By R.L. Bynum
Several former UNC players are putting up career-high numbers heading into the home stretch of the NBA season coming out of the All-Star break, during which Armando Bacot’s team won the G League Up Next event.
Bacot’s Team Braxton won the championship of the four-team event in San Francisco that featured 10-minute games. His team won 36–32 in the first round, with Bacot — wearing Carolina blue Air Jordans — hitting a 3-pointer and a 30–26 victory in the championship game.
“It was a ton of fun being here,” Bacot told The Commercial Appeal of Memphis. “It’s a different venue than what we’ve played in, but to be able to play in front of all these different fans at the All-Star event, it was a ton of fun.”
Bacot is nearly averaging a double-double for the G League’s Memphis Hustle with 15 points and 9.3 rebounds in 32 games, shooting 44.6% from the floor, 31.8% from 3-point range and 74.3% at the free-throw line. The Hustle is 12th in the Western Conference at 15–19.
Putting up career-high field-goal percentage numbers are San Antonio’s Harrison Barnes (50.2%), Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson (48.8%), and Utah’s Walker Kessler (71.8%). The most impressive is Barnes, considering he is a 13-year veteran.
Cole Anthony has mostly come off the Orlando Magic bench the last couple of seasons, but has started every game he’s played (he missed two because of illness) since Jalen Suggs suffered a quad injury on Jan. 3.
Three of Anthony’s six games this season with at least 20 points have come during that stretch for the Magic, which is seventh in the Eastern Conference at 27–19. He’s averaging 9.2 points a game, but is shooting a career-low from 3-point range (32.5%) and at the free-throw line (78.6%).
He scored 26 points in a loss at Golden State on Feb. 3.
Brooklyn’s season hasn’t gone well, as it is 12th in the Eastern Conference at 20–34, but Johnson’s has been consistently good, other than missing six games with a right ankle sprain.
Johnson is averaging 19.1 points while making 41.3% of his 3-point attempts, 89.4% of his free-throw attempts, and averaging 4.2 rebounds.
That proficiency from outside the arc earned him a spot in the 3 Point Contest during All-Star weekend on Saturday, but he totaled only 14 points and didn’t advance past the first round.
“Just know this is the first of many,” Johnson said in a video posted on social media. “I’ll be back.”
Day’Ron Sharpe, Nic Claxton’s backup at center for Brooklyn, is averaging career-highs of 8.2 points and 1.6 assists while shooting a career-high 77.4% from the free-throw line and pulling down 6.2 rebounds per game.
Sharpe’s best game was 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a 20.3 game score on Jan. 6 against Indiana.
Barnes’ first season in San Antonio hasn’t gone well record-wise, with the Spurs 12th in the Western Conference at 23–29. But, in addition to shooting a career-high percentage from the floor, Barnes is shooting a career-high 41.8% from 3-point range while making 89.7% of his free throws and pulling down 4.2 rebounds per game.
He scored seven 3-pointers and 21 points on Feb. 8 in a loss at Orlando.
Harrison Ingram has only played 11 minutes over two games for San Antonio but has averaged nearly a double-double with 10.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals in the G League for the Austin Spurs.
In addition to his career-high field-goal percentage, Kessler — in his third NBA season — has career-high averages in scoring (11.3 points), rebounding (11.8) and assists (1.5) while averaging 2.4 blocks. He’s started all 42 games he’s played for the 13–41 Utah Jazz, 14th in the Western Conference.
It’s been a rough season for the Chicago Bulls, who are 22–33 and 10th in the Eastern Conference, but Coby White has put up solid numbers in his sixth NBA season.
White has started all 48 games he’s played, playing mostly small forward. He’s averaging 18.2 points and 4.5 assists while making 42.7% of his shots, 37.1% of 3-point attempts and 89.4% of his free-throw attempts.
White collected 27 points and seven 3-pointers in a loss on Feb. 8 at Golden State.
The Bulls, who traded Zach LaVine to Sacramento in a multi-team deal on Feb. 2, are on pace to qualify for the Play-in Tournament for a third consecutive season.
In addition to Bacot and Ingram, five other former Tar Heels are in the G League.
In his second professional season, Leaky Black is shooting career-highs of 48.6% from the floor, 35.6% from 3-point range and 70.6% at the free-throw line, averaging 6.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 27 games. His Capital City Go-Go team is fourth in the Eastern Division at 20–14.
Nassir Little has led the Sioux Falls Skyforce to a 22–12 record, second in the Western Conference. He’s averaging 17 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists while making 48.9% of his field goal attempts, 35% of his 3-point attempts and 81% of his free-throw attempts.
In 21 games, Sterling Manley has averaged 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 62.2% from the floor for the Rip City Remix, which is 10th in the Western Conference at 18–14.
Pete Nance started his season with the Cleveland Charge. After the Cavaliers released him, he signed a two-way contract with Philadelphia and played eight games for Delaware. He re-signed with Cleveland after the 76ers released him and is back with the Charge.
In 18 games, he’s averaging 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 blocks. The Charge is 11th in the Eastern Conference at 15–19.
Cormac Ryan is averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Oklahoma City Blue in 23 games. The Blue is third in the Western Conference at 21–13.
Cole Anthony, Phoenix Suns guard
Age 25 | 6–2, 185 | 6th season | $2.67 million salary | UNC 2019–20 (1 season)
Roster situation — Uncertain
Season statistics — 35 games, 6.7 points, 42.4 FG%, 30.6 3P%, 61.5 FT%, 2.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Team record: 32–22, 7th in Western Conference
Tuesday: 131–115 win with Milwaukee vs. Chicago — 12:14, 4 points, 2–4 FG, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, +12
Hasn’t reported to Phoenix since getting traded.
Next game — 9 p.m. Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City.
Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs forward
Age 33 | 6–7, 225 | 14th season | $19 million salary | UNC 2010–12 (2 seasons)
Roster situation — Starting power forward ahead of Keldon Johnson
Season statistics — 52 games, 10.6 points, 44.0 FG%, 37.6 3P%, 83.9 FT%, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Team record: 37–16, 2nd in Western Conference
Tuesday: 136–108 win at Los Angeles Lakers — Didn’t start; 20:38, 11 points, 4–6 FG, 3–5 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, +20
Next game — 10 p.m. Wednesday at Golden State, ESPN
Tony Bradley, Indiana Pacers center
Age 27 | 6–10, 248 | seventh pro season | UNC 2016–17 (1 season)
Roster situation — Third-string center behind Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson
Season statistics — 38 games, 4.0 points, 55.7 FG%, 0–1 3FG, 74.4 FT%, 2.8 rebounds
Team record: 13–40, 15th in Eastern Conference
Last 10-day contract expired; could return to Pacers later
Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets forward
Age 29 | 6–8, 210 | 7th season | $22.54 million salary | UNC 2017–19 (2 seasons)
Roster situation — Starting small forward ahead of Tim Hardaway Jr.
Season statistics — 30 games, 11.7 points, 47.5 FG%, 43.9 3P%, 81.0 FT%, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Team record: 34–20, 3rd in Western Conference
Saturday: 136–120 win at Chicago — Started; 27:15, 14 points, 6–9 FG, 2–3 3FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 fouls, +21
Monday: 119–117 loss vs. Cleveland — Started; 29:23, 10 points, 4–5 FG, 2–3 3FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 5 fouls, -7
Next game — 9 p.m. Wednesday vs. Memphis
Caleb Love, Portland Trail Blazers guard
Age 24 | 6–3, 212 | Rookie season | Two-way contract | UNC 2020–23 (3 seasons)
Roster situation — Backup point guard behind Deni Avdija/fourth-string 2 guard
Season statistics — 44 games (limited to 50 under his two-way contract), 11.3 points, 39.1 FG%, 31.9 3P%, 73.5 FT%, 2.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Team record: 26–28, 9th in Western Conference
Tuesday: 130–125 loss vs. Phoenix — Didn’t start; 8:20, 0 points, 0–2 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1 turnover, -2
Friday: 135–115 win vs. Memphis — Not active for game
Saturday: 122–115 win vs. Memphis — Didn’t start; 27:14, 17 points 7–18 FG, 3–11 3FG, 1 rebound, season-high 8 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, -3
Monday: 135–118 win vs. Philadelphia — Didn’t play, which pushed his two-way eligibility deadline to Feb. 24
Next game — 8 p.m. Wednesday at Minnesota
Pete Nance, Milwaukee Bucks center
Age 25 | 6–9, 225 | 3rd season | Two-way contract | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
Season G League statistics — 12 games, 19.0 points, 53.7 FG%, 40.3 3P%, 78.9 FT%, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks
Season NBA statistics — 21 games, 5.0 points, 60.9 FG%, 52.6 3P%, 1.9 rebounds, 0.6 of an assist
Team record: 21–30, 12th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 131–115 win vs. Chicago — 27:14, 15 points, 6–8 FG, 3–5 3FG, season-high 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 fouls, +19
Wednesday: 141–137 OT win vs. New Orleans — 18:49; season-high 16 points, 6–9 FG, 4–7 3FG, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 fouls, +4
Friday: 105–99 win vs. Indiana — 18:01, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 1–1 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, -4
Monday: 105–99 win vs. Indiana — 9:35, 5 points, 2–2 FG, 1–1 3FG, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, -3
Next game — 7 p.m. Wednesday at Orlando
Drake Powell, Brooklyn Nets forward
Age 20 | 6–5, 195 | Rookie season | 4-year NBA rookie contract | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Roster situation — Starting shooting guard
Season statistics — 41 games, 6.2 points, 43.4 FG%, 29.8 3FG%, 90.2 FT%, 1.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Team record: 15–37, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 125–109 loss vs. Los Angeles Lakers — Didn’t start; 3:42, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, 1 foul, -6
Thursday: 118–98 loss at Orlando — Didn’t start; 18:59, 6 points, 3–9 FG, 0–4 3FG, 0–1 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, -2
Saturday: 127–113 win vs. Washington — Didn’t start; 22:28, 5 points, 2–7 FG, 1–4 3FG, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 fouls, +24
Monday: 123–115 win vs. Chicago — Didn’t start; 22:53, 14 points, 4–8 FG, 2–5 3FG, 4–4 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, -7
Next game — 7:30 Wednesday vs. Indiana
Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets center
Age 24 | 6–9, 265 | 5th season | $6.25 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)
Roster situation — Backup center behind Nic Claxton
Season statistics — 50 games, 8.3 points, 60.7 FG%, 21.9 3P%, 67.7 FT%, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Team record: 15–37, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 125–109 loss vs. Los Angeles Lakers — Didn’t start; 25:43, 19 points, 9–12 FG,1–1 FT, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnovers, 4 fouls, +14; third double-double of season
Thursday: 118–98 loss at Orlando — Didn’t start; 13:10, 4 points, 2–4 FG, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, -6
Saturday: 127–113 win vs. Washington — Didn’t start; 19:38, 19 points, 9–11 FG, 1–1 FT, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 fouls, +26
Monday: 123–115 win vs. Chicago — Didn’t start; 15:57, 6 points, 2–8 FG, 0–1 3FG, 2–4 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 4 fouls, -7
Next game — 7:30 Wednesday vs. Indiana
Coby White, Charlotte Hornets forward
Age 25 | 6–4, 195 | 7th season | $12.88 million salary | UNC 2018–19 (1 season)
Roster situation — Starting shooting guard ahead of Ayo Dosunmu
Season statistics — 29 games, 18.6 points, 43.8 FG%, 34.6 3PFG, 80.5 FT%, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists
Team record: 25–29, 10th in Eastern Conference
Hasn’t played yet in Charlotte because of a left calf strain
Next game — 7 p.m. Wednesday vs. Atlanta
Out for season
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (torn labrum in left shoulder); season statistics: 5 games, 14.4 points, 70.3 FG%, 75.0 3P%, 70.0 FT%, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks
Leaky Black, Capital City Go-Go (Wizards) guard
Age 26 | 6–6, 209 | 3rd season | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2018–23 (5 seasons)
Season statistics — 32 games, 10.7 points, 46.5 FG%, 37.5 3P%, 68.30 FT%, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 steals
Wednesday: 124–111 loss vs. South Bay Lakers — Started; 33 minutes, 17 points 5–8 FG, 5–7 3FG, 1–1 FT, 4 rebounds, 5 fouls, 2 steals, 1 turnover, -6
Friday: 115–114 win vs. South Bay Lakers — Started; 39 minutes, 2 points, 1–4 FG, 0–1 3FG, 0–1 FT, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +0
Saturday: 122–116 loss vs. Birmingham Squadron — Started; 37 minutes, 10 points, 4–8 FG, 1–4 3FG, 1–3 FT, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 fouls, 2 steals, -10
Next game — 7 p.m. Wednesday at Greensboro Swarm, ESPN+
RJ Davis, South Bay Lakers guard
Age 23 | 6–0, 180 | rookie season | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2020–25 (5 seasons)
Season statistics — 31 games, 19.5 points, 44.8 FG%, 40.6 3P%, 87.1 FT%, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 of a steal
Monday: 137–133 loss at Osceola Magic — Started; 31 minutes, 17 points, 6–15 FG, 2–6 3FG, 1–2 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 fouls, 5 turnovers, -6
Wednesday: 124–111 win at Capital City Go-Go — Started; 31 minutes, 25 points, 9–15 FG, 3–7 3FG, 2–2 FT, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 fouls, 2 turnovers, +7
Friday: 115–114 loss at Capital City Go-Go — Started; 20 points, 6–17 FG, 2–7 3FG, 3–4 FT, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 6 turnovers, 1 block, -8
Next game — 10 p.m. Wednesday vs. San Diego Clippers, ESPN+
Harrison Ingram, Austin Spurs forward
Age 23 | 6–5, 230 | 2nd season | Two-way contract | UNC 2023–24 (1 season)
Season NBA statistics — 3 games, 11 minutes, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 1–1 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, +13
Season G League statistics — 23 games, 14.7 points, 46.9 FG%, 30.8 3P%, 61.2 FT%, 11.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 of a steal
Tuesday: 130–124 win at Iowa Wolves — Started; 36 minutes, 30 points, 13–21 FG, 2–5 3FG, 1–2 FT, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 fouls, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, +3
Next game — Wednesday at Iowa Wolves
Cormac Ryan, Wisconsin Herd (Bucks) guard
Age 26 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Season statistics — 26 games, 19.8 points, 47.7 FG%, 41.0 3P%, 90.0 FT%, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals
Tuesday: 124–110 loss vs. Birmingham Squadron — 31 minutes, 20 points, 7–20 FG, 6–14 3FG, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -17
Next game — 8 p.m. Friday vs. Greensboro Swarm
Photo via @MemphisHustle
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