How Many UNC Players Are in the NBA?

A comprehensive list of every player from the University of North Carolina who is currently in the NBA.

Introduction

Since the ABA/NBA merger in 1976, there have been 50 players who have played at least one game in the NBA after attending the University of North Carolina. That number is good for fourth most of any college, behind only UCLA, Kentucky, and Duke. Here is a list of those 50 players, along with the seasons they spent in the NBA:

History of the University of North Carolina and the NBA

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding in 1789. UNC has produced many great basketball players over the years, including Michael Jordan and James Worthy. In fact, UNC has had more players drafted into the NBA than any other college basketball program.

The University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina (UNC) is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. UNC has produced more NBA players than any other school, with over 200 Tar Heels currently playing in the league. UNC’s success is due in large part to the exceptional coaching of Dean Smith, who led the Tar Heels to two NCAA Championships and eight Final Fours during his 36-year tenure.

The NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. It is widely considered to be the premier men’s professional basketball league in the world. The NBA is an active member of USA Basketball (USAB), which is recognized by FIBA (also known as the International Basketball Federation) as the national governing body for basketball in the United States.

The league was founded in New York City on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). It changed its name to the National Basketball Association on August 3, 1949, after merging with the National Basketball League (NBL). The NBA’s several international as well as individual team offices are directed out of its head offices located in the Olympic Tower at 645 Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

As of July 2020, NBA players come from 42 states and territories, and 43 countries outside the United States. The Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks are the only two NBA teams with no foreign-born players on their rosters. African-American players made up 74% of the league in 2020, while Caucasians made up 20%.

How Many UNC Players Are in the NBA?

The University of North Carolina has produced some of the best basketball players in the country. Many of these players have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA. So, how many UNC players are currently in the NBA?

Current UNC players in the NBA

There are currently eleven UNC players in the NBA. That includes two players who were drafted in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft: Cole Anthony ( Orlando Magic) and Theo Maledon (Oklahoma City Thunder).

The other nine UNC players in the NBA are:
-Cameron Johnson (Phoenix Suns)
-Nassir Little (Portland Trail Blazers)
-Reggie Bullock (New York Knicks)
-Tony Bradley (Utah Jazz)
-Justin Jackson (Dallas Mavericks)
-Kenny Williams (Los Angeles Clippers)
-Joel Berry II (Washington Wizards)
-Theo Pinson (New York Knicks)
-Shamorie Ponds (Houston Rockets, two-way contract)

Former UNC players in the NBA

As of the 2019-2020 NBA season, there are 10 former UNC players in the NBA. They are:
-Tyler Hansbrough
-Marvin Williams
-Harrison Barnes
-Danny Green
-Reggie Bullock
-Wayne Ellington
-John Henson
-Leslie McDonald
-J.P. Tokoto
-David West

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is difficult to say how many UNC players are in the NBA because there is no definitive answer. The best estimate is that there are between 20 and 30 players from UNC who are currently playing in the NBA.