All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Legend Watches Coby White Beat Two NBA Blue Devils

UNC basketball product Coby White appeared to make Vince Carter proud.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Former three-year UNC basketball sensation and eight-time All-Star Vince Carter, who began his high-flying 22-year NBA career in Toronto, was on hand for the Raptors' 116-110 Thursday night loss at the hands of 2018-19 Tar Heel one-and-done Coby White and the visiting Chicago Bulls.

Carter, a 46-year-old fourth-year retiree who sometimes serves as a YES Network analyst, checked in with the TNT crew, including Duke basketball great Grant Hill. They witnessed White tally 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals against a Toronto backcourt that has NBA Blue Devils Gary Trent Jr. and RJ Barrett.

The 23-year-old White, averaging a career-high 18.6 points, 4.5 boards, and 4.9 dimes as a full-time starter this season, shot 10-for-19 from the field, albeit with a not-so-hot 1-for-6 clip from downtown, and 2-for-3 at the charity stripe across his 35 minutes on the floor.

Before the contest, the Chicago Bulls social media captured a moment between UNC basketball treasures "Coby and Vinsanity":

And for bragging purposes in the Duke-UNC basketball rivalry, it's worth pointing out that White's points matched the total between Barrett and Trent. Those two Toronto starters finished a combined 9-for-24 from the field, including a dismal 1-for-10 mark beyond the arc.

Plus, note in the highlight below that Trent had zero chance of keeping up with White on the NBA Tar Heel's drive into the lane on the way to his victory-sealing bucket with 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter:

Chicago (20-23), No. 9 in the Eastern Conference standings, has won five of its past seven outings. Coby White, who hasn't recorded a single absence this season and has now delivered double-digit points in a career-best 29 straight games, and the Bulls next host the West's Memphis Grizzlies (15-26) at 8 p.m. ET Saturday.

UNC Would Be Transfer Destination for Former Duke Star

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more updates on NBA Tar Heels and other 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/Other Sports