Former North Carolina Tar Heels continue to make waves across the NBA and G League, delivering standout performances, reaching personal milestones, and keeping their professional dreams alive with determination and grit.
It was a night to remember for Cormac Ryan and Pete Nance, who both achieved career-high performances while suiting up for the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Milwaukee’s 119–113 loss to Houston, the duo provided a bright spot with their offensive explosions. Ryan came off the bench with confidence and composure, logging over 38 minutes and pouring in a career-best 25 points. He also knocked down four shots from beyond the arc and contributed four assists, showcasing his growing versatility. His previous high of 13 points now looks like a distant memory as he continues to find his rhythm at the professional level.
Nance matched that energy with an impressive outing of his own. Starting the game and playing nearly 31 minutes, he scored 23 points — a new career high — while tying his best mark of five three-pointers. Adding three rebounds to his stat line, Nance demonstrated his ability to stretch the floor and contribute in key moments. His performance builds on steady improvement and highlights his readiness for a larger role.
Meanwhile, in the G League playoffs, RJ Davis helped guide the South Bay Lakers to a thrilling 122–119 victory over the San Diego Clippers in a Western Conference quarterfinal matchup. Though he scored just five points, Davis made his presence felt by dishing out seven assists and controlling the tempo. The G League postseason features a single-elimination format until the conference finals, raising the stakes of every possession. South Bay now advances to face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the semifinal, with momentum on their side.
The Vipers, however, ended the season of another Tar Heel standout, Harrison Ingram, whose Austin Spurs fell just short in a heartbreaking 117–116 loss. Ingram stayed true to form, recording yet another double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, along with seven assists and four steals. It marked his 29th double-double of the season — a remarkable achievement that underscores his consistency and all-around impact. Despite the loss, Ingram’s performance capped off an impressive campaign that should keep him firmly on the radar for NBA opportunities.
As for the San Antonio Spurs, the parent club continues to dominate. With a 127–113 victory over Golden State, they secured their 10th consecutive win and improved to an impressive 58–18 record, sitting second in the Western Conference. Veteran forward Harrison Barnes, another Tar Heel, contributed 13 points off the bench, along with three three-pointers, six rebounds, and three assists. His steady presence continues to provide depth and leadership for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
Elsewhere, Leaky Black experienced a quieter stretch, not seeing action in either the Washington Wizards’ high-scoring loss to Philadelphia or the Capital City Go-Go’s narrow G League playoff victory. While opportunities have been limited recently, his defensive skill set and versatility still make him a valuable asset.
One of the more intriguing developments involves Caleb Love, who is navigating the transition between the G League and NBA. After spending time with the Rip City Remix, Love rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers. Though his minutes have been limited, he is gaining valuable experience at the highest level. He went scoreless in about eight and a half minutes during a win over Milwaukee but managed to put up two points in a brief appearance against the Los Angeles Clippers. These glimpses may be small, but they represent important steps in his professional journey.
In another matchup featuring former Tar Heels, Coby White delivered a solid performance for Charlotte, scoring 16 points and adding five assists in a dominant 117–86 victory over Brooklyn. On the opposing side, rookie Drake Powell showed promise for the Nets, starting the game and contributing 10 points and six rebounds in over 28 minutes of action. The head-to-head clash highlighted the growing presence of UNC alumni across the league.
Altogether, it’s clear that Tar Heels in the pros are making meaningful contributions at every level. Whether it’s career-best performances, playoff intensity, or the grind of earning NBA minutes, these players continue to represent their program with pride and perseverance. As the season progresses, their journeys remain ones to watch — full of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness.
