All Tar Heels

Former UNC Basketball Forward Finds Groove in San Antonio

UNC basketball pro Harrison Barnes is fitting in well as a first-year Spur.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball forward Harrison Barnes
Former UNC basketball forward Harrison Barnes / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
In this story:

Former two-year UNC basketball star forward Harrison Barnes, now the oldest active NBA Tar Heel, is in his first season with the San Antonio Spurs after getting traded from the Sacramento Kings in the summer. Now, six games into his 13th professional campaign, all signs say the 32-year-old is beginning to thrive in what is his fourth stop in the league.

ALSO READ: Latest UNC Commit 'Great Fit' for Fellow 2025 Guard

On Saturday night, the career-long NBA starter drew his sixth starting nod as a Spur and helped San Antonio (3-3), featuring the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick in 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama, improve to .500 for the first time this season via a 113-103 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3).

Barnes logged a season-high 38 minutes as the 2024-25 Spurs capped off their first back-to-back victories. He tallied an efficient 14 points, shooting 6-for-10 from the field and 2-for-5 beyond the arc while adding three rebounds, three assists, and one steal. And he did so without committing a single turnover for the second consecutive contest.

The consistent producer from Iowa is now averaging 11.7 points and 3.2 rebounds, shooting 55.3 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from downtown, and 90.9 percent at the charity stripe.

As for the San Antonio Spurs' other UNC basketball product, rookie forward Harrison Ingram is on a two-way contract and currently with the team's G League affiliate. The 21-year-old hasn't made his NBA regular season debut.

ALSO READ: UNC Talent Coby White Reaches Big Career Milestone

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

Published
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.

Home/Basketball