with the Storm of Southeast Community College.

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Brady Manek inks deal with Perth Wildcats, Australia’s top team

Former UNC basketball forward Brady Manek has reportedly signed a deal overseas with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian NBL.

A fan favorite in Chapel Hill and former UNC basketball standout forward [autotag]Brady Manek[/autotag] has inked a deal to continue his playing career professionally.

Manek, who played just one season for the Tar Heels after transferring from Oklahoma, has signed with the Perth Wildcats. The Wildcats are the most successful team in the NBL — the highest professional league in Australia. They have 10 championships, winning six since 2010.

Before signing with the Perth Wildcats, Manek played for the Charlotte Hornets in the 2022 NBA Summer League this summer.

Manek will join the Wildcats as they prepare for their season opener on October 2.

In his lone season with UNC, Manek averaged averaged 15.1 points per game this season while shooting 40.3 percent from three — both career highs. He also chipped in 6.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game — also a career-high.

Manek went on to be named the Riley Wallace Award recipient for the 2021-22 season, which is given to the nation’s top impact transfer.

During North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament run, Manek averaged 18.1 points per game while shooting 47.8 percent from three on 7.7 attempts per game. He also added 8.2 rebounds per game.

Though his North Carolina career was short, it was one that will always be remembered.

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Report: Multiple teams interested in former UNC pitcher Daniel Bard

Former UNC baseball pitcher Daniel Bard is a hot name as the MLB trade deadline approaches, with multiple teams reported to be interested.

Former UNC baseball player [autotag]Daniel Bard[/autotag] is in the midst of a terrific season for the Colorado Rockies and could be an interesting name around the MLB trade deadline.

With the trade deadline approaching on Aug. 2, multiple teams are reported to have interest in the 37-year-old pitcher.

Bard joined the Rockies back in 2017 after a short retirement and has now blossomed into great form. Bard has 21 saves and a career-best 1.91 era this season in 37 appearances.

He has spent the past three years with the Rockies and has seen basically half of his saves over that span come this year.

Bard was selected in the first round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox. While Bard didn’t make the NL All-Star roster this year, he is clearly someone that teams recognize as a potential asset as the playoff push begins for numerous organizations.

With just a few days before the deadline, this is one Tar Heel to follow.

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Former UNC standout Ty Lawson joining Big3 league

Former UNC basketball standout guard Ty Lawson is joining the Big3 league after playing overseas for the past few seasons.

Despite being out the the NBA for nearly five years, former UNC basketball standout guard [autotag]Ty Lawson[/autotag] is back playing in the United States.

No, it’s not in the NBA, but he’ll be joining the Big3 League. Announced this week, Lawson will join the ‘Ball Hogs’ for this weeks game.

The 34-year-old has played in China, Greece and Tunisia since his last stint in the NBA.

Prior to his time overseas, Lawson played in 2018 for the Washington Wizards in the playoffs. He averaged 5.8 points and 3.0 assists in 19.2 minutes per game.

In eight NBA seasons, Lawson has career averages of 12.7 points and 6.0 assists per game. He has played with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Sacremento Kings and the Indiana Pacers.

Lawson was a former first-round draft pick by the Denver Nuggets, selected No. 18 overall in 2009.

His best season came in the 2013-14 season when he averaged a career-best 17.6 points per game to go along with 8.8 assists per game. He also averaged a career-high 1.6 steals.

Lawson was part of the NCAA Champion 2009 UNC basketball team. In his three years at North Carolina, he played in 105 games and averaged 13.1 points and 5.8 assists per game.

He was a consensus Second-Team All-American in 2009 to go along with First-Team All-ACC, ACC Player of the Year and the Bob Cousy Award winner.

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Davis Palermo selected in 2022 MLB draft

Diamond Heel’s right-hand pitcher Davis Palermo has been selected in the MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies in the 8th round.

UNC baseball pitcher [autotag]Davis Palermo[/autotag] has been selected in the 8th round of the MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies.

The 22-year-old, right-hand pitcher joined the Diamond Heels back in 2019, seeing limited time at the mound the previous four season and sitting out his entire freshman season. This past season as a red shirt sophomore, Palermo finished with a 2-2 record with five saves and an ERA of 2.78.

Palermo saw a significant up-tick in time spent on the mound, going from playing in just 17 games the season prior to appearing in 37. Palermo pitched 58.1 innings, throwing 74 strikeouts in the process.

Palermo is set to join former Tar Heel Daniel Bard, to help boost a team that has been looking to build their bullpen for quite some time now.

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Ryan Switzer announces retirement from NFL

Former UNC football standout wide receiver and returner Ryan Switzer announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.

On Monday, former UNC football standout [autotag]Ryan Switzer[/autotag] announced he has retired from the NFL.

The former Tar Heel wide receiver played in 41 games across three seasons in the NFL. He played one year with the Dallas Cowboys and two with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He last played in live-game action in 2019.

Switzer had been on the Cleveland Browns roster for the last two years but did not see live-game action. He suffered multiple injuries over the last few years that continued to set him back.

Switzer made his announcement via Twitter on Monday morning.

During his time at UNC, Switzer set multiple records. He holds programs records in career receptions (244) and yards (2,907).

Switzer was also a dynamic returner, scoring five punt return touchdowns and earning All-American honors as a freshman. He ended his career with a program record seven return touchdowns. That is also fourth best in NCAA Division 1 history.

After his UNC career was up, Switzer was selected in the fourth round by the Cowboys in 2017.

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Former UNC forward Kennedy Meeks signs new deal overseas

Former UNC basketball big man Kennedy Meeks is signing a deal to play professionally in the Dominican Republic.

Former UNC basketball forward [autotag]Kennedy Meeks[/autotag] is on the move this offseason and has signed a new deal overseas.

Marineros de Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic, announced that it has signed Meeks to a deal. Marineros de Puerto Plata plays in the Liga Nacional de Balonesto which is the main division in the Dominican Republic professional basketball league.

Meeks played last season in France averaging 7.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 25 appearances.

The former Tar Heel has played four years overseas after a one-year stint in the NBA G-League for the Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors affiliate.

Meeks played four seasons for UNC, playing a key role for the Tar Heels’ 2017 National Championship winning team. He averaged 10.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his 144 career games in Chapel Hill.

Marineros de Puerto Plata is 14 games into its season, currently holding a 6-8 record.

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