All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Product Coby White Posterizes Former Duke Star

UNC basketball's Coby White took flight against Duke great Paolo Banchero in Chicago.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball guard Coby White (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
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Coby White's past two outings, both in the Chicago Bulls' losses to the visiting Orlando Magic, were less productive than his previous seven games this month, in which he scored in double figures each time. But the former UNC basketball guard had a memorable moment on Friday night nonetheless.

With the Bulls trailing 89-88 past the midway point of the fourth quarter, the 6-foot-5, 195-pound White received a pass from Zach LaVine in transition. The 23-year-old from Wilson, N.C., had only one man to beat: Paolo Banchero, a former Duke basketball one-and-done and Orlando's reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward.

Instead of shying away from contact by pulling up early for a jumper or passing back out to a trailing teammate, White went for the loud highlight in front of his home crowd. The Bulls' social media post referred to his bold move as an invite to Banchero to "MEET ME AT THE RIM AND DON'T BE LATE."

Banchero was late. As one can see in the replay, White made him pay via the following posterizing flush:

His statement play was of the and-one variety. However, White, a career 85.2 percent free throw shooter, missed the ensuing foul shot.

The Bulls (4-9) lost 103-97 to the upstart Magic (7-5), marking the team's third straight defeat and seventh in its past nine games. White, a full-time starter thus far this year, notched only one other basket in the matchup, totaling four points, four assists, one rebound, and one steal across his 30 minutes of action.

Nevertheless, any loss with such a dunk over a Blue Devil probably feels slightly more manageable for a Tar Heel.

At least one UNC basketball talent scored a win, as Orlando guard Cole Anthony tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in his 37 minutes off the bench.

Banchero recorded 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Through 13 contests this season, Coby White, a 2019 lottery pick to Chicago following his one-and-done UNC basketball campaign, has averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. But he's shooting only 37.9 percent from the field.

White and the struggling Bulls look to get on the right track when they host the Miami Heat (8-4) on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

UNC Pro Cole Anthony Shines as Consistent Magic Contributor

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more 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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