All Tar Heels

Two UNC Basketball Talents Help Usher Pistons Into NBA Infamy

Former UNC basketball players Cam Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe consistently produce for the Nets.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

On Tuesday night, the Detroit Pistons needed a win to avoid the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history. Instead, they notched their 27th consecutive loss, a 118-112 home defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, who enjoyed key contributions from their two UNC basketball products in Cam Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe.

Johnson, now averaging 15.0 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 41.1 percent beyond the arc this season, finished with a team-high 24 points. That included a 24-foot three to increase Brooklyn's lead to six with two minutes and change remaining in the fourth quarter.

The 27-year-old former lottery pick shot 9-for-13 from the field, 4-for-6 beyond the arc, and 2-for-4 at the charity stripe against the fully deflated Pistons (2-28). Johnson, who was a two-year Tar Heel forward (2017-19) following three seasons at Pitt, added two rebounds, one assist, and one steal across his 26 minutes as a starter.

As for Sharpe, a 2020-21 UNC basketball one-and-done before going No. 29 overall at the NBA Draft, the 22-year-old big man tallied his fifth double-double this season — all coming off the bench.

Sharpe, averaging a career-high 7.1 points and 7.1 rebounds, posted 11 points, 11 boards, three dimes, two steals, and four blocks on Tuesday night. That's impressive production in only 22 minutes of action. He shot 3-for-4 from the field and 5-for-7 at the charity stripe.

Brooklyn (15-15), looking to win three straight, now returns home to face the Milwaukee Bucks (22-8) at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

UNC Product Adds Weapon by Watching NBA Blue Devil, Others

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