All Tar Heels

Two UNC Basketball Products Look to Help Nets Win Third Straight

Former UNC basketball players Cam Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe have been consistent producers for Brooklyn.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball forward Cam Johnson (John Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
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The Brooklyn Nets (8-8), whose regular rotation includes two UNC basketball talents in starter Cam Johnson and backup big man Day'Ron Sharpe, have hovered around .500 all season. On Tuesday night, they'll try to get above that mark again when they host the Toronto Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Johnson, a former two-year Tar Heel forward after transferring from Pitt in 2017, played Brooklyn's season opener but then missed seven straight outings while recovering from a calf injury.

In his eight games since, including the Nets' most recent two-game home win streak against the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, the 27-year-old Johnson has tallied double-digit points all but once. He's averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 29.6 minutes per game.

As for the 22-year-old Sharpe, the 2020-21 UNC basketball one-and-done came up one point and one rebound shy of a double-double against the Bulls. That would've marked his third double-double off the bench this season.

He's played in every game.

Through those 16 outings, Sharpe is averaging 6.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 15.1 minutes per contest, shooting 54.7 percent from the field.

Brooklyn is the only team this season with two NBA Tar Heels on its roster. Interestingly, that roster also includes a pair of former Duke basketball one-and-done players in Harry Giles and Dariq Whitehead, although neither of them sees as much playing time as Cam Johnson or Day'Ron Sharpe.

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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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