Category: Tar Heels in the pros

Sam Howell and Javonte Williams swap jerseys following week 2 game

Former Tar Heels Sam Howell and Javonte Williams share a special moment following Washington’s comeback win over the Denver Broncos.

It has been quite the journey for Sam Howell and Javonte Williams, two Tar Heels whose paths to the NFL went differently but still ended up on the same field playing against one another in week two of the NFL.

Howell was looked at as a top draft pick before his stock sunk, seeing ACC QB Kenny Pickett steal the spotlight on draft day. Howell dropped to the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, landing in Washington.

Meanwhile, Williams, drafted a year prior, was not the first running back drafted, with the Pittsburgh Steelers elected to go with Najee Harris and the Jaguars going with Travis Etienne in the first round. However, unlike Howell, the powerful, shifty Williams would be the first running back taken in the second round with the 35th overall pick by Denver.

Both had a tough start to their careers; Williams looked great to start before a season-ending injury that caused him to miss 13 games in the 2022 season. Meanwhile, Howell would await his debut, while Washington played QB shuffle between Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke his rookie year.

It is safe to say it played out well for the Tar Heels. Howell was named the starter and has looked every bit of what he did at UNC, leading Washington to 2-0. While on the flip slide, Williams returned to the Broncos and has not looked like he has missed a step, still playing like a human bulldozer.

The Two Tar Heels met after Washington’s win over the Broncos, where they swapped jerseys, with Williams leaving a message for Howell.

It is safe to say it has worked out for both Howell and Williams. Howell is finally getting the respect he earned, and Williams is back looking healthy after a scary injury.

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Theo Pinson shares story on how he got his offer from UNC

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Theo Pinson shares how he got a scholarship offer from Roy Williams.

Former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Theo Pinson [/autotag]has made a name for himself on and off the court.

As the host of Your Race podcast by Tidal League, Pinson has had guests sharing their journey and breaking down moments in their careers. In a recent snippet, Pinson detailed how he got recruited to play for UNC and how that opened the floodgates for more offers.

Pinson was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 1 in North Carolina. So, hearing the former Tar Heel talk about how he got to that level was eye-opening.

 

Pinson appeared in 122 games in four seasons with UNC, starting all 37 games his senior year. In the 2016-2017 season, Pinson helped the Tar Heels cut the nets down in the National Championship game, finishing with six points and nine rebounds in the 71-65 win over Gonzaga.

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Social Media reacts to Vince Carter’s dunk mixtape that went viral

Social Media reacts to former Tar Heel Vince Carter’s dunk mixtape.

There is no denying that Former Tar Heel [autotag]Vince Carter[/autotag] is one of the greatest dunkers of all time, and just in case you forgot, social media reminded fans Tuesday night.

Known as half-man half-amazing, Carter’s highlight dunks were put together in a package showcasing his most extraordinary attacks to the rim. The package was put on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, with fans acknowledging and showing gratitude for Carter’s highlight reel.

The video has garnered over 1.8M views in two days, with over 4k reposts, 1k bookmarks, and 500+ responses.

The highlight reel displayed the greatness to come out of UNC as fans started to crown Carter as the greatest dunker of all time. Carter went on to have an NBA-record 22-year career and currently works as an analyst.

Let us look at how social media reacted to Vince Carter’s highlight dunk package.

Former Tar Heel Andrew Platek signs first professional contract

Former Tar Heel basketball player Andrew Platek (2017-2021) signed his first pro contract over the weekend with an Azerbaijani club.

He didn’t play much in Chapel Hill, but Andrew Platek was one of the more valuable bench pieces for the UNC men’s basketball team in recent years.

Platek played at Carolina from the 2017-2018 campaign to the 2020-2021 season. He saw the most playing time in his junior campaign, averaging 17.9 minutes, 3.9 points and 1.4 assists per game in nine starts.

Platek brought some much-needed perimeter shooting during his final season in Chapel Hill, making 18 3-pointers (fourth on the team). He drained at least one perimeter shot in 15 games.

Still having some eligibility left, Platek transferred to Siena and played two graduate years. He started all 32 games last year, averaging 10.4 points per game for a Saints squad that lost its final six games.

Not even six months removed from college basketball, Platek just signed his first professional contract – with Azerbaijani club Sabah BK Baku.

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According to the official website of Platek’s new team, he’ll see his first game action on Monday, Oct. 2 against Dutch basketball club Gronigen.

It’s always exciting to see former Tar Heels suit up professionally, whether that be in the NBA, Canada, Mexico or overseas. Hopefully for Platek, he’ll continue his productive trend like his final year at Siena.

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Rashad McCants believes his Lebanese team has a chance against the Nuggets

Social media reacts to Rashad McCants believing his Lebanese team has a chance against current NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

Former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Rashad McCants[/autotag] is back trending on social media after he claimed his former overseas Lebanese team has a chance against current NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

The debate started on the No Chill podcast with Gilbert Arenas with McCants, Josiah Johnson, and Brandon Jennings talking about Noah Lyles’s comments about NBA teams being called world champions.

Arenas aligned with the NBA, having the best players on this planet, fitting the world champion title. Well, McCants felt different about Arenas crowing NBA players the best, sparking a debate on international players vs. those in the NBA.

The hilarious clip garnered significant attention as McCant’s name started to appear in tweets throughout the night. The “We have a chance” comment is funny because it comes on the heels of McCants stating that Gregg Popovich is not a good head coach.

Enough back story: let us look at how social media reacted to McCants believing his Lebanese team has a chance against current NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

Theo Pinson shuts down the Best Hoop State debate with three words

Former Tar Heel Theo Pinson debates Spencer Dinwiddie on Tidal League’s Run Your Race podcast on which State has the best hoopers.

Former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Theo Pinson[/autotag] is in the lab podding, sparking up debates, and he might have put the nail in a coffin for one question that has lived in barbershops nationwide.

Which State produces the best hoopers?

Pinson had NBA player Spencer Dinwiddie on his podcast Run Your Race by Tidal League. The two players debated which State is home to the best hoopers based on notable names and success from that region.

Dinwiddie went with California as the best hoop state, even taking a jab at Pinson’s obvious pick, North Carolina. Pinson, who bleeds NC pride, said three words that put the best hoop State debate to bed.

There is no denying that this debate will stand the test of time as players continue to get better. However, there is no denying that North Carolina is home to the most outstanding player to pick up a basketball.

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Chazz Surratt makes final cut for the New York Jets

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Chazz Surratt appears to have made the final 53-man roster for the New York Jets.

After an impressive preseason performance, former Tar Heel [autotag]Chazz Surratt[/autotag] appears to have made the final 53-man roster for the New York Jets.

It looks like Surratt has found his new home, with multiple reports believing Surratt did enough to make the final cut after he was seen at the Jets practice Tuesday. Surratt joined the Jets last season but has become a fan favorite this off-season, largely thanks to his play on the field and appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks.

In two games played this preseason, Surratt mustered up seven tackles and an interception that made it onto Hard Knocks.

Surratt was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round with the 78th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

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New York Giants cut former Tar Heel Tomon Fox

The New Giants cut former Tar Heel Tomon Fox ahead of the final 53-men roster.

The New York Giants are parting ways with former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Tomon Fox[/autotag], per Giants beat reporter Dan Duggan.

The football season is eight days away, so NFL GMs and Coaches are cutting their rosters to a final 53-man roster. Last season, Fox joined the NY Giants as an undrafted free agent, making waves around social media after making a highlight tackle to force a fumble in the preseason.

If another team does not pick up Fox, he will likely return to New York with the practice squad.

Fox appeared in 16 of 17 games last year, starting in the final game for the New York Giants. In those games, Fox finished with 24 tackles, three for loss, and one sack.

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WATCH: Michael Busch hits his first Major League homer

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Michael Busch delivers his first major league homer Thursday night for the LA Dodgers.

Former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Michael Busch[/autotag] has hit his first major league homer, giving Dodger fans a glimpse of what is to come.

Busch has been lights out in the minors, bouncing back and forth between the LA Dodgers and their Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City Dodgers. Busch has 114 hits, 82 RBI, and 24 home runs this season for OKC.

After another call-up to the Majors, Busch took advantage of the spotlight; in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians, he blasted the ball to centerfield for a monstrous home run to break the 2-2 tie.

Busch has been the ideal rookie for the Dodgers. At 25 years old, Busch has shown the ability to make the play when it matters most while showing a consistent bat.

In 17 games with the Dodgers, Busch has mustered ten hits, six RBI, and now a homer.

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Social media reacts to Michael Jordan weighing in on the greatest PG debate

Social media reacts to Michael Jordan weighing in on who the better point guard is between Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson.

Social media was in a frenzy the last few days debating whether Magic Johnson or Stephen Curry was the greatest point guard in N.B.A. history.

Former Tar Heel [autotag]Michael Jordan[/autotag], who holds the popular vote for the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.), weighed in on who he thinks is the better point guard.

This morning on ESPN’s first take, sports analysis Stephen A. Smith said the former Tar Heel reached out to him via text, sticking with the player he had seen dominate during his playing days. Jordan picking Johnson is not a big surprise, especially when going through the decades of Jordan praising Johnson.

Well, that sound bite has made its waves on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, with fans debating the two guards’ impact on the game. Some questioned the reliability of the text, while others felt Jordan’s input prevented any Curry vs. Magic debate from continuing.

Let us see how social media reacted to Jordan weighing in on the greatest point guard of all time debate.