Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Tar Heels alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Brady Manek, a 6'9'' forward/center who graduated from UNC in 2022 and received the All-ACC Honorable Mention award that year, currently plays professionally in Turkey. Recently, he showcased his talent by leading Trabzonspor Basketbol to a narrow 83-80 victory over Bordo, one of the league's weaker teams with a 0-3 record. Despite the early stage of the season, Manek's performance was crucial in securing the win for his team. In the game against Bordo, Manek contributed significantly with 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 31 minutes of play. His impressive stats underscored his importance in guiding Trabzonspor Basketbol to success on the court. With a current season average of 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, Manek is proving to be a key player for his team. As the season progresses, Manek's skills and contributions are likely to play a pivotal role in Trabzonspor Basketbol's performance. His performance against Bordo exemplified his capabilities as a true champion and highlighted his potential to lead his team to further victories in the Turkish ING Basketbol Super Ligi.
#2. Luke Maye, a 6'8'' power forward and 29-year-old Tar Heels alumnus from 2019, has been making waves in the Japanese basketball scene. As a key player for the Chiba Jets, he recently led his team to a thrilling victory against the seventh-ranked Sapporo with a score of 109-103 in the Japanese B.Premier League. During the game, Maye showcased his skills by scoring 15 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and playing for 23 minutes on the court. Despite the Chiba Jets currently holding the tenth position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 2-4, Maye's standout performance against Sapporo marked a significant turning point for the team. This win came after four consecutive losses, highlighting Maye's impact and leadership on the court. This season marks Maye's first with the team, and his contributions have been instrumental in their recent successes. With impressive stats averaging 11.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the six games he has played so far, Maye has proven himself as a valuable asset to the Chiba Jets. His consistent performance and remarkable skills have solidified his position as a champion in the game, showcasing his determination and talent as a professional basketball player in Japan.
#3. Cole Anthony, a 26-year-old point guard who graduated from UNC in 2020 and received the USBWA All-District III Team award that year, is currently playing professionally in Australia. Recently, he showcased his talent by leading Melbourne United to a hard-fought victory over the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League. In this impressive performance, Anthony was named the MVP of the game after scoring 24 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists in just 29 minutes of play. His exceptional contributions on the court were instrumental in securing the win for Melbourne United, who currently hold the fifth position in the league standings with a 3-3 record. Anthony's remarkable display during the game undoubtedly reinforced his reputation as a true champion. Throughout the season, Anthony has been delivering outstanding performances, averaging 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, which ranks him as the third best in the league in steals. His consistent and high-level play demonstrates his capabilities as a top-tier player and a formidable finalist in the Australian National Basketball League.
#4. Garrison Brooks, a 6'10'' center and Bulldogs alumni from 2022, showcased his talents in his recent game playing for the Saitama Broncos in Japan. Despite his exceptional performance, the third-placed Saitama team fell short against the second-ranked Hachioji Trains, losing 92-89 on the road in the East group matchup. Brooks, who is in his first season with the team, displayed an impressive double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, along with 2 blocks and 3 steals in just 28 minutes of play. In a previous game against Tokyo HT, Brooks once again demonstrated his skills by contributing 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists. Despite his remarkable efforts, his team was unable to secure the win. However, his outstanding performance earned him the Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, solidifying his status as a champion on the court. Throughout the season, Brooks has maintained relatively strong statistics, averaging 11.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over six games. Brooks continues to prove himself as a formidable player and a finalist to watch in the league.
#5. Armando Bacot Jr., a 6'10'' center who graduated from UNC in 2024 after helping them secure the ACC Regular Season Champion title, currently plays professionally in Israel. Recently, he played a key role in Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv's impressive 97-79 victory over Armani Milano in a Euroleague match. Despite only scoring 5 points in 15 minutes of play, Bacot Jr.'s contribution was crucial to his team's success. Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv, currently placed 14th in the league with a record of 1-3, secured their first win after three consecutive losses, with Bacot Jr. playing his first season with the team. His standout performance against Milano, where he scored 5 points and grabbed 1 rebound, was instrumental in his team emerging victorious in the game and solidifying their position as champion. So far this season, Bacot Jr. has been averaging 3.7 points per game and 1.7 rebounds per game in three appearances.
#6. Jae'Lyn Withers, a 6'9'' forward and 25-year-old Tar Heels alum from 2025, currently playing professionally in France, recently showcased his skills in a game where his team, Jean D'Arc Vichy Clermont Metropole, faced off against ALM Evreux. Despite his commendable performance, Withers could not lead his team to victory, as they fell short to a 81-93 defeat. In the game, Withers displayed his versatility on the court, scoring 7 points, grabbing 1 rebound, and dishing out 4 assists in just 20 minutes of play. His impressive individual efforts were not enough to overcome the strong opposition of ALM Evreux, resulting in a loss for his team. Throughout the season, Withers has been consistent in his contributions, averaging 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game across three games. Despite the challenges faced by his team, Withers continues to demonstrate his skills and determination as a champion player.
#7. Nassir Little, a 6'7'' forward who graduated from UNC in 2019 after helping them win the ACC Regular Season Co-Champion title, currently plays professionally in Japan. In a recent game, despite his notable performance, he could not prevent his team, Saga Ballooners, from losing to the NeoPhoenix, who are ranked third in the Western Conference. Little emerged as the second-highest scorer of the game with 28 points, along with contributing 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 35 minutes of play. In another matchup against San-en NP, Little once again showcased his skills by scoring 28 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists. However, his stellar performance was not enough to secure a victory for his team. Throughout the season, Little has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game over six appearances.
Other former University of North Carolina players, who play in pro basketball:
Kenny Williams III (6'4''-G-1996, played in 2015-19) played for La Laguna Tenerife in Spanish Liga Endesa
Henri Veesaar (7'0''-C-2004, played in 2025-26) signed for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Leaky Black (6'7''-F-1999) played for Washington Wizards in the NBA
Cormac Ryan (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2023-24) signed for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Pete Nance (6'11''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) signed for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Caleb Wilson (6'10''-F-2006, played in 2025-26) signed for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Drake Powell (6'6''-G/F-2005, played in 2024-25) signed for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Tony Bradley (6'10''-C-1998, played in 2016-17) signed for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F-1992, played in 2010-12) plays for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA
Coby White (6'5''-PG-2000, played in 2018-19) plays for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Harrison Ingram (6'5''-F-2002, played in 2023-24) signed for Utah Jazz in the NBA
Cameron Johnson (6'9''-F-1996, played in 2017-19) plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA
Day'Ron Sharpe (6'9''-PF-2001, played in 2020-21) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Isaiah Hicks (6'9''-C-1994, played in 2013-17) signed for Seoul SK Knights in South Korean KBL
James McAdoo (6'9''-F-1993, played in 2012-14) plays for Shimane Susanoo Magic in Japanese B.Premier League
Theo Pinson Jr. (6'6''-G-1995, played in 2014-18) plays for Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rican BSN
Sterling Manley (7'0''-F/C-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for Metros in Dominican Rep. LNB
JP Tokoto (6'7''-F-1993, played in 2012-15) played for PGE Start Lublin in Polish OBL
Christian Keeling (6'3''-G-1998, played in 2019-20) signed for Caledonia Gladiators in British SLB
Kennedy Meeks (6'10''-F-1995, played in 2013-17) played for Saitama Broncos in Japanese B.One League
Brice Johnson (6'9''-F-1994, played in 2012-16) played for Darkhan United in Mongolian MBL
Ty Claude (6'7''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) played for Tadamon in Lebanese DLBL
RJ Davis (6'0''-PG-2001, played in 2020-25) played for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Summer League
Deon Thompson (6'9''-F/C-1988, played in 2006-10) plays for Kesatria in Indonesian IBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of North Carolina basketball alumni.
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