Each summer, the NBA hosts its Summer League, giving young prospects and developing players a platform to showcase their skills and compete for roster spots. This year’s event will be split into three parts: the California Classic (July 5–8), the Salt Lake City Summer League (July 5–8), and the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas (July 10–20).
Across these venues and dates, several familiar former Tar Heels will be taking the floor. Some will play for the teams that drafted them, while others have signed as undrafted free agents. Teams also bring in returning Summer League participants and previous signees to complete their lineups.
Here are the former UNC standouts you’ll see this summer:
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Drake Powell – Brooklyn Nets
Powell was selected 22nd overall by the Nets in the 2025 NBA Draft. -
RJ Davis – Los Angeles Lakers
Davis joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 draft. -
Harrison Ingram – San Antonio Spurs
Ingram was chosen by the Spurs with the 48th pick in the 2024 draft. -
Armando Bacot – Memphis Grizzlies
Bacot spent last season with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate. -
Cormac Ryan – Milwaukee Bucks
Ryan went undrafted in 2024, played Summer League with the Thunder, and was later released. He’ll suit up for the Bucks this year. -
Pete Nance – Milwaukee Bucks
Nance previously played Summer League with the Cavaliers in 2023 and 2024 before signing a two-way deal with the Bucks in February.
Other former UNC players who transferred, like Caleb Love, Kerwin Walton, and Justin McKoy, will also be participating.
Keep in mind that each team approaches the Summer League differently. For some players, it’s an audition to earn a contract, while draftees like Ingram and Powell use it to prepare for their NBA careers. Those with G-League experience may have an advantage over newcomers, but everyone shares the same goal: proving they belong on an NBA roster.
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