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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Former UNC wing Andrew Platek off to good start at Siena

Former UNC basketball wing Andrew Platek is off to good start this season with Siena, a year removed from tearing his Achilles.

Former UNC basketball wing Andrew Platek is off to a good start for Siena this season, following a return from injury .

Platek saw action in just five games last season for Siena before tearing his Achilles in December. He missed the rest of the season after averaging 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds.

Now, two games into his final season, Platek is averaging 14 points and shooting 50 percent from three (5-of-10).

“I feel really good,” Platek said earlier this summer. “I’m getting stronger every day. I’m itching to compete again.”

Platek appeared in 124 games at North Carolina averaging 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10.5 minutes over four seasons.

The 6-foot-4 guard committed to UNC over programs like offers from numerous colleges including Indiana, Stanford and Miami. He was part of the 2017 recruiting class.

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