Tag: Proheels

Highlights of former Tar Heels in action in Week 5 of the NFL season

Look at what some of your favorite Tar Heels did in the NFL this past weekend in week five of NFL action.

The National Football League is in full force as week six creeps up, but before we get there, we must acknowledge some Tar Heels who stood out this past weekend.

Week five started wrong for former UNC running back Javonte Williams, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear. The explosive back had earned the starting spot for this season while splitting half the workload with backup Melvin Gordon.

This weekend was better for other Tar Heels as Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown scored his first NFL touchdown and followed up with his second in the same game. New York Jets running back Michael Carter also crossed the goal line twice in his team’s 40-17 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Not only did former offensive Tar Heels have a great showing, Washington’s linebacker Cole Holcomb filled up the stat sheet in the 21-17 loss to Tennessee. Holcomb finished with 15 total tackles on Sunday, and one was a tackle for loss.

As we prepare for another week in the NFL, we look at some vital moments from Tar Heels in week six.

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Nassir Little eyeing starting small forward role with Portland Trail Blazers

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Nassir Little is in the mix to become the starting small forward for the Portland Trail Blazers.

The National Basketball Association has started preseason action, and one Tar Heel could be leaping the starting five.

The Portland TrailBlazers are looking to crack the championship code, and former UNC basketball player [autotag]Nassir Little[/autotag] is in the mix to start for the team. Little enters his fourth NBA season, all with Portland, the team that drafted him in the 2019 NBA draft with the 20th overall pick.

Little emerged as a valuable contributor to Portland’s game plan in year three, seeing an average of 25.9 minutes of action per game versus the 13.3 his second season. Along with the increase in minutes, Little saw an uptick in production, averaging 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds versus the 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds a season prior.

Now, as he embraces his fourth year with the franchise, Little could see another uptick in action as a starter. Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin spoke to the media, saying that the small forward position will be an open competition listing Josh Hart, Justice Winslow, Gary Payton II, and Little.

When Little spoke on media day about the possibility of becoming a starter, he was all smiling.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Little continued, “my first three years have been a steady progression; now, being in the conversation for being the potential starting small forward is one of the only things I can ask for.”

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Cole Anthony looking to change the narrative for the Orlando Magic

Former Tar Heel Cole Anthony shined at media day as he spoke about the Orlando Magic and his growth this off-season.

The National Basketball Association is near, which means their annual media day is here, and getting in on some of that fun is former Tar Heel [autotag]Cole Anthony[/autotag].

Anthony will enter his third season with the Orlando Magic, becoming a vital part of their young core. Antony was a one-and-done at UNC, and despite his injury-riddled season, he was still drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Anthony has made significant strides in his first to the second year with Orlando, boosting his points per game from 12.9 to 16.3. He also increased his assist average from 4.1 to 5.7 and rebounded from 4.7 to 5.4.

The former Tar Heel has been a stat sheet stuffer in the NBA with games that flirted with triple-doubles. His best game came last season when Anthony led Orlando past the New York Knicks 110-104, finishing with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists.

As he embarks on year three, he talks about the Magic gaining some respect on media day.

“I think most teams look at us as the laughing stock of the league,” Anthony said. “I think we gonna change the narrative.”

Anthony also spoke about his new diet, hiring a chef this off-season to avoid the nagging injuries with the goal of playing all 82 games this season.

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Cam Johnson ready for starting role with Suns

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams confirms that Cam Johnson will start this NBA season.

The National Basketball Association season is off to an excellent start for former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Cam Johnson[/autotag] after being named the starter.

Monty Williams named Johnson the Phoenix Suns starting power with Jae Crowder set to find a new playing destination. Despite not being a regular starter for the Suns, they have counted on Johnson, giving him valuable minutes in the rotation the past three seasons.

Last year, Johnson averaged 12.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 26 minutes of action per game. Johnson’s best quality has been his three-point shot, shooting at 42% behind the arch last season, an uptick from his 39% career average.

Phoenix has been a top contender in the western conference the last two seasons, making the finals two years ago.

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Day’Ron Sharpe is ready to compete in Brooklyn

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Day’Ron Sharpe participates in Brooklyn Nets media day as he prepares for the upcoming season.

The National Basketball Association is almost here as teams have kicked off their annual media day.

Former Tar Heel [autotag]Day’Ron Sharpe[/autotag] will be entering his second year in the NBA as a member of the Brooklyn nets with an uptick of minutes expected. This off-season hasn’t been the easiest for Sharpe, with the unknown of whether or not the star duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving rumored to want out.

Those rumors created a bunch of different trade scenarios that included Sharpe’s name in a few. However, eventually, those rumors went to bed with the star duo returning, and Sharpe in trade packages began to disappear.

Sharpe talked to the media about his expectations for the upcoming season, with staying ready as the focal point.

“If I gotta play more minutes, I’m ready,” Sharpe said. “I’ve been working out all summer every day non-stop, so whatever my time is, I’m ready to compete.”

Last season, Sharpe appeared in 32 games, averaging 12.2 minutes, 6.2 points, and five rebounds per game. Sharpe’s best season game came in the 138-112 win over Chicago, where he finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and one block.

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Former Tar Heel Michael Russell named to Atlantic League All-defense team

Former UNC baseball shortstop Michael Russell was named to the Atlantic League All-defensive team as his team battles for a championship.

Former North Carolina shortstop [autotag]Michael Russell[/autotag] has made waves on the professional scene, being named to the 2022 Atlantic league All-defensive team.

Russell was drafted in the 5th round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014. Since then, the Tar Heel had spent time in the minors splitting time at second and third base.

After five seasons in the Rays development farm playing with four different teams and spending a year on the disabled list, Russell was released by the Rays in 2019.

Since then, Russell has been a vital member of the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League. This season he’s started 98 games, helping get the Rockers to a playoff berth. This season, Russell has played mistake-free with a fielding percentage of .975, earning his All-defensive team honors.

On Wednesday, Russell and the Rockers will be back in action at 6:35 P.M for game two of their Atlantic league championship series.

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Highlights of former Tar Heels in action in Week 3 of the NFL season

Look at what some of your favorite Tar Heels did in the NFL this past weekend in week three of NFL action.

The National Football League has wrapped up week three, and some Tar Heels significantly impacted their teams’ outcomes.

North Carolina has become more prominent in the NFL, giving UNC fans plenty to cheer about this weekend. Some players are looking to keep their starting roles, like quarterback Mitch Trubisky in Pittsburgh and New York Jets running back Michael Carter.

Some former Tar Heels continue to make a name for themselves, like Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams and Houston Texans defensive back M.J Stewart. Meanwhile, Las Vegas wide receiver Mack Hollins delivered his best game yet.

As we prepare for another crazy week in the NFL, we look at some vital moments from Tar Heels in week three.

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Highlights of former Tar Heels in action in Week 2 of the NFL season

Look at what some of your favorite Tar Heels did in the NFL this past weekend in week two of NFL action.

There was no North Carolina football this weekend. However, some former Tar Heels did make a splash on the pro level.

As the NFL entered week two, some UNC players had already hit their groove while others looked to get more established on their teams. In Pittsburgh, quarterback Mitch Trubisky made his second start, meanwhile running back Michael Carter looked to keep his lead spot for the New York Jets.

Week two also saw many former North Carolina players explode for significant gains, like running back Javonte Williams with the Denver Broncos.

There were some critical defensive plays as well from some UNC players like Robert Quinn, bringing the heat to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. A week where UNC players thrived on both sides of the ball.

As NFL week three is on the horizon, we look at some Heels who made impactful plays in week 2.

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