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Where UNC Basketball Talent Ranks in 2023-24 NBA Earnings

UNC basketball's presence at the next level isn't quite what it used to be.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball players Cole Anthony and Cam Johnson
Former UNC basketball players Cole Anthony and Cam Johnson / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Coby White. Cam Johnson. Harrison Barnes. Cole Anthony. Of the nine UNC basketball products on any type of contract in the NBA last season — not counting Walker Kessler, who transferred out of the program after one year — those are the only four who averaged double-digit points last season. And none eclipsed 20 points per game.

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While Coby White now has legit All-Star potential following his career-best campaign with the Chicago Bulls as a mere 24-year-old, outside of maybe the 28-year-old Cam Johnson, it'd be a reach to argue the same for any of the other 2023-24 NBA Tar Heels.

So, although it's surprising that UNC basketball doesn't sit near the top at producing top-shelf NBA talent these days, it shouldn't come as too much of a shock that the Tar Heels' combined earnings of roughly $76 million in the league last season put them only No. 15 overall among college programs.

According to the following breakdown of the top 80 courtesy of College Basketball Report, UNC product earnings appear third among ACC schools, trailing No. 2 Duke's $277 million and No. 9 Florida State's $100 million.

UNC's total number of active NBA players looks to remain about the same next season. Harrison Ingram, a second round pick to the San Antonio Spurs, is likely the only rookie on tap from Chapel Hill, and there's always a chance one or more of the Tar Heels who were on a two-way contract or minimum deal last go-round don't end up on a 2024-25 roster anywhere.

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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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