All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Product Lands Among Three Finalists for Major NBA Award

Former UNC basketball star Coby White is still in contention for the NBA Most Improved Player Award.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball guard Coby White
Former UNC basketball guard Coby White / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
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It should come as no surprise that voters included fifth-year Chicago Bulls guard and former UNC basketball one-and-done sensation Coby White as one of the three finalists on Sunday for this year's Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award. Nevertheless, landing in that group is an impressive honor in itself, even if the 24-year-old from Goldsboro, N.C., doesn't end up taking home the hardware.

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The other two finalists are Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey and Houston Rockets forward Alperen Sengun.

As for the announcement of the winner, that date remains unknown. On Tuesday night, TNT will begin revealing the recipients of the league's seven regular season awards — also including Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Clutch Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year — and continue to do so throughout its coverage of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

White, who came off the board No. 7 overall to the Bulls at the 2019 NBA Draft, averaged career-highs with his 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for a 2023-24 Chicago Bulls squad that finished 39-43 in the regular season and fell one Play-In Tournament win shy of reaching the NBA Playoffs. The ever-improving professional bucket-getter's scoring average nearly doubled the 9.7 points per game he posted in 2022-23.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more updates on Tar Heels in the pro ranks and UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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