Former West Virginia big man James Okonkwo, who committed Thursday to transfer to Carolina, begins play Friday at the FIBA U20 European Championships.
UNC gets front-court depth with West Virginia transfer Okonkwo
West Virginia junior 6–8 forward James Okonkwo has committed to North Carolina, giving the Tar Heels needed front-court depth. Okonkwo, who led the Mountaineers with 22 blocks last season while shooting 57.4% from the floor, announced his decision Thursday on social media.
Kelly collects 10 points, 7 assists, is team-high +45 in USA rout of Cuba
UNC senior guard Deja Kelly was on her game, and so was the USA as the Americans rebounded from a loss the day before with a resounding victory. Kelly collected 10 points and a team-high seven assists and was a team-high +45 as the United States rolled to a 106–44 victory over Cuba at Domo de la Feria in León, Mexico, in its final pool play game at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
With deep roster, Banghart focuses on team, knows she can’t keep everybody happy
With one of the country’s most talented and deep rosters but only so much playing time to go around, UNC coach Courtney Banghart is focused on making her program the best it can be, rather than worrying about who might hit the transfer portal.
Veteran Brazil team pulls upset on tough day for USA, Kelly
It was a challenging Fourth of July at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup for a United States team that faced another team full of older professional players, this time Brazil. The No. 13-ranked Brazilians were in control for most of the game and beat the No. 1-ranked Americans 67–54 at Domo de la Feria in León, Mexico, to snap the USA’s 19-game win streak in the competition.
Set your DVR for some memorable UNC victories to air on ACC Network
If you enjoy watching Carolina win a national championship, beat Duke and N.C. State, Armando Bacot make history and Drake Maye work his magic, set your DVR for Carolina takeover day Saturday on the ACC Network. Each conference school has one takeover day as the network replays the biggest victories aired on ESPN channels during the last school year during “ACC Network School Takeover.” It began Saturday with Wake Forest and ends July 15 with Boston College.
Manek joins Atlanta Hawks team in NBA Summer League
Brady Manek will play for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Summer League with another chance to prove he belongs in the NBA. Manek, who played for the Charlotte Hornets in last season’s Summer League, will be part of a 15-team Atlanta roster that includes former Duke guard A.J. Griffin, former N.C. State guard Jarkel Joiner and former Florida State forward Mfiondu Kabengele.
Deja Kelly, USA overcome challenge from older Argentina team to win
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.
Black, Nance, Manek, Brooks in Summer League, with Black playing Monday; where to watch
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.
Deja Kelly, USA roll by Venezuela in AmeriCup opener
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.
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