All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Champ Catches Fire in G League, Hits Game-Winner

Three UNC basketball teammates are contributors for the same G League team.

Matt Giles

Photo: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Justin Jackson has played 278 NBA regular-season games since getting drafted at No. 15 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. But the former UNC basketball forward, a national champion in his junior year with the Tar Heels before turning pro early, is not on a 2023-24 NBA roster.

That said, the 28-year-old Jackson, who should be in his athletic prime, has been prolific and efficient this season with the Texas Legends, the G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.

Through his 13 outings, the 28-year-old Houston native is averaging 21.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and only 1.1 turnovers in 34.5 minutes per game. He's shooting 50.3 percent from the field, 46.2 from downtown, and 92.6 percent at the line.

On Sunday, Justin Jackson put his hot hand on full display. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound versatile bucket-getter tallied 35 points and nine rebounds in a 115-111 home victory over the Austin Spurs. He was 7-for-8 beyond the arc.

And one of Jackson's 3-point makes, a deep swish to break a 111-111 tie with 7.8 ticks remaining on the clock, turned out to be the game-winning basket for the Legends.

The Texas roster includes two more 2017 UNC basketball champs: one-and-done center Tony Bradley and former four-year Tar Heel forward Theo Pinson.

Bradley, a starter alongside Jackson, finished with four points and four boards on Sunday. Pinson chipped in 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and one block in his 29 minutes off the bench.

Former UNC Guard Extends Record-Setting Streak From Deep

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com 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