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Carolina senior guard Deja Kelly and her USA teammates went from an easy victory in their Women’s AmeriCup opener Saturday to a battle Sunday. One day after trouncing Venezuela by 24 points, the Americans trailed in the third quarter but pulled away late for a 65–56 victory over Argentina at Domo de la Feria in León, Mexico, for their 19th consecutive AmeriCup victory. While it was the USA’s second game in as many days, it was Argentina’s tournament opener.
Leaky Black and Pete Nance start play in the NBA Summer League this week, and every game will be televised. Black, who reportedly signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets, will play six games, while Nance, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, will play five. Both signed with their local teams, with Black growing up in Concord and Nance in Akron, Ohio.
Carolina senior guard Deja Kelly and the United States made it clear Saturday why the Americans are favored to win the FIBA AmeriCup. Kelly started at point guard and collected nine points, three rebounds and four assists as a balanced USA team rolled to an 80–54 victory Saturday over Venezuela in the opener for both teams at Domo de la Feria in León, Mexico, 250 miles northwest of Mexico City.
Senior Carolina guard Deja Kelly and the United States team begin play Saturday at the FIBA AmeriCup in León, Mexico. Some of the most talented college players in the country will seek the USA’s third consecutive gold medal in the 10-team event.
Ian Jackson scored nine points and a pair of 3-pointers as the United States team turned back China 92–69 in the round of 16 at the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary.
North Carolina’s women will play host to perennial power South Carolina and the UNC men’s team will be at home against Tennessee in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge.
Ian Jackson didn’t get into the United States’ game until the second quarter and struggled with his shot but showed his versatility in a 122–70 victory Tuesday over Lebanon at Fönix Arena in Debrecen, Hungary. Jackson led the Americans with five assists, and collected eight points, five rebounds and two steals in 21½ minutes as the team finished FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup Group B pool play 3–0 and dropped Lebanon to 0–3.
With the United States using a tight rotation in a challenging game against Slovenia, five-star Class of 2024 UNC commitment Ian Jackson dealt with foul trouble and got little playing time. In the fourth quarter, the Americans rallied for a 77–72 victory at Fönix Arena in Debrecen, Hungary, in the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup by outscoring Slovenia 25–11.
Coach Courtney Banghart is already off to a good start in trying to lure the best of the Class of 2026 to Carolina after evidently liking what she saw when she traveled to Mérida, Mexico, for the FIBA Women’s U16 Americas Championship. Banghart was there for the start of the event to support five-star guard Lanie Grant, her only Class of 2025 commit, and recruit. Since the American team won the gold medal on Monday, news of Carolina scholarship offers for three of Grant’s USA teammates in the Class of 2026, all five-stars, has been posted on Twitter.
Looking to follow his father’s path, Pete Nance reportedly has signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nance will join the Cavaliers under an Exhibit 10 contract, according to cleveland.com. His father, Larry Nance Jr., played the last seven seasons of his 13-year NBA career in Cleveland and his No. 22 retired is retired.
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