All Tar Heels

Two Former UNC Basketball Players Come Up Short of NBA Playoffs

UNC basketball products Coby White and Harrison Barnes saw their teams' seasons end in the Play-In Tournament.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball forward Harrison Barnes guarding Duke basketball product Brandon Ingram
Former UNC basketball forward Harrison Barnes guarding Duke basketball product Brandon Ingram / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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On Friday night, the two do-or-die Play-In Tournament games to determine the No. 8 seed in each conference resulted in a pair of UNC basketball talents coming up empty in their quest to represent the Tar Heels in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Coby White, a 2018-19 UNC basketball star who got drafted No. 7 overall to the Chicago Bulls and is now a candidate for the NBA Most Improved Player Award, tallied 13 points, two rebounds, and four assists in the Bulls' 112-91 loss at the Miami Heat.

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As for 2010-12 Tar Heel sensation and 2015 NBA champion Harrison Barnes, also a former No. 7 overall draft pick and wrapping up his sixth season as a full-time starter for the Sacramento Kings, finished with 17 points, five boards, and four dimes in Sacramento's 105-98 road defeat at the hands of the upstart New Orleans Pelicans.

The early postseason exits of Coby White and Harrison Barnes equate to only three former UNC players in the NBA Playoffs this go-round: Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony, Phoenix Suns forward Nassir Little, and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Pete Nance. However, of that bunch, only Anthony, a key Orlando reserve, is likely to receive significant postseason playing time.

Anthony and the Eastern Conference No. 5 seed Magic begin their best-of-seven series on the road against the No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers at 1 p.m. ET Saturday.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more updates on NBA Tar Heels and other 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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